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The Paper: 7 Shocking Secrets About The Office Spin-Off That Already Premiered

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The long-awaited, official spin-off of the beloved American sitcom *The Office* is finally here, and it’s not what most fans expected. Titled *The Paper*, the new series from co-creator Greg Daniels premiered on Peacock in September 2025, bringing the familiar mockumentary camera crew to a completely new, yet equally mundane, workplace in the heart of the Midwest. This is a crucial update for fans, as the show is no longer "in development" but is a currently released and bingeable series, marking a significant evolution of *The Office* universe over a decade after the Scranton branch closed its doors. Set in Toledo, Ohio, *The Paper* shifts the focus from the regional paper distribution business of Dunder Mifflin to the precarious world of local journalism. The show follows the staff of a struggling "ghost newspaper," attempting to keep their publication and their careers alive in the digital age. This fresh setting allows the show to explore new topical themes while retaining the cringe-comedy and heart that made the original series a cultural phenomenon, all under the watchful eye of the same documentary crew that once shadowed Michael Scott and his team.

Domhnall Gleeson: The New Boss's Biography

The success of *The Office* hinged on the magnetic, albeit flawed, central figure of Michael Scott. For *The Paper*, the torch has been passed to Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson, who plays the lead character, Ned Sampson. Gleeson's casting was a major talking point, bringing a new energy to the franchise.

Domhnall Gleeson Profile:

  • Full Name: Domhnall Gleeson
  • Born: May 12, 1983
  • Place of Birth: Dublin, Ireland
  • Family: He is the eldest son of renowned Irish actor Brendan Gleeson
  • Education: Studied Media Arts at the Dublin Institute of Technology
  • Career Highlights: Known for his versatile roles in major international films, including General Hux in the *Star Wars* sequel trilogy, Tim Lake in *About Time*, and Caleb Smith in *Ex Machina*
  • Role in *The Paper*: Ned Sampson, the Editor-in-Chief of the struggling Toledo newspaper

Gleeson's character, Ned Sampson, is described as having a romantic, almost idealistic, view of journalism, a stark contrast to the pure sales focus of Dunder Mifflin. His performance, which includes a flawless American accent, has been praised by fans on social media for his physical comedy and ability to anchor the new ensemble cast. Gleeson himself admitted to being "slightly apprehensive" about joining the series, understanding the immense legacy of the original, but was ultimately sold by the quality of the writing from Greg Daniels and Michael Koman.

The Paper: Plot, Setting, and Returning Characters

The new series, co-created by Greg Daniels and Michael Koman, is a direct follow-up to the original mockumentary. It is confirmed to exist within the same fictional universe, which is the key connective tissue for fans.

The New Workplace: Toledo, Ohio

Moving away from the familiar industrial setting of Scranton, Pennsylvania, *The Paper* is set in Toledo, Ohio. The focus is on a newspaper staff grappling with the existential threat facing print media. This new environment—a newspaper office—provides a fresh backdrop for the classic workplace comedy dynamic, allowing for new types of eccentric co-workers and office politics that differ from the paper supply industry. The title, *The Paper*, is a clever nod to the original series' product, creating a thematic link between the two shows.

The Return of Oscar Martinez

One of the most exciting pieces of news for long-time fans is the return of a beloved Scranton character: Oscar Martinez. Actor Oscar Nuñez reprises his role, confirming that the new series is firmly rooted in the established canon. While details on Oscar Martinez's exact role in the Toledo newspaper are scarce, his presence bridges the gap between the two offices and provides a familiar face for the audience.

New Ensemble Cast and Documentary Crew

In addition to Gleeson and Nuñez, the ensemble cast includes several recurring actors who bring a new dynamic to the office environment. These include Duane Shepard Sr., Allan Havey, and Nate Jackson, alongside Sabrina Impacciatore. Crucially, the mockumentary format remains intact, with the same fictional documentary crew, who spent a decade filming Dunder Mifflin, now turning their cameras on the journalists of Toledo. This ensures the signature style of direct-to-camera interviews and awkward, observational humor is preserved.

Critical Reception: Can The Paper Live Up to The Office?

Following its September 2025 premiere, *The Paper* has faced the inevitable challenge of living up to one of the most successful sitcoms of all time. The initial reviews and fan reactions have been notably mixed, creating a lively debate among enthusiasts of the *The Office* universe.

The Positive Takeaways: Fresh and Funny

Some critics have praised the show for successfully capturing a similar energy to the original while offering a necessary update for a modern audience. The new cast is compelling, and the setting—a ghost newspaper struggling to survive—offers a timely and relevant backdrop for comedy and drama. The series is lauded for finding its own voice rather than simply being a shallow imitation of its predecessor.

The Negative Takeaways: Dated and Forgettable

Conversely, other reviews have been less enthusiastic, suggesting that the mockumentary format feels "dated" and that the series is "mediocre TV" compared to the high bar set by the original. Some critics found *The Paper* to be "pleasant but forgettable," noting that it attempts to rebuild the structure of *The Office* without possessing the same tools—namely, the iconic chemistry and legendary characters of the Dunder Mifflin staff. The consensus is that while the show is a solid workplace comedy, it struggles under the weight of its own legacy, failing to deliver the same level of genius writing or comedic highs that fans are hoping for from a spiritual successor.

The Future of The Office Universe

The debut of *The Paper* on Peacock confirms that Greg Daniels is serious about expanding *The Office* universe beyond the Scranton branch. The show’s reception will undoubtedly dictate the future, but the commitment to maintaining the mockumentary style and bringing back a beloved character like Oscar Martinez shows a deep respect for the source material. For fans who miss the unique blend of heart and cringe, *The Paper* offers a welcome return to a familiar world, even if the new office is in Toledo and their product is the news, not paper. The show is a significant moment in television, proving that the documentary crew is still out there, ready to capture the next great American workplace.

The Paper: 7 Shocking Secrets About The Office Spin-Off That Already Premiered
the office spin off
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