A Look Back on The Paper Pilot - Office Ladies Recap

Podcast: Office Ladies

Published: 2025-12-31

Duration: 1 hr 32 min

Guests: Greg Daniels, Michael Koman, Oscar Nuñez, Bobby Ray Schaefer

Summary

Angela Kinsey and Jenna Fischer take a nostalgic journey through the pilot of 'The Paper', a new spin-off from 'The Office'. They explore the show's themes, characters, and connection to its predecessor.

What Happened

Angela Kinsey and Jenna Fischer revisit the pilot episode of 'The Paper', a spin-off set in the universe of 'The Office'. The show follows a documentary crew now covering the Toledo Truth Teller, a local Ohio newspaper attempting a revival. This new series was crafted by Greg Daniels and Michael Koman, who also directed the pilot. The premise centers on Enervate, a company that owns various paper-related businesses, including the struggling newspaper.

Oscar Nuñez reprises his role, now as the head accountant for Enervate. His character's storyline incorporates elements of community service and a nod to his past in 'The Office'. The ladies highlight the show's setting at Universal Studios, noting the inclusion of familiar 'Office' locations and characters, including Bobby Ray Schaefer's Bob Vance. Stephen Saux and other actors share their experiences working on 'The Paper'.

Angela and Jenna delve into the creative process behind the show's theme song, composed by Nick Thornburn and Patrick Ford, with input from Bob Field and the Scrand Tone. They also enjoy pointing out Easter eggs, like the yellow froggy 101 sticker, a callback to 'The Office'.

The episode features a colorful cast, including Tim Key as Ken, the head of strategy at Enervate, and Chelsea Fry as Mare, a young compositor at the Truth Teller. These characters are part of a diverse team navigating the challenges of modern journalism in a historic setting.

Michael Koman shares insights on the production design, which draws inspiration from small newspaper offices in Ohio. The set echoes the past grandeur of a bustling newspaper, now occupied by a smaller, dedicated team. The hosts appreciate the historical context and style woven into the show's backdrop.

The episode concludes with a touching scene about the magic of the printing press, emphasizing its role in truth-telling. This reflects the core theme of 'The Paper' - reviving the spirit of journalism and community connection in a digital age.

Key Insights