Quick Read
- Sabrina Impacciatore stars as Esmeralda Grand, a flamboyant editor in ‘The Paper’.
- The show is a spin-off of ‘The Office’ but explores modern journalism.
- Greg Daniels returns as co-creator, crafting a satire of the digital news era.
- The ensemble cast includes Domhnall Gleeson, Chelsea Frei, and Oscar Nuñez.
- ‘The Paper’ balances humor with commentary on the decline of local newspapers.
In the world of television, few shows manage to captivate audiences like The Office, the beloved mockumentary sitcom that redefined workplace comedy. Now, two decades after its debut, creator Greg Daniels has returned with The Paper, a spin-off that takes the genre in a refreshing new direction. Set in the chaotic newsroom of the fictional Toledo Truth Teller, The Paper offers a biting satire on the struggles of local journalism in the digital age. Among the ensemble cast, Sabrina Impacciatore’s portrayal of the flamboyant and manipulative Esmeralda Grand has garnered significant attention, solidifying her as one of the standout performers of the series.
A New Chapter in Mockumentary Comedy
The Paper, which premiered on September 4, 2025, on Peacock in the U.S. and Sky in the U.K., takes viewers into the world of a struggling local newspaper owned by a corporate conglomerate. At the center of the story is Ned Sampson (Domhnall Gleeson), a former toilet paper salesman turned editor-in-chief, tasked with reviving the paper’s fortunes. The show retains the mockumentary style popularized by The Office, but instead of focusing solely on workplace antics, it delves deeper into the challenges of modern journalism.
According to ScreenRant, the creators Greg Daniels and Michael Koman intentionally avoided replicating the formula of The Office. Instead, they crafted a narrative that balances character-driven humor with a sincere exploration of the newspaper industry’s decline. This fresh perspective allows the show to stand on its own while still appealing to fans of its predecessor.
Sabrina Impacciatore’s Esmeralda Grand: A Scene-Stealing Performance
One of the most talked-about characters in The Paper is Esmeralda Grand, played by Italian actress Sabrina Impacciatore. Esmeralda is the managing editor of the Toledo Truth Teller, a single mother with a penchant for drama and a flair for the theatrical. Her character is as chaotic as she is captivating, often clashing with Ned over control of the newsroom.
In a review by NME, Impacciatore’s performance is described as a “deranged dignity” that brings a unique energy to the show. Esmeralda’s larger-than-life personality and her knack for creating “alternative realities” make her a memorable presence. Whether she’s accusing a colleague of being an incubus or scheming to undermine Ned, Esmeralda’s antics inject humor and unpredictability into the series.
Impacciatore’s ability to balance humor with depth has been widely praised. Her portrayal of Esmeralda adds layers to what could have been a one-dimensional character, making her both relatable and infuriatingly entertaining. As noted by BollywoodShaadis, while Esmeralda’s flamboyance can sometimes feel overdone, it’s this very quality that makes her one of the most intriguing characters on the show.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of The Paper
The success of The Paper lies not only in its writing but also in its ensemble cast. Alongside Impacciatore and Gleeson, the show features Chelsea Frei as Mare Pritti, a disillusioned journalist with a sharp wit, and Ramona Young as Nicole Lee, a circulation department employee turned accidental reporter. The supporting cast, including Melvin Gregg, Gbemisola Ikumelo, and Oscar Nuñez (reprising his role as Oscar Martinez from The Office), adds depth and diversity to the series.
In an interview with AOL Entertainment, Greg Daniels revealed that the idea for The Paper came from a desire to explore a different workplace dynamic. “We wanted to set it in a world that felt relevant and challenging,” he said. The decision to focus on a struggling newspaper allowed the creators to comment on broader societal issues, such as the rise of digital media, the decline of print journalism, and the impact of corporate ownership on editorial independence.
The show’s soundtrack also deserves a mention. Featuring tracks like “Song From The Ninth Floor” by Nick Thorburn and “M79” by Vampire Weekend, the music complements the show’s tone, blending nostalgia with modernity. As noted by NME, the soundtrack adds an extra layer of charm to the series.
What Sets The Paper Apart
While comparisons to The Office are inevitable, The Paper has carved out its own identity. The show’s focus on the work itself—journalistic investigations, ethical dilemmas, and the challenges of staying relevant in a digital world—sets it apart from its predecessor. Episodes like “Scam Alert,” where the team uncovers a catfishing scandal, showcase the show’s ability to blend humor with compelling storytelling.
However, as highlighted by ScreenRant, the show occasionally struggles to strike the right balance between being a spin-off and a standalone series. Some viewers may find themselves longing for the simplicity of The Office’s humor. Yet, The Paper’s willingness to tackle complex themes ensures it remains engaging and thought-provoking.
In the words of one reviewer, The Paper is “not The Office 2.0, and that’s mostly a good thing.” By focusing on the evolving world of journalism, the show offers a fresh take on the mockumentary genre, appealing to both old fans and new audiences.
With its sharp writing, stellar performances, and a timely premise, The Paper proves that Greg Daniels’ magic touch is still very much alive. Sabrina Impacciatore’s Esmeralda Grand is undoubtedly one of the highlights, making the show a must-watch for fans of smart, character-driven comedy.