Domhnall Gleeson Sets the Record Straight: 'The Paper' Is No 'The Office' – Here's Why
Domhnall Gleeson, star of the Apple TV+ series The Paper, has firmly shut down comparisons to the beloved sitcom The Office. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the New York screening on June 4th, Gleeson stated that drawing parallels between the two shows is a “massive mistake.”
The Paper, a workplace comedy-drama, follows a team of reporters at a New York City tabloid. While it shares a workplace setting with The Office, Gleeson insists the shows are fundamentally different in tone and execution.
“People keep saying it’s like The Office, but it’s not,” Gleeson explained. “We made a whole new character. It’s a very different kind of comedy. It’s more grounded, more realistic, and it’s dealing with real issues.”
He elaborated on the series' ambition to portray the complexities of journalism in a rapidly changing media landscape. “It’s about the challenges of working in a newspaper, the pressures of deadlines, and the importance of truth,” he said. “It’s not just about silly jokes and awkward situations, although there are those too, of course!”
The series features a stellar cast including Jeff Daniels, David Strathairn, and Enobah Arjoon. Gleeson’s character, Christian Slater, is a young, ambitious reporter navigating the often-turbulent waters of the newsroom. He emphasized the importance of the ensemble cast in bringing the series to life.
“We have an amazing group of actors,” Gleeson said. “Everyone brings something unique to the table, and we all work together to create a believable and engaging world.”
The Paper has been praised for its sharp writing, compelling characters, and timely exploration of contemporary issues. Gleeson’s comments reinforce the series' commitment to being more than just another workplace comedy. It aims to offer a nuanced and insightful look at the world of journalism and the people who dedicate their lives to reporting the news. Viewers looking for a smart, character-driven comedy with a touch of drama should definitely check out The Paper – just don't expect another The Office.