The Paper season 2 star: polarizing character still evolving as new Peacock episodes drop

Rewatching season one before the new instalment made one thing obvious: viewers are sharply divided over the character Esmeralda. With season 2 arriving on Peacock on September 9, that split matters — the way audiences respond to her arc could change how the show is talked about and whether it gains traction for future seasons.

Why Esmeralda provokes such strong reactions

Played by Sabrina Impacciatore, Esmeralda is written as loud, unapologetically self-focused and often oblivious to the newsroom around her. Those traits fuel the series’ comedy for some viewers and grate on others who see the character as overbearing rather than endearing.

Online conversations have ranged from affectionate mockery of her antics to outright frustration that the show leans so heavily on one abrasive personality. That polarity is part of the conversation critics and the creative team are watching as the new episodes drop.

What the actress says — and why it matters

Impacciatore says audience feedback hasn’t rewritten the character. She describes Esmeralda as, in her words, “a work in progress,” and stresses that the show’s tone and direction evolve in the writers’ room. That suggests the creative team is responsive to discoveries made during filming rather than to social media takes alone.

“We keep exploring new things,” she told me, explaining that the performance and script often shift from day to day. That fluid approach may help the writers refine the character without flattening the risks that make the show unpredictable.

What to watch for in season 2

• Character consequences: Esmeralda faces several incidents that test her, and those moments could soften or harden audience sympathy depending on execution.
• Tonal balance: Will the series recalibrate the comedy around ensemble dynamics, or double down on Esmeralda’s distinct energy?
• Performance highlights: Impacciatore’s ability to sell awkward, huge-moment comedy remains central — critics will judge whether the show leans into nuance.
• Impact on renewal chances: Viewer and critic reception of this season will factor into whether the show continues beyond a possible third season.

Those elements together determine whether people who previously found Esmeralda insufferable might come around — or whether the chasm between fans and detractors widens.

Broader stakes for the series

Beyond a single character, reactions to Esmeralda reflect how audiences respond to workplace comedies that hinge on a deliberately abrasive lead. A successful arc could reshape the show’s reputation from mildly divisive to broadly admired; missteps might make its tone feel repetitive.

For readers deciding whether to watch this season: the show is banking on character development and situational callbacks rather than dramatic reinvention. If you prefer ensemble comedies that redistribute focus, this season will be the test of whether that’s possible here.

Ultimately, Esmeralda remains a polarizing figure — charming to some, grating to others — and season 2 will be the moment when many viewers decide if their initial reaction changes. Whatever the outcome, the episodes arriving on Peacock this September are likely to intensify the conversation rather than quiet it.