The Paper season 2, a Peacock series spinoff of The Office, is scheduled to premiere on September 9, 2026, with 10 new episodes. ^[1] The season's primary narrative focuses on the romance between editor-in-chief Ned, played by Domhnall Gleeson, and reporter Mare, played by Chelsea Frei. ^[2] Jasmine highlights Tim Key's character Ken and Gbemisola Ikumelo's character as the strongest parts of the season, with their comedic double act peaking between episodes 2 and 3. ^[3] Jasmine observes that Esmeralda, played by Sabrina Impacciatore, remains a divisive character, and the creators have doubled down on her grating personality traits, which reach pantomime levels. ^[4] TechRadar reviewer Jasmine states that only about half of The Paper season 2's 10 episodes are worth watching, describing the season as inconsistent. ^[5] New cast members include Lisa Gilroy as the inappropriate HR representative Lisa, Andy Richter as a fleeting love interest for Esmeralda, and Jon Lovitz as a new colleague. ^[6] The show employs a scattershot comedic approach with broad farce, such as Esmeralda undercover as a teenage boy and a task force recreating a crime scene with condiments. ^[7]