Peacock’s latest comedy-drama The Paper officially premiered this week, marking a long-awaited spinoff to NBC’s hit mockumentary The Office. The series, which revisits the legacy of Dunder Mifflin, reopens familiar doors with a fresh storyline set in Toledo. The premiere episode, aired Monday, draws a nostalgic link to Scranton’s original office team, blending humor with newsroom satire.
Who: The Paper cast features Domhnall Gleeson, Chelsea Frei, Ramona Young, Sabrina Impacciatore, Melvin Gregg, and Oscar Nuñez (reprising his Office role).
What: The show serves as a continuation of The Office universe, focusing on a struggling newspaper called the Toledo Truth Teller.
When: Premiered November 10, 2025, on Peacock; re-airing on NBC this week.
Where: The story shifts from Scranton, Pennsylvania, to Toledo, Ohio.
Why: To explore workplace culture’s evolution two decades after The Office while reviving classic mockumentary humor.
How: By linking the defunct Dunder Mifflin branch to Enervate Corp., now owning both a toilet paper brand and the Toledo Truth Teller.
A Familiar World, New Storylines
The pilot opens with a nod to Scranton’s Dunder Mifflin branch, where Bob Vance of Vance Refrigeration reveals the company’s move to Toledo under Enervate’s ownership. Phyllis and Stanley are mentioned as still in touch, maintaining The Office’s continuity.
New editor-in-chief Ned Sampson (Domhnall Gleeson) arrives at the rundown Toledo Truth Teller, determined to restore traditional journalism. His first encounters — from spilled salad mishaps to mistaken identity — set the tone for workplace chaos familiar to Office fans.
Cast and Critics Respond
Oscar Nuñez, returning as accountant Oscar, joked about still being followed by documentary cameras: “I didn’t agree to any of this,” referencing his old release form from 2005.
Critics have praised the premiere for balancing nostalgia with new characters. Entertainment analysts at TVLine note, “The Paper carries The Office’s DNA but speaks directly to modern media burnout and digital transformation.”
Reviving Workplace Satire for a New Era
The premiere’s Dunder Mifflin tie-in not only bridges universes but also symbolizes shifting workplace values. By reimagining journalism through the eyes of ex-paper sellers, The Paper blends corporate critique with heartfelt humor.
The connection gives Peacock’s comedy lineup a strong anchor, potentially boosting viewership for both The Paper and legacy Office episodes on streaming platforms.
Season Outlook
All 10 episodes of The Paper Season 1 are now streaming on Peacock, with NBC planning weekly re-airings for broader audiences. Viewers can expect deeper dives into Ned’s leadership, newsroom revival efforts, and more Dunder Mifflin Easter eggs throughout the season.
