- Peacock’s new series ‘The Paper’ is a spin-off set in the universe of ‘The Office,’ taking place 20 years later.
- The show’s comedy directly confronts the realities and sensitivities of the modern, post-#MeToo workplace.
- It explores whether the awkward office humor that made the original a hit can still exist in 2025.
- A familiar face returns, with Oscar Martinez making an appearance in the new series.
‘The Office’ Universe Expands with a Modern Twist
Two decades after viewers first clocked in at Dunder Mifflin, Peacock is transporting fans back to Scranton with ‘The Paper,’ a new spin-off of the beloved sitcom ‘The Office.’ The series is set in the newsroom of the local newspaper, the Truth Teller, which is now owned by the same corporation that acquired the iconic paper company, linking the two worlds.
From Social Gaffes to Modern Minefields
While ‘The Office’ drew humor from Michael Scott’s blissful ignorance of emerging workplace etiquette, ‘The Paper’ dives headfirst into the complexities of the 2025 office. The show acknowledges that two decades of corporate training and cultural shifts, particularly the #MeToo movement, have changed the rules entirely.
The comedy no longer stems from unawareness but from the hyper-awareness of today’s professional environment. One of the show’s first jokes involves a manager sending an email to undermine the new boss by clarifying he “was not #MeToo’d.” This signals a shift in focus, with journalistic ethics and navigating modern power dynamics replacing the social blunders of the past.
Familiar Feelings and a Returning Face
Despite the time jump, ‘The Paper’ retains core elements that made the original a cultural touchstone. The series features new romantic subplots reminiscent of Jim and Pam’s iconic relationship, providing the show’s heart. Fans will also be treated to the return of original cast member Oscar Martinez, who has a hilarious run-in with the documentary crew he thought he’d left behind.
The show questions if workplace foibles can still be a source of comedy rather than just fireable offenses. For many, ‘The Paper’ feels like a welcome return to an office where it’s once again okay to laugh at our shared, awkward humanity.
Image Referance: https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/david-marcus-20-years-after-the-office-the-paper-tackles-post-me-too-workplace