The BBC's latest offering, 'The Paper', is a mockumentary sitcom spin-off of 'The Office', set in the newsroom of a struggling Ohio newspaper. The series follows new editor Ned Sampson, played by Domhnall Gleeson, as he leads the Toledo Truth-Teller team through budget cuts, outdated traditions, and the temptations of clickbait.
In a review on the Must Watch podcast, critics Ali Plumb and Hayley Campbell shared their thoughts. Plumb noted, 'I liked this show... but it has a long journey to the top of the mountain to get anywhere near as good as either the UK Office or the US Office.' He praised Gleeson's performance but felt the character, an optimistic and naïve journalism enthusiast, struggles against the show's familiar template.
Campbell added that the show might be 'triggering' for those who have worked in failing news organisations, as Gleeson's character holds a romantic Woodward and Bernstein dream despite the grim reality. She described the office as 'badly lit' and full of depressed staff copying from wire sources.
Both reviewers agreed the show has potential but is not yet very funny. Plumb compared it to 'Parks and Rec' and 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine', noting it needs time to find its footing. He pointed out that a second series has already been commissioned, suggesting the show may improve.
Despite its flaws, Plumb expressed a desire for such sitcoms to exist, praising the 22-episode format. However, he felt 'The Paper' is 'a bit too shiny, too nice' compared to its predecessors.
