‘The Office’ Reboot: Everything to Know About Peacock’s ‘The Paper’
Volunteer reporters and a hidden camera crew bring awkward laughs to a fading newsroom.
Image: ShutterStock
‘The Office’ Reboot Is Not What You Expect: Introducing ‘The Paper’
After much speculation, the beloved workplace comedy universe of ‘The Office’ will officially expand — but not with a traditional reboot or remake. Peacock’s highly anticipated spinoff, ‘The Paper’, is set to debut in September 2025 and takes the mockumentary format beyond Dunder Mifflin into an entirely new professional landscape. Greg Daniels, creator of the U.S. version of The Office, returns as showrunner, joined by Michael Koman, co-creator of ‘Nathan for You’ .
What Exactly Is ‘The Paper’?
Despite media headlines about an Office reboot, The Paper is more accurately described as a follow-up series or spinoff. Rather than retell the Scranton story or reboot the cast, the new show is set in the same universe with brand-new characters — and even follows the same fictional documentary crew that made the Scranton Dunder Mifflin branch famous .
Greg Daniels explained the direction:
- He rejected the idea of a traditional reboot. “The characters had closure. I would never want to redo that show with a different cast, because [we had] the best cast ever in TV.”
- Instead, the new series gives fans a fresh look at another workplace, capturing the same awkward, hilarious, and heartfelt moments through the documentary lens.
Plot: Where Does the Story Pick Up?
‘The Paper’ moves the action from Scranton’s paper business to the world of print journalism. The story follows the documentary crew, familiar from The Office, as they start filming at ‘The Truth Teller’, a fictional, declining newspaper in Toledo, Ohio. The premise:
- A historic Midwestern newspaper is in desperate need of a revival.
- Its publisher hopes to rescue it with the help of volunteer reporters from the local community.
- The mockumentary captures the chaos, quirks, and ambitions of a struggling news team trying to remain relevant in a digital world.
Expect the tone to echo the character-driven comedy and cringeworthy humor that made The Office a phenomenon — but with fresh stories, workplace politics, and new ensemble dynamics.
Who’s Behind the Scenes?
This next chapter in The Office universe brings together a standout production and writing team:
- Greg Daniels: Showrunner, co-creator, executive producer, and creative force behind U.S. The Office and Parks and Recreation.
- Michael Koman: Co-creator, known for offbeat comedies like Nathan for You.
- Other executive producers include Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant (creators of the original U.K. Office), along with Howard Klein and Ben Silverman.
- Universal Television handles the production .
Meet the Cast: Who’s Who in ‘The Paper’
The new series launches with a mix of acclaimed leads, standout comedic talent, and a special tie to the original:
| Main Cast | Known For | Role in ‘The Paper’ |
|---|---|---|
| Domhnall Gleeson | Star Wars, Ex Machina, About Time | Lead role; details under wraps |
| Sabrina Impacciatore | The White Lotus (season 2) | Central newspaper figure |
| Melvin Gregg | American Vandal | Core ensemble member |
| Chelsea Frei | The Moodys | Key reporter |
| Ramona Young | Never Have I Ever | Reporter or editor |
| Gbemisola Ikumelo | A League of Their Own | Journalist or volunteer |
| Alex Edelman | Comedian, stand-up | Supporting staff role |
| Tim Key | Alan Partridge | Staff member |
| Eric Rahill | Comedian | Supporting ensemble |
Recurring Cast Includes: Duane Shepard Sr., Allan Havey, Nate Jackson, Mo Welch, Nancy Lenehan, Molly Ephraim, Tracy Letts .
Crossover Alert: Oscar Nuñez reprises his role as Oscar Martinez from the original U.S. The Office. In the teaser, Oscar recognizes the documentary crew — setting up connections and callbacks for long-time fans .
Release Date & How to Watch
‘The Paper’ will premiere exclusively on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming platform, on September 4, 2025. Here’s how the rollout is planned:
- The first four episodes release on premiere day.
- Two new episodes will drop every Thursday through September 25, 2025.
- Available exclusively to Peacock subscribers. Pricing: $7.99/mo (with ads), $13.99/mo (ad-free); annual options available .
What About an Actual ‘Office’ Reboot?
Despite the hype and misleading headlines, there is no plan for a direct reboot of the Scranton-set version. Daniels and Peacock have clarified:
- The original characters’ stories are complete, and the writers do not intend to recast or retell their tales.
- The Paper serves as a spiritual successor, maintaining the style and updating the workplace setting.
- Fans can expect occasional nods and perhaps more cameos in the future, but Dunder Mifflin as a focal workplace is not set to return.
How Is ‘The Paper’ Connected to ‘The Office’?
While featuring new characters and a different workplace, the ties to The Office are baked in via:
- The documentary crew links both shows, providing a sense of continuity.
- Oscar Martinez’s return is a direct bridge to the Scranton story.
- The humor, tone, and workplace dynamics are expected to feel familiar, including awkward meetings, polyphonic ensemble interplay, and confessional interviews.
- Executive producers Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant — originators of the concept — are involved.
Production Timeline & Behind-the-Scenes Details
- January 2024: Greg Daniels begins assembling a new follow-up project in The Office universe.
- March 2024: Michael Koman joins as co-creator. Reports confirm the series will follow a newspaper staff.
- May 2024: Peacock officially orders the series, confirming the documentary crew focus and the Toledo, Ohio setting.
- June–July 2024: Series title The Paper revealed; principal photography gets underway .
- Cast announcements throughout 2024: Several prominent comedic actors join, with full main and supporting casts established by late summer.
- February 2025: Oscar Nuñez announced as returning character, exciting fans and signaling clear continuity .
What Makes ‘The Paper’ Different?
Although drawing on the legacy of The Office, The Paper aims to carve its own identity in key ways:
- Explores local journalism and the future of print news, offering biting satire of the modern media landscape.
- Diverse cast and new setting for reimagined workplace comedy.
- Opens up new possibilities for mockumentary storytelling, adapting to shifting technology and public trust.
- Opportunity for crossovers or cameos while maintaining a standalone narrative focus.
Table: Quick Comparison — The Office vs. The Paper
| Feature | The Office (U.S.) | The Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Workplace Setting | Dunder Mifflin (paper company), Scranton, PA | The Truth Teller (newspaper), Toledo, OH |
| Main Characters | Michael Scott, Jim, Pam, Dwight, Oscar, etc. | Domhnall Gleeson, Sabrina Impacciatore, plus new ensemble; Oscar (recurring) |
| Mockumentary Style | Yes | Yes |
| Direct Connection | N/A | Same film crew, Oscar Martinez crossover |
| Streaming Platform | NBC, later Peacock | Peacock (exclusive) |
Buzz, Trailers & First Looks
While a full trailer has not yet been released to the public, a private presentation to NBCUniversal advertisers included a sneak peek. Reports describe:
- The documentary crew arriving at The Truth Teller’s newsroom.
- Oscar Martinez’s character visibly uncomfortable at the sight of the familiar camera crew.
- Fans got a still image released by Peacock, hinting at the distinct visual flair and cast chemistry.
Full trailers and more promotional material are expected closer to release in fall 2025.
Why Fans Are Excited — and What to Expect
- A return to the sly, workaday humor and documentary realism that made The Office a cult favorite.
- Fresh comedic voices, a different workplace culture, and timely themes about media and community reporting.
- Potential for clever callbacks, fulfilling new stories, and unexpected emotional moments.
- Opportunities for more cameos and crossovers as the series grows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is ‘The Paper’ a reboot or a true sequel to ‘The Office’?
A: ‘The Paper’ is a follow-up set in the same universe with brand-new characters. It’s not a direct sequel or remake and does not retell the Scranton story .
Q: Do any original ‘Office’ characters appear in ‘The Paper’?
A: Yes! Oscar Nuñez reprises his role as Oscar Martinez.
Q: Who are the stars of ‘The Paper’?
A: Domhnall Gleeson, Sabrina Impacciatore, Melvin Gregg, Chelsea Frei, Ramona Young, and others lead the ensemble cast.
Q: When does ‘The Paper’ premiere, and how do I watch it?
A: ‘The Paper’ launches on Peacock September 4, 2025, with new episodes weekly through September 25.
Q: Will other ‘Office’ alumni appear as guest stars?
A: Besides Oscar, there are no confirmed cameo plans yet, but crossovers are possible as the show evolves.
Q: What’s the basic premise of ‘The Paper’?
A: It follows the documentary crew from ‘The Office,’ now filming a struggling Midwestern newspaper and its eclectic cast of employees and volunteers.
Final Thoughts: Should You Be Excited?
‘The Paper’ promises the heartfelt awkwardness and sharp observational humor that made The Office a pop culture icon, but tells a new story for a new era. With top-tier comedic talent and a behind-the-scenes team with proven success, this Peacock exclusive is poised to become must-see TV — both for old fans and those entering the universe for the first time.
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