Domhnall Gleeson Brings Heart and Humor to The Paper, A Bold New Chapter in The Office Universe

Domhnall Gleeson takes on a refreshingly grounded role as Ned Sampson, the editor-in-chief fighting to salvage a dying newsroom in The Paper — a mockumentary-style sitcom spin-off from The Office. With a release set for September 4, 2025, the show promises a humorous, heartfelt twist on the media chaos of today.

What Is The Paper and Why Is Everyone Talking About It?

Domhnall Gleeson, known for his dramatic range and understated humor, leads the cast of The Paper as Ned Sampson — a no-nonsense, hopeful editor trying to rally his eccentric staff at the fictional Toledo Truth Teller. The show is a direct spin-off from the beloved mockumentary The Office, and retains the familiar format while introducing a new set of challenges: the dying world of local journalism and the absurdity of modern media.

Unlike Michael Scott, Gleeson’s character is sharp, responsible, and painfully aware of the stakes. But The Paper doesn’t abandon its comedic roots — instead, it satirizes the current media landscape through dry wit, uncomfortable truths, and chaotic team dynamics that echo the Dunder Mifflin glory days.

The trailer, released in August 2025, hints at sharp writing, nuanced performances, and a timely message: journalism matters, even in the age of tweets, clicks, and viral nonsense.

Why Domhnall Gleeson’s Ned Sampson Is the Anti-Michael Scott We Needed

One of the biggest questions surrounding the spin-off has been how it would differentiate itself from The Office. Steve Carell’s Michael Scott became iconic for his lovable ineptitude — a character who was more often the punchline than the hero. In contrast, Domhnall Gleeson’s Ned Sampson is a man with a mission.

He’s the grown-up in the room — painfully aware of his team’s shortcomings but deeply committed to creating something meaningful. This flip in character design opens the door for The Paper to tell new stories without trying to replicate what worked before.

Fans of The Office will still find Easter eggs and familiar rhythms. Oscar Nuñez reprises his role, providing a direct link to the original series. There’s even speculation that other cast members could appear in cameo roles. John Krasinski has expressed openness to returning, saying he’s “in” if asked.

Ned isn’t trying to be Michael — and that’s exactly why this works.

Key Details About The Paper: Release Date, Cast, and Setting

• Premiere Date: The Paper debuts on Peacock on September 4, 2025.

• Episode Schedule: Four episodes will drop on launch day, with two episodes releasing every Thursday through September 25.

• Setting: Set in Toledo, Ohio, the show centers on the offices of the Toledo Truth Teller, a struggling newspaper that shares space with a toilet paper distributor — a comical but symbolic twist.

• Main Cast: Alongside Domhnall Gleeson and Oscar Nuñez, the ensemble includes Sabrina Impacciatore, Chelsea Frei, Melvin Gregg, Gbemisola Ikumelo, Alex Edelman, Ramona Young, and Tim Key.

• Tone and Themes: Expect dry humor, emotional undertones, and a satirical lens on digital media and the collapse of traditional journalism.

What Makes The Paper Relevant in 2025?

In a world increasingly dominated by algorithms and misinformation, The Paper taps into a collective nostalgia for truth, substance, and human connection. It uses humor to critique the fast-paced, viral nature of today’s media — with characters that chase trending hashtags more than hard news.

The show’s creative team includes some of the original minds behind The Office, including Greg Daniels and Michael Koman, ensuring tonal continuity with a modern twist. Behind the laughs is a surprisingly sharp message: journalism is still worth fighting for, even when nobody’s reading.

Domhnall Gleeson delivers an intelligent, grounded performance that anchors the show’s emotional weight, proving he’s more than capable of carrying the torch left by Steve Carell. If the early footage is any indication, The Paper could become the next big hit in workplace comedy — a show that’s as much about saving journalism as it is about saving ourselves from apathy.

You Must Know (FAQs)

1. What is The Paper about?
The Paper is a comedy spin-off of The Office set in a failing newspaper office in Toledo. It follows Ned Sampson, a driven editor-in-chief trying to revive both the newsroom and his misfit staff.

2. Who plays Ned Sampson in The Paper?
Domhnall Gleeson stars as Ned Sampson, bringing a grounded, no-nonsense energy to the role — a sharp contrast to Michael Scott from The Office.

3. Is The Paper connected to The Office?
Yes. It exists in the same universe, shares the mockumentary format, and even features a returning cast member: Oscar Nuñez. There are potential cameos in the works.

4. When does The Paper premiere?
The series launches on September 4, 2025, on Peacock, with episodes dropping weekly every Thursday.

5. Why should fans of The Office watch The Paper?
It offers a fresh take on workplace comedy, with familiar humor, a timely theme about modern journalism, and a new cast that brings fresh energy to a beloved format.