The Paper cast and character guide: Who plays whom in the latest The Office spin-off?

The Paper (Image Via: Instagram/@theoffice)
The Paper (Image Via: Instagram/@theoffice)

The Paper is Peacock's big new gamble, and it's already getting fans buzzing. If you've been wondering who's stepping into the world of this mockumentary set inside a struggling Midwest newsroom, here's your answer.

The Office may have left an empty desk behind, but The Paper fills it with fresh faces, returning favorites, and a cast that's equal parts funny and heartfelt. Set to premiere on Peacock on September 4, these are the faces that will be gracing your screens.


The Paper cast and character guide: Who plays whom in the latest The Office spin-off?

1] Oscar Nuñez brings back Oscar Martinez:

One of the biggest surprises is the return of Oscar Martinez, played once again by Oscar Nuñez. In The Office, Oscar was the calm, numbers-driven accountant who always seemed too smart to be surrounded by so much chaos.

Universal Television's "The Paper" Series Premiere - Source: Getty
Universal Television's "The Paper" Series Premiere - Source: Getty

Now, The Paper drops him right into another work mess, but this time at the Toledo Truth Teller, where he handles the accounts and even chips in on arts and leisure coverage. In a reunion chat with Today, Nuñez stayed quiet on spoilers and only teased.

"They're still editing stuff. More will be revealed, as my wife likes to say. Yes, it's exciting."

Outside this spin-off, Nuñez is known for comedies like The Proposal and The Lost City, but here he slides right back into the deadpan accountant role that made him a fan favorite.


2] Sabrina Impacciatore is Esmerelda Grand

Stepping in with sharp authority is Sabrina Impacciatore as Esmerelda Grand, the Managing Editor of both the Truth Teller and its online edition.

Universal Television's "The Paper" Series Premiere - Source: Getty
Universal Television's "The Paper" Series Premiere - Source: Getty

Esmerelda is tough, focused, and not here for anyone's nonsense, which makes her the exact kind of boss this chaotic paper needs.

Impacciatore herself has serious acting chops, with Emmy and SAG Award recognition for The White Lotus.


3] Domhnall Gleeson leads as Ned Sampson

Right in the middle of it all is Truth Teller is Ned Sampson, the brand-new Editor-in-Chief played by Domhnall Gleeson. He's the one trying to breathe life back into this old paper while juggling an eccentric team and the relentless film crew.

Universal Television's "The Paper" Series Premiere - Source: Getty
Universal Television's "The Paper" Series Premiere - Source: Getty

Gleeson's resume is packed with his works About Time, Ex Machina, and even Star Wars. He even acted with Steve Carell in The Patient.

What makes Gleeson exciting for The Paper is his balance and how he can do comedy and drama in equal measure. Whether he's rallying his newsroom or stumbling through awkward documentary interviews, he's a strong anchor for this offbeat cast.


4] Chelsea Frei becomes Mare Pritti

Chelsea Frei plays Mare Pritti, one of the journalists hustling to keep the Truth Teller alive. Frei might look familiar from her lead role in Victoria Gotti: My Father's Daughter, as well as from the comedy series Sideswiped.

Universal Television's "The Paper" Series Premiere - Source: Getty
Universal Television's "The Paper" Series Premiere - Source: Getty

Mare is a reporter navigating a newsroom full of personalities while trying to make her bylines matter.


5] Gbemisola Ikumelo is Adelola Olofin

British actor and comedian Gbemisola Ikumelo plays Adelola Olofin, who balances roles as both reporter and accountant. It's a mix that suits Ikumelo's career perfectly, since she has always blended sharp wit with depth.

Universal Television's "The Paper" Series Premiere - Source: Getty
Universal Television's "The Paper" Series Premiere - Source: Getty

She's won a BAFTA and is also seen in Sunny D. On top of acting, she's also writing on The Paper itself, which adds an extra layer of creative spark to Adelola's character.

Adelola represents the hardworking spirit behind the Truth Teller's revival, and Ikumelo's natural comedic timing ensures every scene she's all in.


6] Melvin Gregg is Detrick Moore

Melvin Gregg plays Detrick Moore, a volunteer reporter who doubles in ad sales, which instantly sets up plenty of awkwardly funny moments. Gregg first made a name on Vine, amassing over 7 million followers before moving into TV and film.

Universal Television's "The Paper" Series Premiere - Source: Getty
Universal Television's "The Paper" Series Premiere - Source: Getty

He's proven his acting range in American Vandal, Snowfall, and The Way Back. With Detrick, Gregg leans into his comedy roots while also exploring the hustle of someone just trying to get a foot in the door.

It's the kind of character that feels relatable and entertaining at the same time.


7] Alex Edelman plays Adam Cooper

Comedian Alex Edelman joins The Paper as Adam Cooper, another reporter-accountant hybrid at the Truth Teller. Edelman isn't just acting here; he's also one of the show's writers, making his role feel extra meta.

Universal Television's "The Paper" Series Premiere - Source: Getty
Universal Television's "The Paper" Series Premiere - Source: Getty

In real life, Edelman is a celebrated comic who's won an Emmy and even picked up a 2024 Tony Award for his show Just for Us.

Adam is the kind of newsroom voice who can cut through the noise with sharp remarks, and Edelman's background guarantees he'll deliver.


8] Ramona Young joins as Nicole Lee

Ramona Young plays Nicole Lee, a reporter working in circulation at the Truth Teller. Younger fans will know her from the very iconic Never Have I Ever, while superhero fans might recall her as Mona Wu in Legends of Tomorrow.

Universal Television's "The Paper" Series Premiere - Source: Getty
Universal Television's "The Paper" Series Premiere - Source: Getty

She's also seen in Z Nation. Nicole adds a different angle to The Paper's staff, caught between the grind of circulation duties and the drama unfolding around the newsroom.

Young's natural charm and comedic flair make her a fresh addition, while her past work shows she can balance quirky roles with genuine emotion.


9] Tim Key rounds it out as Ken Davies

Closing out the ensemble is Tim Key as Ken Davies, the business strategist whose big ideas (and odd timing) add flavor to the newsroom mix. A well-known British comedian, Key has a history in comedy, from winning the Edinburgh Comedy Award to being on the first season of Taskmaster.

His screen credits also include him being on Great Celebrity Bake Off. Here, Ken Davies represents the corporate brain by trying to shape and mold the Truth Teller into something that could be profitable, and with Tim Key playing the character, fans can for sure expect the most laughs and giggles.


The Paper's cast is filled with both familiar faces as well as exciting youngsters, with each bringing their own flavor and jazz to the newsroom. With Domhnall Gleeson being in the middle of it all, Oscar Nuñez making his comeback, and fresh talent like Sabrina Impacciatore joining the newsroom, the show promises big laughs and big, precious moments.

If The Office was able to capture all of the quirks of everyday office life, then this show takes that same documentary lens and points it at the messy, hopeful world of a local newsroom!


Stay tuned to Soap Central for more.

Edited by Priscillah Mueni