NBC has decided to conclude the linear broadcast of its new sitcom The Paper ahead of schedule, replacing it with repeats of another comedy. The Office spin-off, which premiered on the network in November, will air its remaining episodes on a single Saturday night. Peacock, the show's streaming home, has already renewed it for a second season.
The Paper, a spin-off of the long-running sitcom The Office, is wrapping up its initial run on NBC sooner than planned. The series, which follows the staff of a struggling Toledo newspaper through the lens of the same documentary crew that captured Dunder Mifflin's Scranton branch, debuted on NBC on November 10. This came after the full 10-episode first season became available on Peacock in September.
Originally slated to continue airing new episodes on Mondays at 8:30 pm through January 26, the show will now broadcast its final three episodes on Saturday, January 3. Starting January 5, that time slot will be filled with repeats of Stumble, NBC's freshman cheerleading comedy, while new episodes of Stumble continue on Fridays at 8:30 pm.
Starring Domhnall Gleeson as Ned, the newly appointed editor-in-chief, The Paper also features Oscar Nuñez reprising his role as accountant Oscar from The Office. Peacock has touted the series as the second-biggest comedy premiere in its history, trailing only Ted. The streamer announced a second-season renewal shortly after launch, signaling strong confidence despite the abbreviated network run.
This move reflects shifting priorities in broadcast schedules, with NBC opting to leverage repeats of a newer show amid the competitive primetime landscape.