The Paper Review: Is It the New Office We’ve Been Waiting For?

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a die hard fan of the tv show "The Office." Despite my negative feelings toward the show when in first aired (I was still in high school, very young and naive) it quickly became a comfort-show I could rewatch over and over again, as well as Parks & Recreation. 

Ever since The Office wrapped up, fans of the mockumentary-style sitcom have been searching for the next best thing. Enter The Paper, a new workplace comedy that feels like a progressive, modernized version of The Office. While it’s still finding its footing in its first season, the comparisons are impossible to ignore.

If you haven't watched the trailer for "The Paper" you can view it below:

The Paper vs. The Office: Character Comparisons

One of the most fun parts about watching The Paper is noticing how certain characters echo our favorites from The Office. While the cast is entirely new, some personalities feel like reimagined versions of familiar roles.

The Obvious Parallels

• Michael Scott → Ken Davies
  Ken brings that same “well-meaning but often misguided boss” energy, trying to lead with enthusiasm but creating plenty of awkward moments along the way.

• Jim & Pam → Ned Sampson & Mare Pritti
  The will-they-won’t-they dynamic is alive and well with Ned and Mare, capturing the sweet but slightly more modern vibe of the Jim and Pam storyline.

• Dwight & Angela → Detric Moore & Nicole Lee
  Just like Dwight and Angela, Detric and Nicole add emotional tension, secrecy, and plenty of cringeworthy awkwardness.

• Kelly Kapoor → Adelola Olofin
  Adelola is bubbly, outspoken, and full of progressive flair—a modern update to Kelly Kapoor’s quirky energy.

• Stanley Hudson → Barry
  Barry keeps things grounded with his blunt, no-nonsense attitude, giving us Stanley-level dry humor.

The Less Obvious Parallels

• David Wallace → Marv Putnam
  Marv embodies that mix of enthusiasm and lack of control, similar to David Wallace’s slightly out-of-touch leadership.

• Darryl → Travis
  Travis feels like the grounded, practical voice of reason that Darryl once was in The Office.

• Jan Levinson → Esmeralda Grand
  Esmeralda is sharp, competent, but clearly wrapped up in herself. She channels Jan’s complicated mix of brilliance and chaos (and honestly, I could even picture Jan acting the way Esmeralda does).

Is The Paper Just Another Office Clone?

Here’s the thing: while The Paper borrows inspiration, it’s not a carbon copy. The show brings a progressive twist to the mockumentary format, addressing modern workplace dynamics and weaving in fresh character perspectives.

It’s easy to compare every interaction to The Office, but that might not be fair. This is its own show, with its own rhythm. And although it isn’t yet The Office we know and love, The Paper has real potential to carve out its own place in the comedy world.

What I’m Excited to See Next

With only the first season underway, I’m looking forward to seeing how the show develops. In particular, I’m curious how they’ll introduce character types similar to:

• Kevin Malone (comic relief)

• Andy Bernard (over-the-top personality)

• Phyllis Vance (sweet but underestimated)

If the writers continue to balance these new personalities with fresh stories, The Paper could become the next big thing in the mockumentary genre.

My Final Thoughts

The Paper isn’t trying to be The Office—and it’s impossible not to compare the two. With a strong first season, a colorful cast, and a fresh progressive spin on workplace humor, it feels like a worthy successor in the mockumentary space.

If you loved The Office, Parks and Recreation, or Abbott Elementary, then The Paper deserves a spot on your watchlist.

👉 What do you think? Is The Paper living up to The Office’s legacy, or is it too soon to compare? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your take.