Rooster (2026)

It’s the kind of show that doesn’t knock your socks off​, but its amiable wit is more than welcome.

It’s low stakes, soft-edged, humane, basically gentle, a little fantastic, a little farcical, well cast and well played in every instance — qualities I happen to like, and maybe you do, too.

Fast-paced and funny with an undercurrent of authentic emotion, “Rooster” is a half-hour comedy worth crowing about.

Though the series strikes the creator’s signature balance of humor and emotional depth, Rooster has yet to rival Shrinking, Ted Lasso, or The Office. That’s not to say the six of ten episodes made available for review weren’t a genuinely fun ride; rather, it’s a testament to the incredible heights we’ve seen both men reach.

With Lawrence vets John C. McGinley and Phil Dunster also turning out reliably bizarre and antagonistic performances, Rooster has more working parts than broken ones to keep the HBO Max comedy moving.

HBO’s Rooster is an acting masterclass, with tour-de-force performances from Steve Carrell, Phil Dunster, Danielle Deadwyler, John C. McGinley, and more. It’s at once charming, incisive, and laugh-out-loud funny.

If the series can build on the momentum it builds here, “Rooster” may hit a rarified air typically reserved for the best shows, one which feels like an accurate portrait of the ups and downs of life, rendered in both comedic and tragic clarity. That, combined with a tremendously compelling central dynamic thanks to the charm and charisma of Carell and Clive, makes the trip back to school well worth it.

As a show that keeps getting better as it goes and an ensemble that is nailing every scene, Rooster belongs at the top of your must-watch list this season.

It's already become a charming comedy filled with the warmth and clever banter of past Lawrence productions and ambitions to explore some thematic territory all its own.

Excelent TV show. Pleasant to watch and funny enough to keep you watching without pausing.

The intro had me a bit chicken. Leading with the characters quirks and the sarcastic banter had me thinking caricatures and callousness. No. They're all complete, likeable characters. The dialog is clever - many laughs - and it has a Schitt's Creek and Ted Lasso warmth. I wouldn't call the plots compelling, but each episode is a fun 30 minutes.

Steve Carell heads the cast as the popular writer of action/adventure pulp, who takes a job teaching at a university. This sets him up for all manner of gentle comedy, as he interacts with students, faculty and his own daughter, who’s teaching there too. It’s created by Matt Tarses, best known for “Scrubs” and Bill Lawrence, who’s credits include “Ted Lasso,” “Shrinking,” as well as “Scrubs.” With this pedigree you’d expect a charming new take on college life and politics. The entire ensemble has its charms and the humorous situations are boosted by the characters. Carell provides most of the comedy and “Scrubs” doc John C. McGinley chimes in with his aggressive style, while Annie Mumolo adds a fun off-key character as his secretary. While it is amiable and pleasant, this series doesn’t break new ground or prove as entertaining as the other shows created by this duo. (Review based on 9 out of 10 thirty-minute eps)

A funny show that gives off nostalgic 90s vibes. Funny parts, not game changing but just a pleasant surprise.

started out with a big 'meh' but after the characters have been further developed - the show is very entertaining. Steve Carell just captures the show - it is fun to watch him. All the supporting characters are good - and the writing is ok. It is a little - slight - but that doesn't mean it isn't a good watch...

Embarrassingly bad. Aside from Cougar Town, I’ve loved all of the Bill Lawrence series, but this one falls massively short. I feel the only ones giving this a great review are those who have such a love for Steve Carrel, likely from the office, that they convince themselves this is watchable. But Carrell hasn’t been good since the 2000s, his ego outgrew his ability to be likeable on screen.

Form your own opinion. Okay, I’m so glad I watched this. Not going to lie, I almost passed based on others reviews, but WHAT…I am blown away. I consider myself a tough laugh but I truly laughed out loud multiple times. Not sure why you guys are dogging on this so hard when **** first episode…of ten? Of course it needs to build and set up where it’s going. Glad I didn’t miss out on this, will be tuning in again next week. Shout out original content. Shout out not another reboot. You guys will complain about anything. Pop off, Rooster.

There were some good comedic moments in the pilot episode, and with Phil Dunster (one of the few bright spots in the last season of Ted Lasso) and Danielle Deadwyler, it's got a solid supporting cast. I'm optimistic about its potential!