Peacock’s 'The Paper' Release Date, Plot, and Connection to The Office

Looking for the release date of Peacock’s new Office spinoff? Wondering what 'The Paper' is about and how it's linked to The Office universe? Peacock has officially announced that 'The Paper'—a fresh mockumentary from The Office creator Greg Daniels—will premiere in September 2025. Built in the same format that made The Office a global hit, this new series transports viewers to the quirky inner workings of a struggling local newspaper. And yes, the same fictional documentary crew returns—but this time, they're not filming cubicle antics. They're uncovering stories in a newsroom fighting for survival in the digital age.

What Is 'The Paper' About? A Satirical Look at Modern Journalism

The Paper focuses on The Truth Teller, a historic newspaper in Toledo, Ohio, that’s hanging by a thread. The mockumentary follows the paper’s passionate new publisher and their uphill battle to keep print journalism alive amid financial ruin and digital disruption. With Greg Daniels and Michael Koman (known for Nathan for You and Late Night with Conan O’Brien) at the helm, viewers can expect razor-sharp humor, media industry commentary, and plenty of uncomfortable realism—all signature traits of The Office universe.

Same Crew, New Chaos: Inside the Office Spinoff Format

Unlike most spinoffs that simply borrow characters or setting, The Paper maintains the mockumentary style by reusing The Office’s in-universe film crew. This twist offers a clever continuation of the storytelling format fans love, while also enabling a fresh narrative space with brand-new characters. It's a smart evolution that preserves brand familiarity while allowing creative reinvention.

The Internet Is the Villain: Greg Daniels Takes Aim at Big Tech

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, showrunner Greg Daniels described the internet itself as the show’s main antagonist. “The villain here is the internet and the ability to look at everybody’s news for free, and all the ad revenue going to Google,” he explained. This critique taps into real-world issues facing journalism today—declining ad revenue, shrinking newsrooms, and the dominance of tech giants like Google and Meta. These timely themes give The Paper depth, making it more than just a comedy—it’s also a reflection of today’s digital media crisis.

Why 'The Paper' Could Be Peacock’s Next Big Hit

By blending nostalgic mockumentary charm with topical issues like local journalism’s decline, advertising revenue loss, and Google's dominance, The Paper hits a sweet spot for streaming audiences. The show also stands to appeal to marketers and advertisers looking to target audiences interested in tech ethics, media disruption, and streaming originals.

How 'The Paper' Fits into the Office Cinematic Universe

While it’s not a direct sequel or prequel, The Paper is spiritually connected to The Office. Think of it as part of an Office cinematic universe—one where the same documentary crew explores new American workplaces, this time trading office politics for newsroom drama. Though original characters like Michael Scott won’t appear, fans of the franchise can expect the same awkward silences, slow zooms, and absurdly human storytelling that made the original so beloved.

Stream 'The Paper' This Fall

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of The Office or just someone fascinated by how journalism is changing in the digital era, The Paper promises to deliver laughter, insight, and a fresh take on workplace mockumentary. Set your calendar for September 2025 and prepare to dive into a world where deadlines meet digital disruption—and humor meets hard truths.