Peacock Releases 'The Paper' Mockumentary Series Set in Ohio Newspaper

The Paper, a new mockumentary comedy series on Peacock created by Greg Daniels and Michael Koman, follows a struggling Midwestern newspaper, the Toledo Truth Teller, and serves as a spiritual successor to the acclaimed sitcom The Office. Unlike The Office's use of edgy humor, The Paper opts for a lighter workplace comedy style, focusing on the challenges faced by a small team of mostly inexperienced journalists led by an optimistic editor-in-chief played by Domhnall Gleeson. The show features a returning character, Oscar Martínez (Oscar Núñez), from The Office, who brings nostalgic Easter eggs and ties between the two series, including references to former coworkers. The Paper explores the decline of print journalism with a blend of humor and poignancy, highlighting the disposability of news in the digital age and the resilience of those striving to keep local journalism alive. Critics note that while The Paper shares DNA with The Office, it forgoes the latter’s controversial humor for a more respectful tone, reflecting the evolving cultural landscape. The series has been renewed for a second season, indicating strong audience interest.