7 Unexpected Facts About The Paper: The Office Follow-Up Series You Need To Know

The Paper, the highly-anticipated mockumentary sitcom from *The Office* co-creator Greg Daniels, has quickly become one of the most talked-about new shows on the Peacock streaming service. As of today, December 18, 2025, the series has not only completed its critically-acclaimed first season but has also secured an early renewal for a second season, solidifying its place in the modern television landscape. This new workplace comedy takes the familiar documentary crew from Dunder Mifflin and shifts their focus to the crumbling world of local journalism, offering a fresh, yet nostalgically-framed, look at the chaos inside a struggling Midwestern newspaper.

The series, which premiered on September 4, 2025, manages to honor the beloved style of its predecessor while carving out a unique identity, focusing on timely themes like the rise of fake news, the decline of print media, and the desperate measures taken by a small-town paper, *The Truth Teller*, to survive. With an ensemble cast of established comedy veterans and breakout stars, *The Paper* is a fresh, funny, and surprisingly tender addition to the mockumentary genre, making its Season 2 renewal a major win for fans of smart workplace humor.

The Paper Cast & Key Character Profiles (Season 1)

The success of any mockumentary workplace comedy hinges on its ensemble cast, and *The Paper* delivers with a stellar lineup of talent. The series is anchored by a blend of international stars and American comedy favorites, each bringing a distinct personality to the chaotic newsroom of *The Truth Teller* in Toledo, Ohio. The following is a detailed look at the main cast and their roles in the show.

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• Domhnall Gleeson as Ned Sampson: The show's central figure, Ned Sampson is the passionate but often misguided young journalist who has been tasked with helming the struggling newspaper. Gleeson, known for his roles in *Ex Machina* and the *Star Wars* franchise, brings a unique, earnest energy to the character, who is striving to save local journalism, even if his methods are questionable.
• Sabrina Impacciatore as Esmeralda Grand: Impacciatore, a breakout star from *The White Lotus*, plays a key role as one of the paper's established, and perhaps overly dramatic, figures. Her character provides a contrast to Ned's youthful ambition, often serving as a comedic foil.
• Gbemisola Ikumelo as Adelola Olofin: A BAFTA Award-winning British-Nigerian actress, Ikumelo plays Adelola Olofin, a character who reluctantly transitions from the paper's accountant to a journalist. Her dry wit and pragmatic approach to the newsroom's absurdity make Adelola one of the most memorable characters.
• Tawny Newsome as Harper Brewster: Newsome, known for her work in *Space Force* and *Star Trek: Lower Decks*, plays Harper Brewster. She is one of the paper's main reporters, bringing a sharp, cynical, and often hilarious perspective to the daily chaos.
• Tim Key as Ken Davies: The British comedian and actor plays Ken Davies, another veteran of the newsroom, whose eccentricities and deadpan delivery contribute significantly to the show's unique comedic tone.
• Chelsea Frei as Mare Pritti: Frei plays Mare Pritti, rounding out the core group of journalists attempting to navigate the bizarre directives of their new leadership.
• Oscar Nuñez as Oscar Martinez: In a major crossover event, Nuñez reprises his iconic role as accountant Oscar Martinez from *The Office*. His appearance confirms the shared universe between the two shows, delighting fans and adding a layer of meta-humor.
• Guest Stars: Season 1 also featured notable appearances from acclaimed actors like Tracy Letts, Jay Pharoah, and Robert R. Shafer, who returned as his *The Office* character, Bob Vance (Vance Refrigeration).

The Mockumentary Legacy: How The Paper Connects to The Office Universe

The most compelling aspect of *The Paper* for many viewers is its direct lineage to the American version of *The Office*. The series is not merely an homage; it is a canonical follow-up, set in the same universe and utilizing the same fictional documentary crew. This connection is vital to understanding the show's structure and comedic style.

The documentary crew, who famously spent years chronicling the mundane lives of the Dunder Mifflin Scranton branch, has now moved on to a new subject: the embattled local newspaper, *The Truth Teller*. This narrative device allows the show to maintain the familiar "talking head" interviews, awkward glances at the camera, and the general sense of being an observer to workplace dysfunction that made *The Office* a cultural phenomenon.

However, *The Paper* shifts the focus from paper sales to the existential crisis of print media. Creators Greg Daniels and Michael Koman use the mockumentary format to explore darker, more timely themes. The newspaper setting allows the show to tackle real-world issues like "fake news," the constant pressure of budget cuts, and the slow death of local journalism, all while maintaining a comedic edge. Critics have praised this approach, noting that while it uses the same framing, the fresh setting and more current social commentary give it a unique and necessary voice in the modern comedy landscape.

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The inclusion of original *The Office* characters, such as Oscar Martinez and Bob Vance, is a direct confirmation of the shared universe. While these appearances are strategic and not the main focus, they act as a nostalgic bridge for long-time fans, acknowledging the past while firmly establishing the new series in its own narrative space. This careful balance between legacy and innovation is what has driven the show's early success and strong fan reaction.

Season 2 Renewal and Critical Reception: What’s Next for The Truth Teller?

The early success of *The Paper* was immediately validated by Peacock's quick decision to renew the series for a second season. The renewal announcement came in September 2025, a day before all 10 episodes of Season 1 were dropped, signaling immense confidence from the network in the show's creative direction and audience appeal. This early commitment is a major update for fans eager to see the next chapter in the lives of the Toledo journalists.

As of late 2025, details regarding the Season 2 release date are still scarce, with no official premiere window announced. However, the renewal suggests that the production team, led by Daniels and Koman, is already planning how to escalate the chaos at *The Truth Teller*. Fans are speculating on potential new challenges for Ned Sampson and his staff as they continue to grapple with the demands of modern media and the ever-present threat of financial ruin.

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The critical reception for *The Paper* has been notably strong, which contributed to the rapid Season 2 greenlight. Many critics noted that the show's Rotten Tomatoes score started higher than *The Office*'s initial score, which is a testament to its fresh approach. The show has been praised for its "first-rate ensemble" and its ability to find genuine, unexpected comedy in the "ruins of modern journalism." Reviews often highlight the show's "tender" side, suggesting that while the humor is sharp, there is a core of heart and earnestness similar to the later, more character-driven seasons of *The Office*.

The show's ability to blend the familiar mockumentary style with a new, relevant setting—a struggling newspaper—has resonated with both critics and a new generation of viewers. The focus on the challenges of a local paper, from budget cuts to the difficulty of reporting actual news in an age of sensationalism, provides a surprisingly rich thematic backdrop for a workplace comedy. With Season 2 confirmed, viewers can expect more of the same sharp writing, hilarious character moments, and a continued exploration of the journalistic world through the unique lens of a documentary crew that just can't quit filming dysfunctional workplaces.