The Office Reboot: Everything We Know About ‘The Paper’
An insider view of how a struggling newsroom sparks cringe comedy and new camaraderie.
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The Office Reboot: Introducing ‘The Paper’
Fans of The Office have been buzzing with speculation about a reboot, but what’s officially in the works is actually a follow-up series titled The Paper. Instead of retreading the story of the original Dunder Mifflin crew, the new series, devised by Greg Daniels and co-created with Michael Koman, explores fresh territory in the same universe, focusing on an entirely new workplace—but with the original documentary crew still behind the lens.
Here, we break down every confirmed detail about The Paper, from casting and storyline to streaming and production notes.
What Is ‘The Paper’? Not a Reboot, But a Spinoff
Despite rumors of a full reboot, showrunner Greg Daniels clarifies that The Paper is technically a spinoff—not a traditional reboot. Daniels explained to The Wrap that, “I don’t like to think of anything as a reboot, you know what I mean? Because I feel like we ended that story beautifully. The characters had closure”. Instead, the new show aims to build on the legacy of The Office by exploring a different workspace through the eyes of the same documentary crew.
- No direct continuation: The original story and cast remain untouched; new characters and setting.
- Connected universe: The same fictional documentary crew returns as the connective tissue between Dunder Mifflin and the new workplace.
- Fresh comedic territory: Focused on the culture of print journalism at a struggling newspaper in Toledo, Ohio.
Plot and Setting: The Truth Teller in Toledo, Ohio
The Paper centers on a declining historic Midwestern newspaper, The Truth Teller, and its publisher’s ambitious attempt to resurrect the publication with volunteer reporters. As the documentary crew returns to record the highs and lows of this new workplace, the show promises to capture the same awkward humor and slice-of-life storytelling that made The Office a classic.
- Location: Toledo, Ohio (fictional representation).
- Premise: The documentary crew follows the staff of The Truth Teller as they try to stay afloat in the era of digital disruption.
- Themes: Volunteerism, legacy media challenges, quirky office dynamics.
Production Team and Development Timeline
Development officially began in January 2024, with Daniels and Koman assembling the writer’s room. The series rapidly progressed through casting and pre-production phases, reaching a confirmed order from Peacock by May. Filming commenced in July 2024, with post-production wrapping up early the next year—a tight schedule reflecting the anticipation and efficiency behind the follow-up.
| Key Production Dates | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Jan 2024 | Greg Daniels & Michael Koman begin development |
| Mar 2024 | Co-creation and official writer’s room launch |
| May 2024 | Peacock orders series; setting & crew revealed |
| Jun 2024 | Title confirmed as ‘The Paper’ |
| Jul 2024 | Filming begins |
| Sep 2025 | Premiere on Peacock |
The series is executive produced by Greg Daniels, Michael Koman, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, Howard Klein, and Ben Silverman, with Universal Television serving as the principle production company.
The Cast: New Faces and Fan Favorites
The Office had one of TV’s most beloved ensemble casts. The Paper introduces an exciting mix of new talent while also calling back to the original series through at least one returning character.
Main Cast
- Domhnall Gleeson
- Sabrina Impacciatore
- Melvin Gregg
- Chelsea Frei
- Ramona Young
- Gbemisola Ikumelo
- Alex Edelman
- Tim Key
- Eric Rahill
Recurring Cast
- Duane Shepard Sr.
- Allan Havey
- Nate Jackson
- Mo Welch
- Nancy Lenehan
- Molly Ephraim
- Tracy Letts
Original Cast Connection
- Oscar Nuñez: Reprises his role as Oscar Martinez from The Office, providing fans with a familiar face and classic continuity.
The inclusion of Oscar Nuñez’s character is a nod to long-time fans, showing how The Paper relates to the events and style of the original series without undoing its closing chapter.
Release Date, Streaming, and Availability
- Premiere: September 4, 2025
- Initial Episodes: Four episodes will drop on premiere date
- Subsequent Episodes: Two new episodes every Thursday through September 25
- Streaming Platform: Peacock (exclusive)
- Subscription: $7.99/month (with ads) or $13.99/month (ad-free). Annual plans available
Unlike its predecessor, which aired on NBC, The Paper launches exclusively on Peacock, reflecting the streaming-centric focus for new scripted content in 2025.
Trailer and First Look
At NBCUniversal’s private upfront presentation for advertisers, an early trailer was showcased, hinting at the tone and humor of the new series. The trailer centers on the arrival of the documentary crew at The Truth Teller offices—with Oscar Martinez instantly recognizing them and visibly unhappy about crossing paths with the camera team from his Dunder Mifflin days. As of now, only a single still has been publicly released, with more marketing expected as the premiere nears.
What Makes ‘The Paper’ Different from ‘The Office’
- New workplace: Moving from a paper supply company to a newspaper taps into fresh occupational comedy.
- Updated themes: The challenges of modern journalism and media, contrasting with the original’s focus on office supplies.
- Diverse new cast: Highlights rising stars and international talent.
- Continuity without repetition: Utilizes the original documentary crew for familiar mockumentary style, but tells new stories.
- Modern streaming era: Released exclusively on Peacock, leveraging changing viewing habits.
Production Insights and Behind-the-Scenes
Filming wrapped late last year, with the show currently in post-production. Executive producers—including several key figures behind both the British and American versions of The Office—have emphasized a commitment to authentic character-driven comedy.
Greg Daniels and Michael Koman are at the creative helm, with support from Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, linking back to the original UK series roots. This cross-generational involvement ensures that The Paper remains true to both Office tradition and new comedic potential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is ‘The Paper’ a direct reboot of The Office?
No, The Paper is best described as a spinoff or follow-up, not a traditional reboot. It is set in the same universe and uses the same documentary crew, but introduces new characters and settings.
Who is Greg Daniels and what is his role in ‘The Paper’?
Greg Daniels is the creator of the US version of The Office and serves as co-creator and executive producer of The Paper.
Will Steve Carell or other main cast members from The Office appear?
Currently, only Oscar Nuñez is confirmed to reprise his role. There are no reports of other Office cast members joining the series so far.
When will ‘The Paper’ be available for streaming?
September 4, 2025, with new episodes every Thursday through September 25 on Peacock.
How does the mockumentary style continue?
The same documentary crew from The Office is at the center of storytelling, applying its trademark mockumentary style to a new workplace and new cast.
Comparison Table: The Office vs. The Paper
| Feature | The Office | The Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Dunder Mifflin, Scranton, PA | The Truth Teller, Toledo, OH |
| Era | 2005–2013 | 2025– |
| Main Cast | Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski | Domhnall Gleeson, Sabrina Impacciatore, Melvin Gregg |
| Cast Crossover | N/A | Oscar Nuñez reprises Oscar Martinez |
| Mockumentary Crew | Original introduction | Continuing role, new project |
| Distribution | NBC broadcast | Peacock streaming |
Reception and Fan Expectations
With so many reboots and revivals, The Paper stands out by choosing not to retell the original Office story. Instead, it tries to capture the spirit of the mockumentary format and social dynamics, exploring new office relationships, middle America, and the decline of local news—topics as ripe for cringe and comedy as the original.
Anticipation is high, especially given Daniels’ track record for balancing workplace satire with warm character moments. Early reactions to casting and storyline indicate both curiosity and optimism, especially among Office loyalists.
What’s Next for ‘The Paper’?
- Teasers and trailers: More promotional materials expected closer to the September launch.
- Possible guest appearances: While only Oscar Martinez is confirmed, speculation persists about further crossovers.
- Critical reception: Major outlets will review after the September 2025 drop, potentially shaping the series’ future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is ‘The Paper’ a direct sequel to The Office?
A: No. It’s a follow-up in the same universe, not a continuation of the original storylines.
Q: What is the main setting of ‘The Paper’?
A: The offices of The Truth Teller, a fictional newspaper in Toledo, Ohio.
Q: Will old cast members appear?
A: Only Oscar Nuñez (Oscar Martinez) is confirmed.
Q: Where can I stream it?
A: On Peacock, starting September 4, 2025. New episodes release weekly.
Q: How many episodes are planned?
A: Four episodes debut first, and then two episodes per week through September 25, 2025.
The Paper encases the next chapter of mockumentary workplace comedy, presenting new faces and struggles but promising the same sharp wit and signature cringe. As release day draws near, fans and newcomers alike wait to see if Daniels and Koman’s new project will live up to—and perhaps even expand—the legacy of The Office.
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