What is the paper company in The Office?
Quick answer
The paper company in the US version of The Office is Dunder Mifflin, and the show follows its Scranton, Pennsylvania branch. Regional manager Michael Scott (Steve Carell) leads a staff that includes Jim, Pam and Dwight, in a mockumentary about everyday office life.
Key facts
- Show
- The Office (NBC, 2005–2013)
- Company
- Dunder Mifflin Paper Company
- Branch
- Scranton, Pennsylvania
- Based on
- The Office (UK, 2001–2003), by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant
The show is filmed like a documentary, with characters speaking directly to the camera in “talking head” interviews. Its awkward humor turns ordinary moments, like meetings, birthday parties and sales calls, into comedy.
Main characters
| Character | Actor | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Scott | Steve Carell | Regional manager (seasons 1–7) |
| Jim Halpert | John Krasinski | Salesman and prankster |
| Pam Beesly | Jenna Fischer | Receptionist |
| Dwight Schrute | Rainn Wilson | Salesman, beet farmer, self-declared assistant to the regional manager |
| Andy Bernard | Ed Helms | Salesman, later manager |
| Angela, Kevin, Oscar, Stanley, Phyllis | Various | The accounting and sales staff |
Dunder Mifflin facts
- In later seasons, Dunder Mifflin is bought by printer company Sabre.
- Michael briefly starts a rival business, the Michael Scott Paper Company.
- Real Dunder Mifflin paper was later sold as official merchandise.
The UK original
The original British series, set at Wernham Hogg paper company in Slough, England, starred Ricky Gervais as manager David Brent. It ran for just two short seasons and a Christmas special. The US version ran for 9 seasons and 201 episodes.
Why it lasted
The Office became one of the most-watched shows on streaming long after it ended, introducing it to a new generation. A related mockumentary series set at a newspaper, The Paper, premiered in 2025.
Visiting Scranton? Fans tour local spots mentioned in the show. For another classic sitcom, see the coffee shop in Friends.
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