Sabrina Impacciatore, known for her breakout role in the acclaimed series ‘The White Lotus’, is set to return as the fiery web editor Esmeralda Grand in the second season of the popular show ‘The Paper’. This season premieres on Peacock on Thursday, 9th September, and promises to take viewers on another thrilling ride through the chaotic world of the Toledo Truth Teller newsroom.
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The Italian actress has expressed a mix of excitement and anxiety as she steps back into her role. Impacciatore revealed to PEOPLE that her feelings upon returning to the set were markedly different from those experienced during the show’s first season. “In season one, I was terrified about whether I would succeed in the role,” she recalled. “This time, my fear was rooted in whether I could effectively return to portraying the same character.”
She elaborated, acknowledging the common concern many actors face: the challenge of reconnecting with a character after a significant break. “I had genuine worries about whether I would still fit into Esmeralda’s shoes after so long,” she admitted, reflecting on the pressure that comes with reprising such a unique and neurotic character.
Fortunately for Impacciatore, the process of reconnecting with Esmeralda proved to be easier than she anticipated. “As soon as I slipped into my outfit—a tight skirt, a big belt, golden high heels, and styled my hair—I felt an immediate sense of returning to her world,” she said. The actress likened the moment to reuniting with a long-lost twin, remarking, “It felt like I was welcoming back a sister, ready to embark on an even more spectacular adventure than before.”
Season two is expected to have a fresh dynamism, particularly after the Toledo Truth Teller staff experienced a significant victory in the season one finale, where they triumphed at the Ohio Journalism Awards. The new series will explore Esmeralda’s ongoing struggles to establish her role amidst a maturing staff of reporters, while Ned, played by Domhnall Gleeson, embarks on a personal quest for journalistic integrity while navigating his relationship with Mare, portrayed by Chelsea Frei.
Having previously described her character as “the opposite of me,” Impacciatore found the role both demanding and compelling. “It was a real challenge to embody someone so manipulative, competitive, and often nasty,” she noted. This internal struggle was heightened by her concerns about whether her comedic sensibilities, being grounded in Italian culture, would translate well to the show’s American audience. “Every single day during production, I would question, ‘Is this my last day?’” she recalled, reflecting the intensity of her dedication to the role.
As the anticipation builds ahead of the season two premiere, fans of ‘The Paper’ can look forward to witnessing not only the continuation of Esmeralda’s whirlwind story but also the development of her colleagues as they strive to adapt and flourish in the demanding environment of journalism.
Overall, the new season promises a rich blend of comedy and character development, ultimately inviting audiences to join the Toledo Truth Teller team on yet another unpredictable journey. With the creative team behind ‘The Office’ at the helm, there is a great deal of excitement surrounding how this release will unfold and what new heights the characters will reach.
As the premiere date approaches, both viewers and cast members alike eagerly await to see what unfolds in this unique blend of chaos and camaraderie, reaffirming the show’s appeal and growing fan base. There is no doubt that Sabrina Impacciatore’s return as Esmeralda will be a highlight, as she dives back into the unpredictable and vibrant world of ‘The Paper’.