Office Ladies Episode Summary: "The Paper Interviews #1 with Domhnall Gleeson"
Release Date: August 8, 2025
In this special episode of Office Ladies, hosts Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey dive into an exclusive interview with acclaimed actor Domhnall Gleeson, discussing his role in the highly anticipated Peacock series, The Paper. This episode offers fans an in-depth look at Gleeson's character, his experiences on set, and the parallels between The Paper and the beloved hit show, The Office.
Episode Overview
Office Ladies once again delivers exclusive content for fans of The Office, this time expanding its scope to include insights into related projects. In "The Paper Interviews #1 with Domhnall Gleeson," Jenna and Angela explore the intricacies of Gleeson's character and his contributions to the new series.
Introduction to "The Paper"
Jenna and Angela kick off the episode by introducing The Paper, a new television show premiering on Peacock. They reveal their unique access to the set, having interviewed several cast members during the shoot of the series' tenth episode. This behind-the-scenes access sets the stage for their conversation with Domhnall Gleeson.
Exclusive Interview with Domhnall Gleeson
Character Insight: Ned Sampson
Domhnall Gleeson introduces his character, Ned Sampson, highlighting Ned's role as the new editor-in-chief of the paper within the series.
Domhnall Gleeson (04:33): "Ned, as the series begins, is arriving at the paper. So the first day that the documentary crew arrive at the paper is Ned's first day on the job, and he is arriving to be the new editor in chief of the paper."
Ned is characterized by his optimism and high intentions, striving to revitalize a struggling newspaper industry amidst challenging odds.
Domhnall Gleeson (06:30): "He's quite an optimistic person. And he arrives into a place that's not all that enthused about being a paper, and he wants to make it something special. That's his idea."
Casting Experience
Gleeson shares his audition story, providing a glimpse into how he secured the role.
Domhnall Gleeson (05:51): "They sent me the first script, and I asked if I wanted to chat, and I said sure. And I talked to them for, I think, 20 minutes. And I think I thought maybe they were sort of interviewing me. And then when I was chatting to them, it felt more like they thought I was interviewing them. It felt funny that way. And then they offered me their part. It was great."
Storylines and Challenges
Delving into the narrative arc, Gleeson discusses the show's focus on Ned's relationship with the paper and the broader context of the declining newspaper industry.
Domhnall Gleeson (06:30): "I think his relationship to the paper is the most important thing. ... trying to do something where he can still be hopeful and still be intelligent in some ways, and yet enough to undercut it and find the humor in all of that."
He emphasizes the blend of optimism and humor in the face of industry decline, highlighting the series' balance between drama and comedy.
Improvisation and Filming Process
The conversation shifts to the creative process on set, particularly regarding improvisation and script dynamics.
Domhnall Gleeson (07:17): "The Office was almost secretly plotted... even though there is a lot of story holding all that up on this one, I think there's almost like a lot of the time it's the story of the week."
Gleeson notes that while The Office focused on character-driven stories with room for improvisation, The Paper requires a more structured approach due to its plot-heavy nature.
Domhnall Gleeson (09:02): "I think that's the ideal scenario as well. But it's also like, it's also the schedule man is full on. ... there's a lot just in a day, there's a lot to get through."
Despite the rigorous schedule and extensive scripting, Gleeson appreciates moments of spontaneity that enhance the authenticity of the performances.
Domhnall's Acting Background
Gleeson provides insight into his journey as an actor, starting with his theatrical roots.
Domhnall Gleeson (13:17): "My training I can tell you about very quickly because I have none. But my father is an actor and I fell into it in that really lucky a way that is unfair, basically."
He recounts his debut in Martin McDonagh's play "The Lieutenant of Inishmore," reflecting on its dark comedy and lasting impact on his career.
Domhnall Gleeson (14:36): "It was a very dark comedy about the IRA in Ireland... it was the funniest thing I've ever read."
Set Dynamics and Collaboration
Discussing the ensemble cast, Gleeson describes the collaborative environment on set.
Domhnall Gleeson (17:09): "We have our own sort of conference room, sort of a setup. ... it's a lovely group. It's very nice to hang out when we've time."
He highlights the balance between individual storylines and collective interactions, fostering a supportive atmosphere among the cast.
Balancing Background Work
Gleeson touches upon the demands of filming, including background work and scene preparation.
Domhnall Gleeson (17:57): "Yes, certainly happens... Everybody does background work for everybody else. But my character tends to be on or off. There's not a lot of middle territory."
This aspect underscores the collaborative effort required to bring the series to life, emphasizing the importance of each cast member's role.
Final Thoughts and Reflections
As the interview concludes, Gleeson expresses admiration for Office Ladies and acknowledges the challenge of differentiating The Paper from The Office.
Domhnall Gleeson (21:12): "You did your show so well and so beautifully. And hopefully we'll make something different enough that people will be able to treat it as its own thing because otherwise there's no winning."
His reflections highlight the respect between the two shows and the desire to carve out a unique identity for The Paper.
Conclusion and What's Next
Jenna and Angela wrap up the episode by expressing their excitement for the premiere of The Paper and teasing future interviews with other cast members. This episode not only enriches fans' understanding of Domhnall Gleeson's role but also builds anticipation for the new series' release.
Notable Quotes:
- Angela Kinsey (00:00): "What does feeling safe at home really mean to you?"
- Jenna Fischer (02:21): "Welcome to a very special Friday episode of Office Ladies."
- Domhnall Gleeson (04:33): "Ned is arriving to be the new editor in chief of the paper."
- Domhnall Gleeson (13:17): "My training I can tell you about very quickly because I have none."
- Domhnall Gleeson (21:12): "I don't deal well with compliments, but that was incredibly nice of you."
Stay tuned for the next episode of Office Ladies, featuring an interview with Chelsea Frye. Don't miss out on more exclusive behind-the-scenes stories and insights into your favorite characters and the people who bring them to life.