Do you know what makes this show special? It is a workplace comedy. If you work in an office with a good atmosphere, you will easily relate to this show. Belonging to the mockumentary genre, it revolves around the world of office life, offering a fresh perspective on the daily office routine we are all familiar with. So, what makes Season 2 worth watching? Let’s dive into our exclusive review: The Paper Season 2 Review: The best comedy series of 2026.
Story of The Paper: Season 2
Season 2 picks up immediately where Season 1 left off; the Toledo Truth Teller team has won the Ohio Journalism Awards, and public confidence in the newspaper they produce is growing. However, the newspaper’s struggles are far from over. Ned Sampson remains on a mission to save the publication and ensure its success. As the newspaper’s popularity rises, we also see new challenges emerging.
As for what to expect in Season 2, we will see major issues surrounding the newspaper industry, alongside a greater emphasis on personal relationships. The dynamic between Ned and Mare which was a key storyline in Season 1 evolves further in Season 2; their relationship proves to be as complicated as it is compelling.
I won’t delve too deeply into the plot, as it might spoil the viewing experience. I recommend watching the show without knowing the story beforehand, though it helps to be aware of the genre first; if office dramas aren’t your cup of tea, this show probably isn’t for you.
Is the story of Season 2 actually good?
In my opinion, the answer is yes. What I liked most about Season 2 is that the show doesn’t rely solely on jokes; there is a solid workplace story driving it as well. Consider this: if a newsroom is publishing a newspaper, it needs to survive in the market and attract more readers; it has to deliver great stories while also meeting management’s expectations you get to see all of this in the show. Amidst all that, the staff’s personal issues also come to the fore.
In Season 2, we see a more mature version of Ned’s character quite different from how he appeared in Season 1. He is no longer just an enthusiastic boss; he gradually comes to realize that running a newspaper successfully requires more than just good stories. One must also factor in politics, finances, corporate pressures, and the staff’s personal issues. This added complexity makes Season 2 even more engaging and strengthens the show’s narrative.
How is the comedy in Season 2?
To be honest, the comedy feels natural, which is the biggest reason to watch The Paper. The jokes aren’t just used as punchlines; most of the humor stems from the characters’ personalities and the awkward moments or situations they find themselves in.
We see office issues spiraling out of control like when a character thinks they are being clever but the situation turns against them and this is where the show excels at mockumentary-style comedy. The contrast between what characters say in front of the camera and what they actually do behind the scenes is often hilarious, making The Paper an even better show.
How are the performances?
First, it is important to mention the cast and the roles they play in the show. The actors Domhnall Gleeson (Ned Sampson), Sabrina Impacciatore (Esmeralda Grand), Chelsea Frei (Mare Pritti), Melvin Gregg (Detrick Moore), Gbemisola Ikumelo (Adelola Olofin), Alex Edelman (Adam Cooper), Ramona Young (Nicole Lee), Tim Key (Ken Davies), Oscar Nunez (Oscar Martinez), Duane Shepard Sr. (Barry), Allan Havey (Marv Putnam), Nate Jackson (Nate Wells), Mo Welch (Kimberly), Eric Rahill (Travis Bienlien), Nancy Lenehan (Ann Putnam), Molly Ephraim (Summer), and Tracy Letts (John Stack) have all portrayed their characters brilliantly.
Ned Sampson is a character we see genuinely striving to make his newspaper successful, yet his enthusiasm often lands him in awkward situations. The chemistry between Ned and Mare stands out as one of the strongest aspects of Season 2. In several scenes, Esmeralda really shines in delivering comedy; she is an unpredictable, loud, and utterly chaotic character. Personally, I feel that seeing Oscar Nuñez reminiscent of his role as Oscar Martinez offers an enjoyable experience for me and other fans. As for the rest of the story, the supporting cast has also performed their roles admirably.
Is Season 2 perfect?
It is hard to say that any film or show is truly perfect. However, if you look past the flaws, you can still have a great viewing experience. That said, it is our job to discuss the shortcomings as well. While the storyline develops well, there are moments where it feels like the plot has been stretched a bit too much.
If you have watched The Office (2005), some situations in this show might feel familiar. At times, it also felt like certain jokes specifically those involving awkward moments were dragged out a little too long. However, rest assured that these issues aren’t significant enough to ruin the experience of Season 2; I suggest you overlook these minor flaws and definitely give the show a watch.
Show Highlights
This show was released on September 4, 2025. It has gained popularity by blending genres like mockumentary, sitcom, comedy, and drama infused with a touch of The Office (2005) style. With episodes lasting around 30–40 minutes, the runtime is quite manageable.
Spanning two seasons and a total of 20 episodes, the show holds a solid IMDb rating of 6.9, based on over 15,000 votes. It is available for streaming on Peacock and Hotstar. The show was created by Greg Daniels and Michael Koman.
Final Verdict
Look, if we talk about the overall verdict of this show, then if you like watching genres like entertainment, comedy and workplace drama and if you want to experience how a newsroom office works, what problems are faced and how to make news, then this show can be yours.
In this show you get natural comedy, interesting characters, emotional story of Ned and Mare in the story, Oscar Martinez is there as an extra bonus. And also the character’s own tremendous story makes this show great.
My Rating
I wouldn’t go so far as to say this show is absolutely brilliant, but I personally really enjoy office dramas and stories set in newsrooms; I actually liked the first season much more than this one. That said, Season 2 is still fantastic, as the blend of genres natural comedy, drama, mockumentary, and sitcom makes the show even better. I am giving Season 2 a rating of 3.5/5.
