'The Paper' Season 1 Review: A Promising Premise Lost in Dry Humor

I went into The Paper not expecting it to be a sequel to The Office. I came in with an open mind, ready for an office comedy. The problem? I didn’t laugh once during the five episodes I watched. The issue isn't the premise, because the idea of a paper company with a newsroom has real potential. Especially one that has warring digital and print versions, the execution simply doesn't deliver. The characters don’t stand out, and they aren’t memorable.

At the center is The Truth Teller, a failing newspaper that Ned is trying to save as the new editor-in-chief. The first episode begins with Ned’s arrival and our introduction to the staff. Esmerelda, the interim editor from the digital Paper TVV, along with her sidekick Ken, gives off a Michael and Dwight dynamic, but without the charm or the humor. Instead, their antics feel more like bullying than misguided comedy. Esmerelda in particular feels unlikable, more interested in gossip-blog antics than actual journalism.

The first three episodes were painfully dull, but I stuck with it to get a sense of the direction. Things improved slightly in the fourth episode when a group of high school journalists visited, ironically showing up the Truth Teller staff with their better instincts and skills. This storyline led to a feud with a local teen blogger who has a massive following, adding some spark. Episode five built on this momentum with a catfishing scandal. But while the situations seemed primed for laughs, the writing still didn't land, and the laughs still didn't come.

There are a few bright spots. Mare, one of the only real journalists on staff, is both compelling and potentially a love interest for Ned. Nicole and Detrick’s awkward, evolving relationship shows promise. Nicole’s quiet cynicism, paired with Detrick’s lack of social cues, makes for an interesting mix. These moments hint at what The Paper could be if it leaned into sharper writing and more layered character work.

The problem is the humor: it’s dry, much like The Office's humor could be at times. However, The Paper lacks that same cleverness. It lacks bite. The flow of the show drags, and even the better storylines can't overcome the lack of laughs. Despite good acting and a promising setup, the writing fails to deliver.

Final Verdict:

The Paper earns a 4 out of 10. There's potential here, but until the writing finds its comedic rhythm, it's hard to recommend sticking with it.

What did you think of the pilot?

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• Loved it
• Hated it
• So/So