Peacock has premiered its highly anticipated new comedy series, The Paper, today, bringing back the signature mockumentary style from the creators of The Office. The show, which is now streaming, focuses on a fictional documentary crew turning its cameras on the staff of a struggling Midwestern newspaper as they attempt to revive the publication.
The series is co-created by Greg Daniels and Michael Koman and stars Domhnall Gleeson as Ned Sampson, the new publisher of the Toledo Truth Teller. Gleeson’s character is described as a well-intentioned, yet comically over-eager, leader aiming to save the historic paper with a group of volunteer reporters. The series also features the return of Oscar Nuñez, reprising his role as Oscar Martinez from The Office, who has since taken on a new role as the paper’s finance guy and arts reporter.
Early reviews are largely positive, with critics noting that while the show draws heavily on the established format of its predecessor, it carves out its own identity. Many praised Domhnall Gleeson’s performance as a strong anchor for the series. The show’s humor is often found in the contrast between the old-school journalism of the publication and the new challenges posed by social media and the digital age. In a sign of confidence, Peacock has already renewed the series for a second season ahead of its premiere.