A Brutally Honest Reaction to New Show ‘The Paper,’ from an ‘Office’ Superfan

The story revolves around a struggling local newspaper, newly being helmed by Ned Sampson (Domhnall Gleeson). Ned wants to make the paper a success, even if he has to rely on a less-than-talented newsroom full of misfits and one saboteur coworker, Esmeralda (White Lotus star Sabrina Impacciatore).

Let me start by saying that this new series is not The Office. And, honestly, that’s probably for the best. Instead of simply trying to duplicate the magic of the OG, The Paper creates a different dynamic with the structure of the office. Rather than being headed up by an egotistical, bumbling boss who always looks out for himself, this business is led by Ned, a well-intentioned (if still kind of bumbling) leader who wants to turn the dying newspaper around. And instead of the prank-prone mortal enemies of the original (Dwight and Jim), Esmerelda is out to stop Ned from succeeding, one roadblock and insult at a time.

Impacciatore and Gleeson are great in these roles. Impacciatore’s deadpan delivery of zingers is reminiscent of her Jennifer Coolidge-Peppa Pig moment in White Lotus season two. She’s super fun to watch as our villain. And Gleeson gives us someone to root for (unlike Michael Scott in season one of The Office who was so unlikable he had to undergo a character makeover for season two).

Unfortunately, the show hasn’t reached the level of “must-watch TV” quite yet. The character dynamics still seem a bit clunky, and the humor doesn’t hit quite as hard as that of its predecessor. However, in good news for The Paper, it’s already been renewed for season two. And that means the show will get the opportunity to grow and figure itself out. Lord knows The Office season one was more cringe than comedy, with the show not hitting its stride until its sophomore iteration. Hopefully the same will happen for Ned, Esmerelda and co.

Given my investment in The Office (both time-wise and emotion-wise), I’m willing to give The Paper another shot. It’s not there yet…but I’m rooting for it!

You can stream all ten episodes of The Paper season one on Peacock now.

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