The Paper Season 2 returns to the streaming platform Peacock on September 9, with 10 new episodes. While the show has been praised for its humor and quirky premise, some critics argue that only about half of the new episodes are truly worth watching. The Office spinoff, which follows a group of journalists at a fictional newspaper, continues to face the same challenges it had in Season 1—namely, that much of the content feels underwhelming and lacks the spark needed to make it stand out. At the center of the show is Ned (played by Domhnall Gleeson), the editor-in-chief who is constantly on the hunt for big stories that will elevate his team. However, his efforts often feel desperate and unfulfilled. Meanwhile, Esmeralda (Sabrina Impacciatore), one of the more prominent characters, is portrayed as self-centered and focused on her own reputation rather than the team. Other characters, like Nicole (Ramona Young), are compared to The Office’s Kelly Kapoor, but in a way that feels less compelling. Mare (Chelsea Frei) is simply trying to do her best in a setting that doesn’t seem to support her. While The Paper Season 2 has some dramatic elements that keep the story from collapsing into pure office humor, many of these plot points are short-lived or feel forced. One critic compared the show’s struggle to a scene from Mean Girls, where Regina George tells Gretchen Wieners, "Stop making fetch happen. It’s not going to happen." The same could be said for The Paper—it’s trying too hard to be a hit, rather than evolving naturally. Despite these issues, there are some bright spots. British comedian Tim Key and Gbemisola Ikumelo stand out as the most compelling members of the cast. Key’s character, Ken, provides sharp wit and humor that elevates the show, while Ikumelo’s performance is both sassy and brilliant. Their chemistry is particularly strong, with their dynamic reaching a peak in episodes 2 and 3. Their presence alone could be enough to keep fans coming back for a third season. While The Paper Season 2 is not the worst show on TV in 2026, it also won’t be making any "best of the year" lists. It’s a show that has potential but struggles to fully realize it, often feeling like a half-baked attempt at comedy and drama. Still, with the right changes and more focus on its stronger characters, it might yet find its footing.