“The Paper” Pilot

Key Takeaways

The new spin-off, “The Paper,” follows a documentary crew at a struggling Toledo newspaper.
Greg Daniels directs, with many crew and writers from “The Office” returning.
Oscar Nuñez and Bobby Ray Shafer reprise roles; new characters are introduced.
The pilot episode features rebuilt sets, “Office” easter eggs, and office politics.
Ned Sampson, the new publisher, brings an idealistic vision to the “Truth Teller” newspaper.

The spin-off “The Paper” documents a struggling Toledo Truth Teller newspaper, set 20 years after “The Office.”
The pilot episode, available on Peacock, was written and directed by Greg Daniels, running for 33 minutes and 18 seconds.
The parent company Enervate, which also owns Dunder Mifflin, manages various paper-related entities, with newspapers identified as the least profitable.
The comedy derives from the challenges of a dying newspaper with only one reporter, leading the new publisher to enlist amateur staff like truck drivers and accountants.

Creator Greg Daniels re-hired many original “The Office” crew members for “The Paper,” including four writer-performers.
Oscar Nuñez reprises his role as an accountant, now head accountant for Enervate, framing his newspaper involvement as community service.
Nuñez was sworn to secrecy during the incremental development of his role, a task made difficult by filming at Universal Studios.
Despite efforts to maintain confidentiality, a reporter eventually broke the news months after development began.

Bobby Ray Shafer, known as Bob Vance, makes a surprise appearance in “The Paper” pilot, filmed on the Universal Studios lot.
Shafer described the filming experience as “old home week” due to the set’s resemblance to “The Office” and the camaraderie with the crew.
His character’s company, Enervate, purchased Dunder Mifflin in 2019, with Phyllis declining a move to Toledo.

Greg Daniels restored the Scranton Business Park sign for an establishing shot; Vance Refrigeration, eye center, and elevator sets were rebuilt on a Universal soundstage.
Angela Kinsey visited a newly built set, a recreation of “The Office” elevator lobby, evoking strong emotions and memories.
The former Dunder Mifflin office space is now modernized with hardwood floors and an LED-lit reception desk, while Bob Vance’s office is replaced by a laser hair removal business.
Steven Sox, a stand-in and cameo actor from “The Office,” also holds a role in “The Paper” pilot, and his wife Lori is involved.

Mare, a writer for the Toledo Truth Teller, is introduced with a desk featuring a framed article, a personal photo, hand sanitizer, and a distinctive banana-themed coffee mug.
Actress Chelsea Fry plays Mare as a compositor, who selects and formats news stories for the publication, earning praise for her effortless portrayal.
The episode also introduces Barry, the sole reporter, played by Dwayne Shepard Sr., who is depicted as an older gentleman asleep during a sports coverage segment.

Esmeralda, played by Sabrina Impechatori, manages “TTT Online,” describing it as sexier and more dynamic, citing an article about Ben Affleck’s $300 tip.
Her chaotic office space includes a giant conch shell, a leopard-print chair, and numerous gold stars covering her laptop, desk, and framed pictures.
Nicole, played by Ramona Young, tracks subscribers in circulation and explains that the newspaper may generate revenue by selling user data.
Detrick, an ad salesman played by Melvin Gregg, attempts to cheer up Nicole, whose desk features a framed dog picture, a Stanley cup, and twinkling lights.

Oscar Nuñez’s character refuses to have his voice, likeness, or face used in the documentary, stemming from a 2005 contract, and remains a reluctant participant.
The accounting team includes Adalola, played by writer Bimasola Icomello, and Adam, played by writer Alex Edelman.
Adam’s cluttered desk contains personal items representing a father, including children’s toys, books, and a Magic Eight Ball, highlighting set detail and crew inclusion.

Ned Sampson, played by Donal Gleason, joins The Truth Teller as an idealistic new employee who grew up idolizing Clark Kent’s newspaper work rather than Superman.
Ned accidentally bumps into Mayor, spilling her salad, and later gets locked in a glass copy room upon his arrival, causing confusion among staff.
During a cafe meal, Ned meticulously separates tomatoes from his salad, creating distinct “piles” of what he wants to eat and what he doesn’t.
An “Office” Easter egg, a yellow Froggy 101 radio sticker, is identified on a filing cabinet at 14 minutes and 49 seconds into “The Paper” pilot episode.

Ned takes over print responsibilities and apologizes to Esmeralda, who subtly undermines him by secretly emailing staff about his arrival, causing apprehension.
Esmeralda later clarifies in an email that Ned was not a victim of 'me too' allegations, which Ned finds problematic.
She manipulates the situation by offering to retract her mass email, suggesting Ned address the staff himself, further complicating matters.

Ned confronts Esmeralda by kicking her out of her office, an action deemed unnecessary by the hosts, noting her struggle to fit items into a smaller space in the next episode.
Mare discovers Ned watching a 1971 documentary about an old printing press and takes him to see the original machine, three stories deep, in the building’s basement.
Greg Daniels explains the printing press scenes were filmed at Santa Anita Racetrack and Southwest Offset Printing, inspired by tours of old newspaper basements.
The historical printing press, embedded in the building’s foundation, is depicted as transforming gathered information into “truth” via a “magic” red button.