Peacock is expanding the world of "The Office" with a new mockumentary comedy series titled "The Paper," set to premiere this September. The series revisits the documentary crew that famously chronicled the daily lives of the Dunder Mifflin staff in Scranton, Pennsylvania, but this time, their focus shifts to Toledo, Ohio. Instead of a paper company, the crew will be documenting the struggling newsroom of a local newspaper called "The Truth Teller."
The premise revolves around the efforts of an "eager publisher" who is determined to revitalize the floundering publication. "The Paper" aims to capture the same workplace dynamics and humor that made "The Office" a beloved and enduring hit, but with a fresh setting and new characters facing different challenges.
The series will feature familiar faces and fresh talent. Oscar Nunez, known for his role as Oscar Martinez in "The Office," will be a series regular, linking the two shows and offering a connection for fans of the original. Nunez’s involvement suggests that "The Paper" will retain some of the sensibilities and comedic style of its predecessor. Joining Nunez are Domnhall Gleeson, recognized for his roles in films like "About Time" and "Ex Machina," and Sabrina Impacciatore, who gained acclaim for her performance in "The White Lotus." Gleeson and Impacciatore will bring new perspectives and comedic styles to the ensemble cast, adding layers of depth and humor to the newsroom environment.
"The Paper" is being produced by Greg Daniels, the creator of the American version of "The Office," ensuring that the show remains true to the spirit of the original while exploring new comedic territory. Daniels is collaborating with Michael Koman, known for his work on shows like "Nathan For You," suggesting that "The Paper" may incorporate elements of absurd and unconventional humor. The combination of Daniels’ experience with workplace comedies and Koman’s penchant for pushing boundaries could result in a unique and entertaining series.
Peacock unveiled "The Paper" at its annual upfront presentation in New York, an event where streaming services and networks showcase their upcoming shows to advertisers in an effort to sell ad time. The presentation featured Gleeson, Nunez, and Impacciatore on stage, where they presented a clip from the series. Gleeson described the show as focusing on "underdog characters that are banding together to keep journalism alive." This description hints at the series’ potential to explore themes of resilience, community, and the importance of local news in a changing media landscape, all while maintaining a comedic tone.
Alongside "The Paper," Peacock announced several other new series, demonstrating its commitment to expanding its content library and attracting a wider audience. Among the scripted originals is "All Her Fault," a Chicago-set thriller starring Sarah Snook (known for her role in "Succession"), Dakota Fanning, and Jake Lacy (also of "The White Lotus"). The series centers on a mother, played by Snook, who arrives to pick up her son from a playdate only to discover that he is missing, setting off a tense and suspenseful chain of events.
Another scripted series announced was "The Miniature Wife," a marriage comedy based on a short story by Manuel Gonzales. The series stars Elizabeth Banks and Matthew Macfadyen, another "Succession" alum. "The Miniature Wife" promises a unique and potentially surreal take on marriage, exploring the dynamics and challenges of relationships through a comedic lens.
Peacock also unveiled several unscripted series, including "Tiffany Haddish Goes Off," which follows the "Girls Trip" star and three of her childhood friends as they embark on a four-week trip to Africa to explore their connection to the continent. The series aims to blend travel, comedy, and personal discovery, offering viewers a glimpse into Haddish’s life and her relationships with her closest friends.
Other unscripted series include "Nelly and Ashanti: We Belong Together," "Epic Ride: The Story of Universal Theme Parks," and "Gilgo Beach Killer: The House of Secrets." The range of unscripted content highlights Peacock’s ambition to cater to diverse interests, from music and entertainment to history and true crime. "Gilgo Beach Killer: The House of Secrets" is a true crime documentary exploring the infamous case of the Gilgo Beach serial killer, diving into the investigation and the secrets surrounding the case.
The announcement of "The Paper" and these other new series underscores Peacock’s continued investment in original programming and its efforts to compete in the crowded streaming landscape. By reviving a beloved franchise like "The Office" and pairing it with fresh and diverse content, Peacock aims to attract both loyal fans and new viewers, solidifying its position as a major player in the streaming world. The success of "The Paper" will depend on its ability to capture the essence of "The Office" while creating its own unique identity and comedic voice, exploring the challenges and absurdities of the modern newsroom with wit and heart.
