Peacock's 'The Paper' Aims to Revive the Mockumentary Formula for a New Generation

The upcoming Peacock series, "The Paper," is poised to bring the mockumentary format back to the forefront, much like its predecessor, "The Office." The show, set in the fictional Midwestern newspaper, "The Truth Teller," in Toledo, Ohio, is scheduled to premiere on September 4, 2025. This new series, created by Greg Daniels and Michael Koman, follows the same documentary crew that immortalized Dunder Mifflin's Scranton branch. The series will launch with four episodes, followed by two new episodes every Thursday until the season finale on September 25. This shift to a local newspaper setting reflects a broader trend. Local journalism is facing significant challenges in the digital age, including declining readership and advertising revenue. The series' focus on a struggling newspaper could resonate with audiences familiar with the struggles of local news outlets. The show's success will depend on its ability to capture the humor and heart that made "The Office" a hit. The return of Oscar Nuñez as Oscar Martinez, along with other cast members, is sure to please fans. "The Paper" is not just a comedy; it's also a commentary on the evolving media landscape. The show's success could signal a resurgence of interest in the mockumentary format, offering a fresh perspective on the challenges and triumphs of local journalism in the modern era. The series is produced by Universal Television in association with Peacock, with executive producers including Greg Daniels, Michael Koman, Ricky Gervais, and Stephen Merchant.