Is Local News Dying? 'The Office' Spinoff Takes on the Paper Industry!

The local newspaper industry is facing tough times, and the new Peacock series, 'The Paper,' is tackling this reality head-on. Created by Greg Daniels ('The Office,' 'Parks and Recreation') and Michael Koman ('Nathan for You'), this mockumentary follows the same documentary crew from 'The Office' as they shift their focus from Dunder Mifflin to a struggling newspaper, 'The Toledo Truth Teller.'

A Nostalgic Look at a Changing Landscape

'The Paper' delves into the bittersweet reality of local journalism. As one character bluntly puts it, the print version often exists primarily for people to frame mentions of themselves. The series explores the changing role of newspapers in communities and the challenges they face in the digital age.

The show evokes a sense of nostalgia for a time when working at a newspaper felt romantic and vital. However, it also acknowledges the current struggles of the industry, making it a poignant and relevant commentary on the state of local news.

'The Office' Legacy and Mockumentary Style

Following in the footsteps of 'The Office,' 'The Paper' utilizes the mockumentary format to explore the workplace dynamics and characters within the newspaper setting. While only Oscar Nuñez reprises his role from the original series, the show shares a similar comedic sensibility and observational style.

The series features a new cast including Chelsea Frei, Ramona Young, Melvin Gregg, Gbemisola Ikumelo, and Alex Edelman. It aims to capture the essence of 'The Office' while exploring new themes and characters within the context of a different industry.

Is 'The Paper' a True Throwback?

While 'The Paper' draws heavily from the style of 'The Office,' some critics feel that it also feels dated. The mockumentary format has become increasingly common in sitcoms since 'The Office' premiered, and 'The Paper' must work to distinguish itself within this crowded field. The full 10-episode first season is now available on Peacock.