The documentary crew that followed the employees at Dunder Mifflin paper company on The Office returns with a new spin-off titled The Paper, now streaming on Peacock. This new series dives into the daily operations of a struggling local newspaper called the Toledo Truth Teller, shedding light on the challenges faced by community news sources in a digital age. The digital version of the newspaper primarily features photos and pop-up ads, highlighting the decline of traditional local news outlets.
In the premiere episode, Esmeralda Grand, portrayed by Sabrina Impacciatore, the managing editor of the Truth Teller, shares a grim reality: “The print version really only exists for people to have something to frame when they are mentioned.” This emphasizes the plight of local newspapers that have seen better days, being relegated to mere artifacts rather than sources of significant news coverage. The newspaper’s feature, Seen Around Town, includes a list of names that the reporters have spotted around Toledo, showcasing a humorous yet poignant take on local journalism.
The series introduces a new editor-in-chief, Ned Sampson, played by Domhnall Gleeson. According to co-creator Greg Daniels, Ned is characterized as an “idealistic person without a ton of experience” who strives to restore the newspaper's former glory, albeit with limited resources and without the ability to hire new reporters. This contrasts sharply with the management style of Michael Scott from The Office, as Ned is depicted as someone who inspires his team, even if the outcome may be questionable, resembling a more hopeful version of a traditional boss.
Corporate dynamics remain a theme as the Evernate company, which acquired Dunder Mifflin, is now linked to the Truth Teller. Enervate produces various paper products, including the struggling newspaper, and its headquarters is located in the same building that housed Dunder Mifflin during its peak. Ned Sampson even reaches out to Enervate employees for assistance, bringing back a familiar face from The Office: Oscar Martinez, portrayed by Oscar Nuñez, who has transitioned from working at Dunder Mifflin in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to serving as an accountant at Enervate in Ohio. This connection adds a nostalgic element for fans of the original show.
Daniels wanted to bring back Oscar because he was one of the few characters who did not undergo significant development throughout The Office. Oscar's dignified presence remained constant, allowing for fresh storytelling possibilities without altering his established narrative arc. However, upon discovering the cameras in his new workplace, Oscar is dismayed and expresses disbelief about the situation, adding humor to the unfolding events.
Ned’s efforts to revitalize the Truth Teller position him as a more proactive figure, likened to Leslie Knope from another of Daniels' creations, Parks and Recreation. Both characters share a passion for serving their communities, with Ned focusing on delivering local news and making a difference in the Toledo area. Gleeson noted that the real journalists he consulted in Ohio shared a fundamental belief in the value of truth, which he sought to capture in his portrayal of Ned.
Unlike the employees of Dunder Mifflin, who often displayed a sense of ennui about their work, the Truth Teller staff exhibits enthusiasm and camaraderie in their quest to better their community. Nuñez pointed out that the new series conveys a different tone, where a diverse group of individuals comes together to enact pragmatic change rather than just getting through a mundane workday.
In crafting The Paper, the creators intentionally avoided mimicking the visual style of The Office, particularly with signature Jim Halpert-style reaction shots. Instead, the mockumentary format allows for moments where characters sometimes forget they are being filmed, creating a more authentic narrative presence. Alex Edelman, a writer and actor on the show, mentioned that thinking of the camera as a “straight man” offered a unique creative experience. Chelsea Frei, who portrays a reporter named Mare, emphasized the importance of intention behind character looks to ensure they served a purpose in the narrative.
