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Find out moreOn September 4, the Peacock streaming service premiered a new series dedicated to the life of a city newspaper editorial team during difficult times. The show is set in the universe of the hit series "The Office," which aired from 2005 to 2013. Film critic Timur Aliyev delved into the daily work of the Toledo Truth Teller editorial team and shared his observations. The series promises to show all the complexities and realities of modern journalism, as well as the dynamics of relationships between employees in the context of the media industry crisis.
- how are "The Newspaper" and "The Office" connected?
- why was Domhnall Gleeson cast in the lead role?
- how "The Newspaper" speaks about modern journalism in the time of algorithms, clicks, likes and reposts;
- why humor is not always appropriate here.
What happens in the series?
The Toledo Truth Teller, once an authoritative publication with a large staff of journalists, is now in dire straits. Financial problems are piling up, employees are leaving the company, and the readership of the print media is rapidly declining. The small newsroom occupies a limited space in an office building and primarily reprints national news and covers sports.
One day, the Toledo Truth Teller's editorial staff caught the attention of documentary filmmakers who had previously filmed Dunder Mifflin employees for the popular series "The Office." How did this happen? It's quite simple: the TTT newsroom is owned by Enervate, a well-known toilet paper manufacturer. Several years ago, Enervate was acquired by Dunder Mifflin, which became the reason for the interest of documentary filmmakers in the editorial office.
Enervate appoints new editor-in-chief TTT Ned Sampson, played by Domhnall Gleeson. A journalist by training, Sampson has worked only as a toilet paper salesman. From his first days in his new position, he demonstrates a desire to do "real journalism," which angers his editor, Esmeralda Grand, played by Sabrina Impacciatore. Esmeralda advocates for the media to be subordinated to search and social media algorithms, which leads to conflict with Ned. She actively sabotages the changes that Sampson is trying to implement in the team's work, which jeopardizes his ambitious plans and creates a tense atmosphere in the editorial office.
In The editorial staff includes a diverse group of employees, including typesetter Meir (Chelsea Frye), advertising sales manager Dietrich (Melvin Gregg), and accountant-reporter Adelola (Gbemisola Ikumelo). A special highlight is the return of actor Oscar Nunez as the Dunder Mifflin accountant. Familiar to many fans of The Office, Oscar Martinez now leads the culture and leisure section of the Gazeta. This revamp brings a fresh perspective to the content and allows readers to focus on important cultural events.
Each of the ten episodes follows the same structure. The focus is on an event: a high school football game, a minor dispute in the newspaper office, or a conflict at city hall. The editorial staff exaggerates the significance of the events, giving them a drama comparable to major scandals at the national level. Documentary cameras capture these moments, creating a series of scenes with exaggerated pauses and moments of enthusiasm. This technique highlights the comedy of the situation and shows how small events can suddenly take on enormous significance in the public eye.
In the series, the characters occasionally give talking-head interviews to documentary filmmakers. Meir expresses frustration with the strict deadlines imposed by management. Dietrich laments the decline in advertising costs in print media. Oscar discusses professional ethics, often recalling details of his interactions with Michael Scott. These interviews add depth to the characters and highlight important aspects of their professional lives.
The series' main plot centers on Sampson's attempts to save the Toledo Truth Teller from closure, introducing new themes and formats. Some episodes don't advance the main plot, but this is part of the creators' creative method. Awkward moments, mishaps, slips of the tongue and typos, high-profile falls, and rare instances of character redemption—all reflect the daily life of the TTT newsroom. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of the inner workings and challenges journalists face, making the series engaging and relevant to viewers.
Who is responsible for
The showrunners of "The Paper" are Greg Daniels and Michael Koman. Greg Daniels is known for adapting the British series "The Office" for American audiences. Michael Koman gained recognition for the show "Nathan to the Rescue," which became the basis for the series "The Rehearsal" with Nathan Fielder. Both creators have made significant contributions to the development of the comedy genre on television, combining an original approach with unique storylines.
The series "The Paper" was released much faster than many foreign projects, which typically require one and a half to two years of production. The first announcement for "The Paper" appeared in January 2024, and filming began that summer. A few days before the premiere of the first season, the series received a confirmation for a second season, which is an exceptional case in the industry. This is likely due to showrunner Daniels's ideas for a sequel and NBCUniversal's confidence in the project's success. The creators of the series decided to adhere to the successful format of "The Office," and "The Paper" becomes a classic mockumentary. The cameramen capture the characters' daily lives using elements of direct intrusion, including interviews and hidden camera footage. This approach provides a combination of documentary authenticity and comedic moments. The lead role is played by Domhnall Gleeson, known for his roles in "About Time" and "Star Wars." Recognized for his roles in dramatic projects such as "The Patient" and "Run," the actor showcases his comedic talent in "The Paper." Also noteworthy is Sabrina Impacciatore, who gained popularity thanks to her role in the drama "White Lotus," where she played Valentina, a sensitive manager who can easily cope with the whims of her guests in the second season. "The Newspaper" is a unique combination of genres, attracting viewers with its humor and realism.
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Quiz: Find Out Who You Are in "The Office"
The Office has become a cult classic thanks to its unique humor and vibrant characters. If you want to find out which character from this popular show most closely resembles you, take our quiz. We'll offer a series of questions that will help you determine what character traits and personalities you share with the show's characters. This is a great way to not only have fun but also better understand yourself through the lens of your favorite characters. Take the quiz and find out which character you are in "The Office": Duncan, Michael, Jim, or Pam?
What the creators of "The Paper" have accomplished
Every time the film industry attempts to revive classic series, whether they be old masterpieces or modern series like "The Office," which ended in 2013, a certain amount of anxiety arises. One recent example of this approach is the 2016 remake of "Ghostbusters," which failed to win over both critics and audiences. Revivals of popular franchises often raise concerns about whether the new version will be able to capture the spirit of the original and satisfy the expectations of loyal fans.
In the case of "The Paper," a similar situation is observed, but with an emphasis on the creators. The involvement of the founding fathers lends the project additional legitimacy in the eyes of its devoted fans. The mockumentary format functions here as successfully as in "The Office": the documentary filmmakers' cameras don't always follow the characters, allowing them to periodically step out of frame. This creates a sense of presence and authenticity that draws viewers in and immerses them in the action.
The camerawork deserves special attention for its ability to convey the atmosphere of the decline of the provincial press. The deserted corridors of the once-majestic editorial office now echo with the wind, and the old offices with their shabby walls are littered with back issues of the newspaper. This film reflects not only the decline of the media but also profound changes in the information space, where traditional formats are losing their relevance. The cameraman skillfully creates a visual sequence that makes viewers reflect on the fate of local journalism and its role in modern society.
At its best, "The Newspaper" captures the unnoticed moments when the characters think they are out of the camera's sight. These are the awkward pauses in answering questions, the brief moments of reflection while waiting for hot coffee, and the glances of adoration or anger lingering on colleagues. These moments highlight the depth of human emotion and make each story more vivid and memorable.
Domhnall Gleeson captures attention from the very first minutes of the series, playing Ned Sampson, the central character of "The Paper." This editor-in-chief is an idealist who prefers to remain in the shadows, like Clark Kent, rather than strive for glory, like Superman. His approach to journalism differs from the cartoonish style seen in Michael Scott in the early seasons of "The Office." Ned Sampson is a man who defends the principles of independent journalism and strives for quality content.
Since his arrival, the editorial team has introduced daily morning briefings, the creation of an "Investigative" section, which replaces reprints of national news, and strict monitoring of reader response. In the evenings, TTT hosts debriefings, where journalists not only analyze their mistakes but also discuss ideas for new stories. This approach contributes to the creation of deeper and more meaningful content, making The Gazette a significant player in the journalism world.
Sabrina Impacciatore, playing the cynical and emotional newsroom veteran, displays impressive acting range. The chemistry between her character and Ned forms the basis for most of the season's gags. The conflict between their positions opens new horizons in understanding modern journalism and its challenges.
In one of the season's central investigations, Esmeralda deliberately undermines the witness-gathering process. She provides the newsroom with false information about municipal contracts to conceal the paper's ties to city officials. In response, Ned insists on a thorough review of every document and personally meets with informants, demanding that Esmeralda maintain transparency and adhere to journalistic standards. This standoff calls into question the ethical standards of journalism and raises questions about journalistic responsibility under pressure.
In 2025, when news is often created using soulless algorithms, especially It's fascinating to observe the process of their emergence "from the field." The newspaper "Gazeta" focuses on the mechanics of reporter work, which has lost its significance in the age of social media, where anyone can become a journalist. The mockumentary format lends a natural feel to this process: rookie TTT correspondents stutter nervously, dropping notepads and pencils, striving to capture the speakers' direct speech. This approach emphasizes the importance of lived human experience in journalism and restores trust in first-hand information.
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This section offers additional materials and useful resources to help you deepen your knowledge on the topic. We've compiled a variety of articles, studies, and recommendations for you that you might find interesting and useful. Don't miss the opportunity to expand your horizons and learn about important aspects related to this topic.
From "The Office" to "The Split": Analyzing the Disappearance of Good Work Sitcoms
Work sitcoms have always been popular, offering viewers comedic moments from the daily lives of employees. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of such series. "The Office" achieved cult status, setting the standard for the genre and drawing attention to office culture, but why have good work sitcoms become a rarity?
On the one hand, modern viewers are seeking more complex and multi-layered stories that go beyond the traditional sitcom format. On the other hand, the changing dynamics of the work process and remote work are affecting the perception of office life. Moreover, new formats such as dramas and miniseries are becoming more attractive to producers.
However, the workplace sitcom genre has not disappeared completely. The series "Split" brought a fresh perspective to this niche, combining elements of comedy and drama, allowing for a deeper exploration of themes of identity and cooperation. Perhaps in the future, we will see new projects that will bring good sitcoms back to the airwaves, adapting them to modern realities.
What "Gazeta" Failed
Despite the desire to create something unique, comparisons with the series "The Office" are inevitable. Spin-offs are often perceived as insignificant additions to an already beloved story. In this case, we are talking about a plot that many viewers adore and re-watch at least every two years. In this context, the appearance of Oscar Martinez is perceived as a provocation. If it were a cameo, it would be acceptable, but the constant reminders that this project is part of The Office make it feel overly reliant on the original.
The style, characterization, and relationship development in "The Paper" are similar to the original show. However, the pace of the story is significantly accelerated. While in "The Office," character relationships, such as Jim and Pam's romantic arc or Dwight and Michael's professional interactions, develop gradually, in the spin-off "The Paper," these connections develop more rapidly. The romantic relationship between Ned and Mare resembles Jim and Pam's dynamic, but unfolds much more quickly, creating a sense of artificial intimacy.
The ensemble cast of "TTT" is generally impressive, especially the central duo of Domhnall Gleeson and Sabrina Impacciatore, who remain convincing throughout. However, the other characters don't evoke the same enthusiasm. It's fair to say that most of them remain flat archetypes and don't fully develop their personalities. Unlike The Office's supporting cast, where each character had their own unique traits, memorable lines, and individual quirks, TTT lacks depth and variety. This makes the stories less engaging and prevents viewers from fully immersing themselves in the world created by the creators.
Attempts to create a comedy based on the crisis in journalism look problematic. In "The Office," this approach worked, as the serious atmosphere of the paper and stationery store itself created a comical contrast. However, in this case, we are talking about independent journalism, which plays a critical role in a democratic society. Ridiculing such topics can diminish the importance and respect for this important institution, which in turn will negatively impact public perception of journalism.
The media crisis is a serious social problem that requires support and understanding, not ridicule. It is particularly saddening to see Gazeta attempting to ridicule provincial journalists, who work under significantly more stringent restrictions than federal media conglomerates. This does not evoke laughter, but rather compassion, as it highlights the professional difficulties these journalists face. It is important to recognize that the media crisis affects not only those in the industry, but also society as a whole, as quality journalism plays a key role in informing citizens and supporting democratic processes.
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Friends of "Friends": outstanding sitcoms of the 21st century
Sitcoms of the 21st century continue to delight viewers with witty jokes, deep characters, and memorable storylines. Inspired by the success of the cult sitcom Friends, many new comedies are striving to replicate its formula, infusing it with fresh ideas and modern realities. Some of the best sitcoms of recent times include How I Met Your Mother, New Girl, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Each of these series has a unique style, but what unites them is the ability to create unforgettable moments that remain in the minds of viewers. These comedic shows not only entertain but also explore important social issues, making them relevant in the modern world. Sitcoms of the 21st century continue to evolve, and their influence on culture remains significant, confirming that comedy remains a popular genre among audiences.
Greg Daniels and Michael Koman's new show is generally high-quality entertainment, balanced in humor and charm. However, the influence of The Office, which is clearly felt in this project, cannot be overlooked. Viewers will have a hard time escaping the sense of déjà vu that plagues sequels, prequels, and spinoffs.
Against its few flaws, "The Newspaper" is a gripping story about people who maintain professional dignity under difficult circumstances. This project will appeal to fans of mockumentaries and series exploring the media's inner workings, particularly those in the vein of "The Newsroom." However, despite the recognizable brand and famous creators, it is unlikely to become a cultural phenomenon.
