Oh my God! Okay, it’s happening. Everybody stay calm! In a world where most new sitcoms these days feel like rehashed versions of old sitcoms, it was only a matter of time before The Office got mined for parts. The original The Office was already an Americanized version of a successful U.K. sitcom of the same name, so why not expand the universe even further, right? That’s exactly what Peacock is thinking. And the new version is not a reboot of that old show. In fact, it sounds entirely different from both the U.S. and U.K. versions in almost every way—from the setting to the stakes to the growing cast. So what do we know about this mostly new sitcom?
How is this connected to The Office?
The connection to the original beloved sitcom is a bit tenuous, but still intriguing: the new show is shot by the “documentary crew” that followed the Scranton Dunder Mifflin branch in the U.S. The Office. It’s also co-created by The Office (U.S.) mastermind Greg Daniels, alongside Michael Koman, known for Nathan for You. Daniels clarified to The Wrap that he doesn’t consider this new show a reboot. Instead, he compared it to the way The Mandalorian fits into the Star Wars universe—an extension rather than a retelling. “Something like the notion of this documentary crew doing a documentary about a different subject. That, I think, could be intriguing and creative,” Daniels explained. “But I don’t even know what you would call that.” Well, it certainly sounds like a spinoff to us!
What’s this show about?
Forget the office cubicles and printer jams—this show shifts its focus from everyday office workers to the world of journalism. Rather than documenting the mundane life of white-collar office workers (which would be a challenge these days when so many people are working hybrid), the new show will follow publishers attempting to revive a “dying historic Midwestern newspaper.” So, we still have paper—just the kind you read instead of copy. Think of it as The Office, but with even more existential dread. With the decline of print journalism in real life, this concept is a particularly apt and fertile ground for comedy and drama alike.
Who’s in it?
The cast is shaping up to be an eclectic and international bunch. Gbemisola Ikumelo, Alex Edelman, Tim Key, and Eric Rahill are the latest names to join the lineup, and in true Office spirit, Rahill, Ikumelo, and Edelman are also contributing as writers. Earlier, the Palisadian-Post, a California newspaper, broke the news that Chelsea Frei, Melvin Gregg, and Ramona Young had joined the cast, even reporting that the trio shadowed its staffers to prep for their roles. International talent is also getting involved, with Italian actress Sabrina Impacciatore (The White Lotus) and Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson (Run) among the ensemble.
There’s no word yet on whether any of the original cast members of The Office will make appearances. Jenna Fischer told People she hasn’t been approached yet, but we’re all crossing our fingers for some surprise cameos. Wouldn’t we all love to see Creed pop up somewhere unexpected? The door to The Office universe is open, and we’re hopeful that at least a few familiar faces might stop by.
How can I watch it?
The still-untitled sitcom was picked up by Peacock on May 8, marking a decade since the final episode of The Office aired on NBC. “It’s been more than ten years since the final episode of The Office aired on NBC, and the acclaimed comedy series continues to gain popularity and build new generations of fans on Peacock,” Lisa Katz, President of NBCUniversal Entertainment, stated. “In partnership with Universal Television and led by the creative team of Greg Daniels and Michael Koman, this new series set in the universe of Dunder Mifflin introduces a new cast of characters in a fresh setting ripe for comedic storytelling: a daily newspaper.”
There’s still no confirmed release date or production timeline, so fans will have to hold their breath a bit longer. With Daniels at the helm, there’s hope that we could get the full sitcom treatment—maybe even a return to those juicy, lengthy 24-episode seasons that have become all too rare. For now, we’re just keeping an eye out for updates and getting our Peacock accounts ready for whenever this new Office spinoff drops.
What Else Should Fans Know?
In an era where nostalgia reigns supreme, it’s not surprising that a new installment in the Office universe is in the works. But Daniels has made it clear that they’re not looking to simply rehash what made The Office a hit; instead, they’re exploring a brand-new aspect of modern American life. And there’s something oddly poetic about a documentary crew—the same one that chronicled the quirky employees of Dunder Mifflin—turning its lens toward the decline of local journalism. It’s the kind of storytelling that Greg Daniels has proven adept at: finding humor in the mundane while delivering a subtle commentary on broader societal issues.
Until we get more specifics, all we can do is speculate and hope that this new chapter lives up to the high expectations set by its predecessors. The combination of a newsroom setting, a diverse cast, and the involvement of Daniels certainly bodes well. And given that Peacock is eager to bring in The Office audience, expect plenty of Easter eggs, callbacks, and perhaps even a cameo or two to keep fans happy. So keep your staplers in Jell-O—the spirit of The Office is about to live on, even if the desks look a little different this time.
