HBOs Rooster Starring Steve Carell Premieres March 8

HBO's new comedy series "Rooster" premieres Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 10 p.m. ET, bringing Steve Carell back to television in a campus-set story blending family dynamics and satirical takes on academic life. Created by Bill Lawrence, known for "Scrubs," "Ted Lasso," and "Shrinking," and co-created with Matt Tarses, the half-hour show follows Greg Russo, a bestselling thriller author played by Carell, as he becomes entangled in the world of a small liberal arts college.

The series centers on Greg's strained relationship with his daughter, Katie, portrayed by Charly Clive, an art history professor at Ludlow College. Katie's public breakup with a colleague, played by Phil Dunster, prompts Greg to step in, leading to awkward interventions amid campus politics and cultural debates. The narrative mixes light satire on issues like "wokeness" with sentimental family moments, as Greg teaches a writing seminar despite his limited formal education. Supporting roles include Danielle Deadwyler as Dylan, a comedic foil; John C. McGinley as Walter Mann; and Lauren Tsai as Sunny. Recurring and guest appearances feature actors such as Annie Mumolo, Connie Britton, Robby Hoffman, Scott...