Creators Discuss Peacock’s New Journalism TV Comedy

When Greg Daniels brought The Office to U.S. screens, he started with a longer title – The Office: An American Workplace. Fast forward two decades, and Daniels has created a new mockumentary-style workplace comedy called The Paper, set in a Midwestern newsroom struggling to survive.

The first season of The Paper, with all 10 episodes, premieres on Peacock, offering a format and creative style reminiscent of The Office. The documentary crew that followed Dunder Mifflin now turns its lens on the realm of local journalism in a time when the industry faces challenges like dwindling advertising revenue and shrinking subscriber bases.

Co-creators Greg Daniels and Michael Koman highlight the significance of newspapers in The Paper, tapping into emotional parallels between the struggles of newspapers and the show’s fictional workplace. The documentary crew’s presence provides a unique perspective on the office setting, capturing the essence of a newsroom fighting to stay afloat.

While not a deep dive into the economics of journalism, The Paper draws on real research to depict the rhythms and humor of newsroom life. Journalists will find familiarity in the quirks, jargon, and jokes of The Toledo Truth Teller staff, led by editor Ned Sampson (played by Domhnall Gleeson), who aims to revive the paper by investing in quality journalism.

The series weaves in traditional journalism concepts and debates while providing laughs amidst the chaos. As the crew documents the staff’s journey to reclaim their newspaper’s integrity, viewers are invited to root for the underdog spirit driving the narrative forward.

The heartwarming storyline of The Paper invites viewers to appreciate the importance of local journalism and to support their communities. Whether or not audiences fully back their local papers, the show aims to shed light on the struggles and triumphs of a newsroom on the brink of collapse, offering a fresh and feel-good perspective on the world of journalism.