The Paper season 2: everything we know so far about the hit Peacock show's return

The Paper season 2 is officially on the way. Arriving as a spin-off of a beloved sitcom is no easy feat, especially when it's the likes of hit mockumentary, The Office. Fortunately, The Paper cast is just as good as the original.

Set in the same universe and spearheaded by The Office's Greg Daniels alongside Michael Koman, The Paper follows the unlikely staff of fictional small-town newspaper, The Truth Teller. And after ten wonderful episodes uncovering an intimate look at the lives of the staff during their day-to-day work, there's more to come.

Here's everything we know about The Paper season 2 from expected cast, plot rumors, predicted release date and more.

The Paper season 2: is there a release date?

The Paper season 2 is officially happening! Just a day before season 1 premiered on Peacock, Variety reported that the show had already been renewed for season 2. High praise, indeed.

The report went on to reveal that co-creator Greg Daniels is "already at work on plans for a Season 2" and should give him and fellow exec producer/showrunner Michael Koman "enough time to make sure that The Paper returns for its sophomore season around this same time next year."

So, The Paper season 2 in September 2026? There's no official word yet, but it's looking hopeful.

The Paper season 2 trailer

I imagine we won't have The Paper season 2 trailer for a while yet, considering season 1 has only just aired. The season 1 trailer came out a month before the show premiered on Peacock, so if there's hope for a 2026 season 2, that could mean a 2026 trailer release. As soon as I hear more, I'll update it here.

The Paper season 2 confirmed and predicted cast

Spoilers follow for The Paper season 1.

Given The Paper is in its infant years and is a mockumentary just like its predecessor, The Office, it's most likely that the exact same cast will return for season 2:

• Domhnall Glesson as Ned Sampson
• Sabrina Impacciatore as Esmeralda Grand
• Chelsea Frei as Mare Pritti
• Melvin Gregg as Detrick Moore
• Gbemisola Ikumelo as Adelola Olofin
• Alex Edelman as Adam Cooper
• Ramona Young as Nicole Lee
• Tim Key as Ken Davies
• Oscar Nuñez as Oscar Martinez
• Eric Rahill as Travis
• Duane R. Shepard Sr. as Barry

The Paper season 2 story speculation

The Paper season 1 followed the everyday lives of a fictional small-town newspaper, The Truth Teller. Filmed by the same mockumentary crew of The Office and Scranton's beloved Dunder Mifflin, it's a whole new cast, aside from Oscar returning (and a Bob Vance cameo). And season 2 will undoubtedly be much of the same.

Over ten episodes, viewers were given an inside look at the employees of the paper, who turned out not to be the most experienced journalists, alongside their calm and level-headed boss, Ned (Domhnall Gleeson) and less calm and far less level-headed Managing Editor, Esmeralda (Sabrina Impacciatore).

The staff chased down stories and fought to secure the future of the struggling paper all under the watchful eye of Ned, a beacon amongst all the absolute chaos.

And, as was the case with The Office, there was an intimate focus on the relationships of the employees, both personally and with each other. None more so than the growing relationship between Ned and Mare, which ultimately led to the biggest cliffhanger of season 1 – a kiss shared between the pair.

While it's not quite in contention with Jim and Pam's "will they, won't they?" kiss of The Office, it's most definitely a plot story worth returning to in The Paper season 2.

Big news for season 2 though as it already looks like the cast and crew are back in the writing room. Speaking to Esquire about season 2 in late September, Impacciatore revealed she's already met with Greg Daniels: "I sent a message to Greg like two weeks ago: "I've just landed in L.A. and I can't believe the show is coming out!" And he wrote: ":Oh good, can you come to the writers room tomorrow? This is the first week of season 2."

And for her hopes for season 2, she added: "I hope there are going to be more situations where the script inspires me to go crazy. I would like to do more animal [impressions] because I'm a child inside.

"I would love to see Esmeralda in love more and more – but always in love with the wrong people. I like to imagine what she could do next – where her mind could bring her with Ned, for example."

For now, the plot is in the writers room and so, we haven't got much insight. But, more craziness from Esmeralda weathered by a mild-natured Ned is definitely a great suggestion for looking ahead to The Paper season 2.

Will The Paper return for season 3?

Given The Paper season 2 doesn't yet have a release date, it feels way too early to say whether The Paper will return for more seasons after that.

While The Office had nine seasons in total, it will, of course, depend on the show's popularity as each season premieres on Peacock. As of right now, it's sitting at an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and that could very well mean more seasons.

Oh, and I imagine given The Paper season 2 got an early renewal, when we do have a release date, we might be a lot closer to finding out.