Original ideas have been missing in Hollywood for years, but television is increasingly trying to score easy points too.
Because now there is some kind of spin-off of The Office (US), also known as the best comedy series ever. I am curious, but watching the trailer also makes me sceptical.
The Paper is about the newsroom of an American newspaper that is struggling badly. The documentary crew from The Office will be documenting these events this time.
When I watch The Office, I burst out laughing multiple times. Again and again, even though I have seen the entire series several times. But when I watch the trailer for The Paper, I can barely manage a smile.
Everyone who has seen The Office knows the strength of that show lies in its recognisable characters. Everyone works with someone who resembles one of them.
Of course it is too early to say, but I do not see that happening quickly with The Paper, at least not without it becoming too much of a watered-down version of the original.
And no, Oscar does not count.
Still, I am curious. It will be available on Peacock from September, which usually means SkyShowtime here in the Netherlands.