‘The Paper’ Cast Is Trying to Make Newspapers Cool Again

Michael Koman, who co-created the show with Greg Daniels, told The Hollywood Reporter at the premiere in August about how they decided on the concept. “Greg originally ran the idea past me about creating a documentary-style show at a newspaper, specifically a newspaper that was having a difficult time and somebody comes in and is trying to put it back on its feet. I just responded to that idea and really liked it, and said yes. Then he ran the idea past me that it was connected to The Office,” Koman said. “I also really liked the idea that this documentary exists — the original Office documentary exists in our world so our characters would know what it looks like to be filmed at work over a period of years. It doesn’t play a big part, but I like the reality of that because I feel like that’s how real life works.”

Domhnall Gleeson leads the spinoff, and Nuñez is the only castmember from the original show to come back. Nuñez previously told THR that his return to that world was a “slow process” and joked that he doesn’t think his former castmates envy his new gig too much. “They’re doing OK, no one’s starving. I think they’re happy for me,” Nuñez said.

The Paper is currently streaming all 10 episodes on Peacock and has already been renewed for a second season.