Nearly a decade since the beloved comedy The Office wrapped up its iconic run, fans of the mockumentary series have eagerly awaited news of a proper spinoff. While the infamous, short-lived The Farm failed to capture the magic, NBC has finally greenlit a new chapter in the Office universe. The upcoming series, titled The Paper, promises to carry forward the spirit of workplace comedy — but this time, with a fresh setting and cast that fans can’t wait to discover.
Here’s everything we know about The Paper so far: from its plot and cast to its anticipated release date and connections to the original series.
The concept: A new mockumentary in the heart of Ohio
The Paper shifts the documentary lens from Scranton’s Dunder Mifflin to the cramped newsroom of The Truth Teller, a historic but faltering newspaper in Toledo, Ohio. The series’ official logline sets the tone: “The documentary crew that immortalized Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch is in search of a new subject when they discover a historic Midwestern newspaper and the publisher trying to revive it.”
At a time when print journalism faces unprecedented challenges, The Paper taps into the precarious state of news media in the United States, offering both humor and commentary. Speaking at an NBCUniversal Upfront event in New York City on May 12, Domhnall Gleeson, who stars as the paper’s optimistic publisher, described the show’s ensemble as “three members of a wonderful cast of underdog characters banding together to keep journalism alive.”
He elaborated on his character’s relentless hope: “My character has the unwavering optimistic belief that he can turn The Truth Teller back to the glory of its heyday.” This sense of determination and perseverance is sure to fuel much of the show’s comedic and dramatic tension.
Cast: A blend of new faces and familiar talent
While The Paper introduces a fresh ensemble, it also includes a beloved face from The Office—Oscar Nuñez reprises his role as the beleaguered accountant Óscar Martínez, bringing a welcomed thread of continuity to the new series. Nuñez’s presence reassures fans that although the location and storyline are new, the show remains rooted in the familiar world of workplace mockumentary comedy.
The rest of the cast features impressive talent, including:
Domhnall Gleeson, known for his roles in Harry Potter and Star Wars, plays the newspaper’s hopeful publisher. Gleeson’s range—from villainous General Hux to sympathetic lead roles—positions him perfectly to balance the show’s humor and heart.
Sabrina Impacciatore, who gained widespread recognition for her Emmy-nominated role as Valentina in The White Lotus, stars alongside Gleeson, adding international flair and sharp comedic chops.
Melvin Gregg (American Vandal), Chelsea Frei (Animal Control), and Ramona Young (Never Have I Ever) round out the younger cast members. Interestingly, their casting was first hinted at after local reporters noticed these actors shadowing staff at the Palisadian-Post in California—a clever nod to the show’s commitment to authenticity.
Additional cast members include Emmy winner Alex Edelman (Just For Us), BAFTA-winning actress Gbemisola Ikumelo (A League of Their Own), and Tim Key (Alan Partridge), creating a rich and varied ensemble capable of delivering the quick wit and deadpan humor The Office fans adore.
The office alumni connection: Will Michael Scott return?
One question on every fan’s mind is whether Steve Carell will reprise his role as Michael Scott, the bumbling yet lovable regional manager who was the heart of The Office. Carell addressed this last year in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, making it clear that Michael Scott will not be making an appearance in The Paper. “I will be watching but I will not be showing up,” he said. “It’s just a new thing and there’s really no reason for my character to show up in something like that.”
This decision underscores the spinoff’s intention to carve out its own identity rather than rely on nostalgia alone. However, the presence of Oscar Nuñez’s Óscar Martínez offers a reassuring link to Scranton and the original show’s legacy.
Other Office alumni have shown support for the spinoff. Angela Kinsey and Jenna Fischer, who star in the popular Office Ladies rewatch podcast, visited the set during filming. Kinsey shared on the Today show, “Greg had invited us, and we showed up, and not only was Oscar there, but our crew, so many of these wonderful people. The crew was our extended family, and we’re still really close with them, and that was really moving to see.”
Release date: When can fans tune in?
The Paper is set to premiere in September 2025 on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service. While an exact release date has not yet been announced, anticipation is already building for the arrival of a new workplace comedy that promises both laughs and a fresh perspective on contemporary issues. Until then, fans can revisit all nine seasons of The Office on Peacock, perfect for a rewatch to prepare for the new series.
Why the paper matters
In a television landscape hungry for quality comedy with heart and substance, The Paper arrives as a promising continuation of The Office’s legacy. It explores timely themes—the decline of print journalism, workplace struggles, and the pursuit of meaning in a rapidly changing world—all filtered through the mockumentary style that invites viewers to laugh, relate, and sometimes cringe alongside its characters.
The new setting in Toledo, Ohio, offers fertile ground for storytelling outside the usual coastal city backdrop, bringing Midwestern charm and grit to the forefront. With a cast blending experienced actors and fresh faces, The Paper looks poised to offer something both familiar and excitingly new.
For fans who have waited over a decade for a proper Office successor, The Paper promises to deliver the awkward humor, warmth, and satirical bite they love—this time chronicling the trials of a newsroom battling extinction, but doing so with heart and plenty of laughs.
As September approaches, viewers can look forward to immersing themselves once again in a workplace comedy that celebrates the small victories and ridiculous moments of everyday life. With The Paper, The Office’s mockumentary style lives on, proving that even in the face of change, some stories—and some laughs—are timeless.
