Is ‘The Paper’ Just a Dated Spin-Off of The Office? A Closer Look at This Mediocre TV Show

Two years after the original British version ended, American audiences received their own version of The Office. Set in Scranton, Pennsylvania, this new show revolved around the Dunder Mifflin paper company. The series initially mirrored its British predecessor with its deadpan humor. Steve Carell played Michael Scott, a boss who saw himself as a friend first, entertainment second. Over its nine seasons, The Office: An American Workplace shifted away from some cringe-worthy moments, developing a warmer tone. By the time it wrapped up in 2013, it had become a beloved sitcom with its own distinct identity.

Now, showrunner Greg Daniels is launching a spin-off in this world. The new series follows a camera crew from Dunder Mifflin as they move to a struggling local newspaper, the Toledo Truth Teller, in Ohio. The only familiar face is Oscar Martinez, played by Oscar Nunez. The new editor, Ned Sampson (Dominic Gleeson), has never worked at a newspaper. Instead, he climbed the corporate ladder at Enervate, the parent company specializing in various types of paper—sort of a nod to Dunder Mifflin’s quirky world.

From the start, the Truth Teller’s struggles are evident. Instead of real journalism, the paper features shallow articles, like “Elizabeth Olsen reveals her night-time skin routine.” Its website is overwhelmed by banner ads, and managing editor Esmerelda Grand (Sabrina Impacciatore) is proud of her work titled “You Won’t Believe How Much Ben Affleck Tipped His Limo Driver.”

The show explores the pressure of reviving a failing business, serving as a workplace comedy but with limited laughs. Characters like Adam (Alex Edelman) and Adelola (Gbemisola Ikumelo) are typical sitcom figures, yet their dialogues often lack depth. One storyline humorously tackles the concept of “man mitts,” a cleaning glove that causes sewage issues but lacks the emotional resonance of its predecessor.

While some moments spark genuine humor, like Ned being suspected in a police investigation, they are rare. Compared to other recent comedies such as Abbott Elementary, The Paper sometimes feels outdated.

However, Impacciatore shines as Esmerelda, delivering sharp lines and humorous physical comedy. Her dynamic with Tim Key’s character, Ken, creates some entertaining scenes. Their interactions hint at much deeper storylines worthy of exploration, perhaps even a spin-off featuring their escapades in the corporate world.

Ultimately, while The Paper captures the mundanity of local journalism, it struggles to find a compelling lead in Ned. The series needs more spice and character depth to truly resonate with its audience.

This latest endeavor fits into a broader trend in media about the evolution of journalism in the digital age. According to a recent Pew Research Center study, more than 60% of Americans worry about the state of local news, pointing to its challenges in facing modern realities. The Paper humorously reflects these concerns, but it could benefit from a stronger narrative focus and more engaging characters.

The Paper aired on Sky Max and is available on Now in the UK, Peacock in the US, and Binge in Australia.

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