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The Paper is the new buzzworthy workplace comedy that Ellie Kemper just re-entered into the TV landscape. The news being broken on social media by Kemper were accompanied by enthusiastic comments speculating on how the series might exist within the universe of The Office or on the potential for a second season.
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Truth: Kemper had returned to screens with yet another workplace comedy that has, in fact, already generated buzz. The social media buzz started by Kemper on Facebook to announce the arrival of The Paper over on Peacock involved full enthusiasm and celebratory emojis. “I love this show,” she said. “And you can too!”
Set against the backdrop of contemporary offices and drawing inevitable comparisons to Kemper’s past workplace comedies, The Paper has not just kept Kemper at the center of the buzz. Even something much bigger than her presence—official confirmation of the show’s link to the universe of Dunder Mifflin—has stirred the fan base into speculation about potential guest appearances and awaited crossovers.
One user wastes no time and asks perhaps the biggest question about the new show: “Is Oscar literally OSCAR? Same universe and all?” And many more followed up to confirm, saying, “Yes, he is indeed Oscar Martinez from The Office, but much grumpier and less jovial than we remember him.” Another added, “He’s still Oscar but grumpier,” which does kind of make sense, at least with everything that has transpired since we last got to see him.
That brought some of the inside talks to another level: “Bob Vance is in the first few minutes of the first episode,” another comment read; followed by, “with Vance refrigeration,” because apparently, that’s how he introduces himself. And the phone call from Stanley to Oscar really seals the deal and ties it to the original series.
Another bit of skepticism concerning the new format was thrown back into the comments by this one: “Oscar is definitely the funniest part of the show-rest of it is kinda meh,” said one viewer. However, hopefully, harmony came with, “But I think it’ll grow on folks after a bit though, just a slight change from what we’re used to.” And these sentiments perfectly embodied the initial reception of Office itself, as it took a bit to find its footing during its first season.
The quick pick-up for season two has caught some attention, though. “Nice to hear,” submitted another fan.
Casting requests for season two are already in full swing, with many fans even hinting that Kemper herself should join. “I dare them to invite Ellie to be a guest star in season 2,” challenged one commenter almost immediately followed by another stating unequivocally, “Erin needs to be in season 2” (Erin being the dearly beloved character Kemper portrayed in ‘The Office’).
Doesn’t just look promising for ‘Office’ alumni; some viewers think so at least for the new stuff itself: “I’ve seen 2 episodes and I think it’s pretty funny. Will keep watching.” The positivity early on could indicate that the show will firmly establish itself outside its nostalgic ties.
Still, some are unsure of the premise. Said one disgruntled viewer, “They are running out of ideas for shows now,” echoing the tired tones of certain sections of the public out there about all these reboots and spin-offs. In any case, behind the show stands a tremendous creative team, with one fan enthusiastically adding, “What a good show well done Greg Daniels and Michael Koman on what you created.”
Amongst all the chatter about the new, some still remain loyal to the older Kemper series: “You’ll ALWAYS be Kimmy Schmidt aka Chica Da Hamburgers…to me,” goofed a die-hard fan in reference to a memorable quote from ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.’ Another one confessed, “But first, another re-watch of The Office!” implying that while the new stuff is exciting, it can’t quite knock out those old favorites.
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Another slight bang of nostalgia mixed with a few new faces and storylines: ‘The Paper’ is another instalment of that workplace comedy franchise that began with ‘The Office.’ Already confirmed as an official kin of the original series, with season two picked up in a fast-tracked manner, the show looks positioned currently to be the next big Peacock streaming success, supported on one side by hardcore fans and on another by new viewers who are being introduced to this type of comedy for the very first time.