HBO has set a March 2026 premiere date for 'Rooster,' a new comedy series starring Steve Carell as a middle-aged author navigating a complicated relationship with his daughter on a college campus. The 10-episode season, co-created by Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses, will air on HBO and stream on Max. Carell executive produces alongside the show's creators and a team of producers from Warner Bros. Television.
Series Overview
'Rooster' is an original comedy series set on a college campus, where Steve Carell stars as a middle-aged author who becomes entangled in the world of higher education while dealing with his strained relationship with his daughter, played by Charly Clive. The show explores these dynamics through humor, drawing on Carell's established comedic talents from roles like Michael Scott in 'The Office.'
Premiere and Availability
HBO announced the series on December 8, 2025, confirming a debut in March 2026. The first season consists of 10 episodes, which will premiere on the network and be available to stream on Max, HBO's streaming service. This timing positions 'Rooster' as a key addition to HBO's comedy lineup early in the year.
Cast and Production
Joining Carell and Clive are Danielle Deadwyler ('Station Eleven'), Phil Dunster ('Ted Lasso'), John C. McGinley ('Scrubs'), and Lauren Tsai ('Legion'). The series is co-showrun by Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses, both alumni of 'Scrubs,' with Carell also serving as an executive producer. Additional executive producers include Jeff Ingold, Jonathan Krisel, Barbie Adler, Annie Mebane, David Stassen, Anthony King, and Liza Katzer. Produced by Warner Bros. Television, where Lawrence and Tarses have overall deals, 'Rooster' marks another collaboration in HBO's roster of character-driven comedies.
Background on Carell
Steve Carell, known for his Emmy-nominated performance in 'The Office,' has recently appeared in 'The Morning Show,' 'Space Force,' and 'The Four Seasons.' His involvement in 'Rooster' highlights his return to lead roles in ensemble comedies, building on his executive producing experience.