Summary
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Steve Carell stars as a bestselling author navigating college life in “Rooster,” a new HBO comedy series premiering March 8, 2026
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The show is created by Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses, featuring an ensemble cast including Phil Dunster, Danielle Deadwyler, and John C. McGinley
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The plot follows Carell’s character as he moves to campus to support his daughter, eventually attempting to live up to the “studly” persona of his fictional hero
Steve Carell is heading back to school, but not for a degree. HBO has just unveiled the first trailer for Rooster, a 10-episode comedy series that marks a powerhouse collaboration between Carell and the brilliant mind of Bill Lawrence. Set to premiere on March 8, 2026, the show follows the chaotic homecoming of a best-selling author who finds himself entangled in the academic and personal wreckage of his daughter’s life.
The trailer introduces us to a father-daughter dynamic pushed to the brink. Carell’s daughter, a professor played by Charly Clive, is reeling from a faculty house fire and a physical altercation with her ex-husband, who infamously left her for a student. As Carell’s character—the creator of a hyper-masculine book series—gets coaxed into staying on campus, he begins a hilarious quest to embody his own fictional protagonist, the titular “Rooster.” From navigating frat parties to befriending Gen Z students, Carell leans into the awkward, earnest charm that has made him a titan of the genre.
Rounding out an impressive ensemble cast are Danielle Deadwyler, Phil Dunster, John C. McGinley, and Lauren Tsai. With Lawrence and Matt Tarses serving as co-showrunners, “Rooster” promises the same blend of sharp wit and genuine heart found in their previous hits. Airing weekly through May 10, the series represents a major homecoming for Carell at HBO, following his recent acclaimed turn in Mountainhead. It’s a satirical, high-energy look at mid-life reinvention set against the backdrop of modern university life.
