From Wernham Hogg to Dunder Mifflin to… The Paper?

A mockumentary newcomer steps up—will it make the cut or get shredded? How will The Paper stack up to The Office? (And could I add any more paper puns?!)

The Paper is almost here, and I’m excited but also super nervous! Like so many others—because in no way am I special here—when I first stumbled across The Office (the original British version, starring Ricky Gervais and Martin Freeman), I basically lost my mind. Sure, the cringe factor sometimes had me watching through my fingers, but it was hilarious, and I was hooked. This is how old I am: I went out and bought the physical DVD box sets at Best Buy. I watched them so much I could quote entire episodes without even trying.

Every The Office Character Based On The Original UK Version

The Office (US)

So when I heard there was going to be a US version, I was… wary. The original was so unapologetically British, with a mean streak that made it work. Could that even translate for an American audience? Season one of the US show had its moments—Steve Carell and the cast were fun to watch—but it felt like a pale imitation, sometimes literally recreating the same jokes. I figured it’d be another sitcom destined for an early cancellation.

But then came season two. The tone shifted. It was still biting and awkward, but never cruel. Michael became someone you laughed at and loved at the same time. Dwight made you want to punch him in the face and also hope he’d never leave. The show found its own rhythm, its own heart. And I was all in.

The Paper

Which brings me to The Paper. I’m cautiously optimistic. If it can capture even a fraction of the joy I got from both versions of The Office, I’m here for it. But let’s be honest—can lightning really strike a third time? I don’t know. I do know I’m already a big Domhnall Gleeson fan, so my fingers are crossed.

We’ll all find out together on September 4th. Until then, here’s the latest trailer—let’s see if it gives you that familiar mockumentary spark.