The Paper Review: Well, here we are. The Paper, the long-rumored The Office spin-off, finally hit our screens. As someone who has rewatched The Office more times than I’d like to admit (12 complete runs, if we’re being exact), I walked into this with equal parts excitement and nerves. We all knew this spin-off was coming. The question was never if, but when.
The Spin-off Announcement
The hype was real from day one. Greg Daniels was back at the helm, the man behind both The Office and Parks and Recreation. And to sweeten the deal, we got Oscar (yes, Oscar Martinez himself) returning as the connective tissue between the two shows.
That alone was enough to pull in the diehard Office fans like me. But with great nostalgia comes even greater expectations.
My Rating: 3.0/5
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | The Paper |
| Type | Spin-off of The Office |
| Creator | Greg Daniels |
| Main Returning Character | Oscar Martinez (Oscar Nuñez) |
| Setting | Toledo, Ohio – The Toledo Truthteller (newspaper office) |
| Season 1 Episodes | 10 |
| Main Cast | Ned (new boss), Mare, Esmeralda, supporting newsroom staff |
| Style | Mockumentary / Documentary-style comedy |
| Release | 2025 (Season 1) |
Setting and Premise
This time, we’re not stuck in Scranton. The action moves to Toledo, Ohio, inside a struggling newspaper called The Toledo Truthteller.
Instead of paper sales, it’s about trying to revive an old newsroom with dwindling influence. And leading the charge? Ned, the new boss. He’s not Michael Scott, and thankfully, he doesn’t try to be. Instead, he leans more toward a Leslie Knope-style optimism.
Comparisons to The Office
Here’s the thing: it’s impossible not to compare The Paper to The Office. But let’s remember, The Office itself didn’t exactly come out swinging. Its first six episodes were awkward, uneven, and still figuring things out.
So, while This Show feels weaker in season one, it’s only fair to judge it against those early Office days, not its peak seasons.
Tone and Humor
One major difference? This Show doesn’t have that one iconic comedic force. Michael Scott and Dwight Schrute were lightning in a bottle. Here, we’ve got some chuckles and one-liners, but no character who instantly feels legendary.
There are some clever gags sprinkled throughout, and I won’t lie, I laughed a few times. But that nonstop laugh-out-loud magic? Not here. At least, not yet.
Oscar’s Return
Let’s talk about Oscar. His presence is both comforting and distracting. On one hand, I loved seeing him back; it made me feel connected to the Office universe. On the other hand, I couldn’t help but wonder: Was it necessary?
Sometimes it feels like his only role is to remind us, “Hey, remember The Office?” But I’ll admit, some of his interactions with the documentary crew are genuinely hilarious.
New Characters: Hits and Misses
- Ned – Optimistic, hopeful, and trying his best. Not a Michael Scott copy, which I appreciate.
- Mare – Tough on the outside, but layered. She grew on me as the season went on.
- Esmeralda – The wildcard. She didn’t land for me and came off more annoying than funny.
- Supporting cast – Some potential, but nobody stands out yet. Think “background Office characters” without a Dwight or Jim to anchor them.
Romance & Storylines
Here’s where the pacing hurts the show. This Show introduces a possible romance, but instead of building tension and letting it breathe (like Jim and Pam), it fast-forwards straight into payoff.
Good storytelling is about patience. This felt rushed, and I worry it burned through storylines too quickly.
The Greg Daniels Effect
Greg Daniels has proven he knows how to fix a shaky season one. Just look at Parks and Recreation. Season one was rough, but seasons two and three found a unique rhythm and voice.
That’s what I’m hoping for here: This Show finds its identity instead of trying to imitate The Office.
Filmmaking and Style
One area where The Paper excels? The documentary format. Unlike The Office’s early clumsy days, This Show knows exactly how to use the style. It feels natural, polished, and binge-friendly across its 10-episode run.
Strengths & Weaknesses
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Solid pacing | No standout iconic character |
| Strong performances (esp. Ned & Mare) | Storylines resolved too quickly |
| A few genuinely funny moments | Comparisons to The Office hang over every scene |
| Improved documentary style | Supporting cast lacks memorability |
The Future of This Show
Will This Show ever reach the cultural peak of The Office? Honestly, no. That kind of lightning rarely strikes twice.
But does it have to? Not really. If season two slows down, lets its storylines breathe, and develops its supporting cast, it could still become a solid comedy in its own right.
Also Read: The Conjuring Last Rites Review – A Final Goodbye to Ed and Lorraine Warren
Final Verdict
This Show isn’t a disaster. Far from it. But it also isn’t The Office. Not even close. Season one feels safe, uneven, and unsure of itself. Still, the potential is there.
If the writers slow down, let their characters develop naturally, and stop forcing Office nostalgia, this show could grow into something special. For now? I’ll cautiously give it a 6.5/10. And yes, I’ll be watching season two—because I believe Greg Daniels has another magic trick up his sleeve.
FAQs
1. Is The Paper a direct sequel to The Office?
Not exactly. It’s set in the same universe, with Oscar as the biggest connection, but it introduces a new cast and location.
2. Do I need to watch The Office before The Paper?
No, but you’ll definitely appreciate the callbacks and Oscar’s role if you’ve seen The Office.
3. Does The Paper live up to The Office?
Not in season one. It struggles with identity and lacks iconic characters. But it has the potential to grow.
4. How many episodes are in season one of The Paper?
10 episodes, all pretty bingeable.
5. Will there be a season 2?
It hasn’t been officially confirmed yet, but given the buzz and Greg Daniels’ history, it’s very likely.
