The Office has become one of the most iconic mockumentary-style sitcoms in pop culture history. The American version, which premiered in 2005, was adapted from Ricky Gervais’ 2001 British series by Greg Daniels and followed the eccentric, often inappropriate antics of Dunder Mifflin’s regional manager, Michael Scott, played by Steve Carell. The single-camera, interview-style show ran for nine seasons, winning five Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series.
Now, over a decade later, Daniels and Michael Koman, co-creator of Nathan For You, return with a new spinoff: The Paper. While it exists in the same universe as The Office, it introduces a new cast of quirky characters — though one familiar face makes a return.
Premise and Setting
The Office
Set in Scranton, Pennsylvania, The Office follows Michael Scott and the Dunder Mifflin staff as they navigate deadlines, office romances, eccentric coworkers, and inappropriate behavior in the paper business. Over the years, viewers witnessed relationships blossom, flare, and fade while enjoying the unique documentary-style humor.
The Paper
The Paper, a 10-episode Peacock series, is set in Toledo, Ohio. The show follows Ned Sampson, played by Domhnall Gleeson, as he takes over a dying historic newspaper, the Toledo Truth Teller. With a team of inexperienced reporters and ambitious staff, the show chronicles their attempts to revive the paper while being documented by the same camera crew that filmed Dunder Mifflin.
The Companies
The Office
The series revolves around Dunder Mifflin, a mid-size paper supplier with multiple branches, though the focus remains on Scranton. The fate of Dunder Mifflin is referenced in The Paper: the office space was later acquired by Enervate, leading to the setting for the spinoff.
The Paper
Enervate, a company selling paper products such as janitorial supplies, toilet paper, and local newspapers, now oversees the Toledo Truth Teller. The Truth Teller Tower in Toledo serves as headquarters, with cubicles for both the newspaper staff and Enervate’s Softies team.
The Cast
The Office
Led by Steve Carell, The Office featured a memorable ensemble cast: Rainn Wilson (Dwight Schrute), John Krasinski (Jim Halpert), Jenna Fischer (Pam Beesly), Mindy Kaling (Kelly Kapoor), B.J. Novak (Ryan Howard), Leslie David Baker (Stanley Hudson), Brian Baumgartner (Kevin Malone), Angela Kinsey (Angela Martin), Phyllis Smith (Phyllis Lapin), Craig Robinson (Darryl Philbin), and Oscar Nuñez (Oscar Martinez), among many others. The show also included numerous guest stars across its 200+ episodes.
The Paper
Oscar Nuñez reprises his role as Oscar Martinez, now contributing to the newspaper in Toledo. Domhnall Gleeson plays Ned Sampson, the new editor-in-chief, while Sabrina Impacciatore portrays Esmeralda Grand, the managing editor who challenges Ned. Other members of the newsroom include Duane Shepard Sr. (Barry), Chelsea Frei (Mare), Ramona Young (Nicole), Melvin Gregg (Detrick), Gbemisola Ikumelo (Adelola), Alex Edelman (Adam), Eric Rahill (Travis), and Tim Key (Enervate corporate strategist Ken).
Key Differences
-
Tone and Setting: The Office is set in a mid-sized paper company with a focus on office politics and interpersonal drama. The Paper focuses on revitalizing a historic newspaper and introduces a new workplace dynamic.
-
Characters: While The Office featured an ensemble cast that became cultural icons, The Paper mixes returning characters like Oscar with a new cast navigating a fresh environment.
-
Story Approach: Both shows share the same documentary filming style, but The Paper centers on the challenges of a small newspaper, contrasting with the corporate office setting of Dunder Mifflin.
While The Paper pays homage to its predecessor, it establishes its own identity. Fans of The Office will find familiar faces and the same mockumentary style, but with fresh stories, characters, and challenges in the world of Toledo journalism.
