FridayOL

Get ready for a fresh dose of workplace comedy! Domhnall Gleeson (Calvary, Ex Machina) is joining the cast of The Paper, a spinoff of the beloved American sitcom The Office, and he's got some serious star power backing him. According to Gleeson, both John Krasinski (Jim Halpert) and Steve Carell (Michael Scott) gave him one simple, but powerful, piece of advice: “Do it.”

The Paper will focus on a struggling Midwestern newspaper called The Truth Teller, and Gleeson will be stepping into the role of its beleaguered head. The show is already generating significant buzz, largely due to its connection to the hugely popular The Office. Fans are eager to see if it can capture the same quirky charm and relatable humor that made the original such a phenomenon.

A Blessing from Jim & Michael

Gleeson revealed the encouraging words from Krasinski and Carell during a recent interview. These weren't just casual comments; they were a direct endorsement from two actors who understand the unique pressures and rewards of working in a long-running, character-driven comedy. Their advice clearly resonated with Gleeson, and he seems excited to be taking on this new challenge.

“They were really lovely, both of them,” Gleeson said. “They just said, ‘Do it.’ Which is great advice, really.”

What to Expect from The Paper

While details are still emerging, early reports suggest The Paper will maintain the mockumentary style that was a signature of The Office. The show is expected to explore the challenges faced by traditional media in the digital age, offering a comedic look at a struggling business trying to stay afloat. Expect plenty of awkward situations, quirky characters, and the kind of relatable office dynamics that made The Office so enduringly popular.

The premise of a failing newspaper in the modern era is ripe with comedic potential. The show promises to satirize the changing media landscape, explore the struggles of local journalism, and, of course, deliver plenty of laughs. With Gleeson at the helm, and the blessing of Krasinski and Carell, The Paper is shaping up to be a worthy successor to The Office.

Will it Live Up to the Hype?

The success of The Paper will undoubtedly depend on its ability to stand on its own two feet. While the connection to The Office provides a built-in audience, the show needs to offer something fresh and original to truly succeed. Gleeson's casting is a promising start, and the premise is intriguing. Australian audiences, who embraced The Office wholeheartedly, will be watching with keen interest to see if The Paper can deliver the same comedic magic.