When The Office wrapped up in 2013, it left a legacy that few workplace comedies could rival. The Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin offered deadpan looks, awkward silences, and character-driven narratives that turned a small sitcom into a global phenomenon. Now, twelve years later, the first true spin-off has debuted. But rather than selling paper, it’s telling stories — quite literally.
The Paper, premiering on September 4 on OSN+ in the UAE, transports viewers to Toledo, Ohio. Here, a struggling local newspaper, The Truth Teller, faces closure. Enter the passionate new editor-in-chief (played by Domhnall Gleeson) and a quirky newsroom team striving to save the paper while navigating newsroom egos, absurdity, and the chaos of journalism. The show’s creative roots trace back to Greg Daniels of The Office, who co-created it with Michael Koman, merging satire, workplace chaos, and unexpected warmth.
While The Paper features a fresh cast, a familiar face returns: Oscar Nuñez reprises his role as Oscar Martinez, now embarking on a new career chapter beyond Scranton.
City Times caught up with Nuñez, along with co-stars Alex Edelman and Gbemisola Ikumelo, on Zoom. The conversation was filled with thoughtful insights, playful banter, and Nuñez’s humorous offers to visit Dubai for interviews — for a hefty fee of ten million dollars.
‘A show about misfits’
When asked to define The Paper, the trio quickly agreed: it’s about misfits seeking their place.
“I think it’s a show about, well, maybe ‘misfits’ isn’t quite it…” began Ikumelo, before conceding, “Yes. It’s about a group of people trying and failing, finding both humor and heart in their journey. It nods to journalism, especially local journalism — making its storytelling deeply accessible.”
Edelman described it as a community story. “It’s about people building something with and for their community. It’s very local. It examines how small groups support one another.”
Duane Shepard Sr. as Barry, Oscar Nunez as Oscar
Nuñez chimed in with mock seriousness: “They’re both wrong,” he quipped, then clarified: “They’re right, but I’d add passion. It’s about a young journalist who is passionate, pursuing stories with integrity. That’s the essence.”
Meet the characters
Nuñez’s return as Oscar will delight Office fans, but his character isn’t clinging to Scranton nostalgia. This Oscar has shifted to critiquing art and dining, a role Nuñez describes as “unexpectedly fulfilling.” “He’s been given an opportunity he enjoys,” he explained.
Ikumelo’s character sees herself as surrounded by incompetence. “She thinks she’s smart, but when we meet her, she’s not reaching her potential. She’s unimpressed and disinterested — a perfect setup for growth.”
Edelman sees his character differently: “He’s sweet and uncomplicated,” he said, without overthinking.
Alex Edelman in a still from ‘The Office’
The blend of ambition, disillusionment, and simplicity creates a dynamic ripe for both comedy and emotional depth, much like The Office, which balanced absurd antics with surprising tenderness.
Evolving the mockumentary
The mockumentary style is now familiar to audiences raised on The Office and Parks and Recreation. So how does The Paper keep it fresh, given its journalism backdrop and higher stakes?
“Not in this newsroom — the stakes couldn’t be lower,” Edelman joked. “Their office is next to a toilet paper company.”
He then turned serious: “Our directors, some from The Office, and especially our DP Chloe Weaver, brought a fresh perspective. Our newsroom set is distinct from Scranton’s office, and the camera crew felt like part of the cast. We became attuned to what they captured and how. It was a fun aspect of the show.”
Carrying The Office’s DNA
Despite its new setting, The Paper shares The Office‘s spirit and tone. Daniels and Koman’s writing doesn’t just mock journalism; it humanizes it, satirizing modern media’s absurdities while exploring themes of passion, failure, and community.
The result is a newsroom fighting for relevance in the age of clickbait and declining print media. It’s fertile ground for comedy today, but also a subtle homage to local journalism.
Nuñez summed it up: “It’s simply printed truth. That’s all there is.”
And not missing a beat, deadpanned: “Again, ten million dollars is a bargain. I’m very well-liked.”
Like the show itself, the remark blended sincerity and satire. If The Paper can balance these qualities as well as its cast does in conversation, it might be the newsroom comedy we didn’t know we needed.
