HBO has renewed its new comedy series “ROOSTER” for a second season, after the first four episodes averaged 5.8 million U.S. viewers and positioned the show as the most‑watched freshman HBO comedy in over a decade. The 10‑episode first season, from Warner Bros. Television, airs Sundays at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and is available to stream on HBO Max, leading up to the season finale on May 10.
Ratings and critical acclaim
In addition to its impressive viewership, “ROOSTER” has earned strong critical acclaim, being deemed “certified fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes.
Outlets have praised the show’s tone and performances: IGN called the freshman comedy “charming, incisive, and laugh‑out‑loud funny,” while The Wrap highlighted its “tremendously compelling central dynamic.” Esquire described Steve Carell’s performance as “phenomenal,” and Mashable lauded the show’s “incredible ensemble cast.”
HBO and WBTV on why ROOSTER works
Amy Gravitt, EVP, HBO Programming and Head of HBO & HBO Max Comedy Series, said:
“It’s been heartening to feel the audience embrace ROOSTER, as we did when we first saw Steve, Bill and Matt bring this character to life. Along with our partners at WBTV and Doozer, we’re looking forward to seeing what Ludlow’s Spring Semester has in store for this incredible comedy ensemble.”
Clancy Collins White, President, Creative Affairs, Warner Bros. Television, added:
“ROOSTER is a heartfelt, endearing series, and its second‑season renewal is richly deserved. Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses are masters of their craft, bringing their signature heart and humor to life through an incredible cast led by Steve Carell. We’re thrilled to continue this creative journey with HBO and Doozer.”
Co‑showrunner, executive producer, and writer Bill Lawrence commented:
“We are so grateful to Warner Bros. Television and HBO for being such great partners and to Casey, Amy and Channing for giving us the opportunity to keep making this show with Steve and our amazing cast. It’s been a career highlight for both of us, but more for Matt than me.”
Story and setting: a campus comedy with heart
Season 1 logline:
A college‑set comedy centered on an author’s (Steve Carell) complicated relationship with his daughter (Charly Clive), as they navigate life, work, and personal boundaries on the same campus.
The show uses the university setting to explore family dynamics, generational clashes, ambition, and vulnerability, balancing sharp humor with emotional depth—hallmarks of co‑creators Bill Lawrence (Ted Lasso, Shrinking) and Matt Tarses (Scrubs).
Cast: Steve Carell leads a strong ensemble
Season 1 cast:
- Steve Carell as the author father and professor, following acclaimed TV turns in The Office and The Morning Show.
- Charly Clive, bringing emotional and comedic nuance to the role of his daughter.
- Danielle Deadwyler
- Phil Dunster
- John C. McGinley
- Lauren Tsai
The ensemble has been widely praised for its chemistry and timing, with critics singling out the central father–daughter relationship as the emotional engine of the show.
Creative team and production
“ROOSTER” comes from co‑showrunners Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses, both of whom have long‑standing relationships with Warner Bros. Television.
Season 1 credits:
Created by / Co‑showrunners: Bill Lawrence, Matt Tarses
Executive Producers:
- Bill Lawrence, Jeff Ingold, Liza Katzer for Doozer
- Matt Tarses
- Jonathan Krisel
- Barbie Adler
- Annie Mebane
- David Stassen
- Anthony King
- David Hyman
- Steve Carell
Studio: Warner Bros. Television, where both Doozer and Matt Tarses are under overall deals.
The series premiered on March 8, 2026, and was officially renewed for Season 2 in April 2026, with the creative team expressing hope to tell the full story over a multi‑season arc.
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