Bill Lawrence’s “Rooster” Brings Steve Carell to HBO with a Familiar Feel
Bill Lawrence, the creative force behind hit shows like “Ted Lasso” and “Shrinking,” returns with a new comedy, “Rooster,” premiering March 8 on HBO and HBO Max. The series, created with Matt Tarses (“Scrubs”), stars Steve Carell and explores themes of family, reinvention, and navigating the complexities of modern academia.
What’s “Rooster” About?
“Rooster” centers on Greg Russo (Steve Carell), a best-selling author who unexpectedly finds himself teaching a creative writing course at Ludlow College. His visit to the New England college initially stems from a check-in on his daughter, Katie (Charly Clive), an art history professor whose life is thrown into turmoil when her husband, Archie (Phil Dunster), leaves her for a graduate student, Sunny (Lauren Tsai). Katie’s reaction – accidentally burning down Archie’s house – leads to a deal with college president Walter Mann (John C. McGinley): Greg will teach if Katie can maintain her job.
A Complicated Father-Daughter Dynamic
The series delves into the complicated relationship between Greg and Katie. Katie grapples with the fallout of her husband’s betrayal and her father’s presence is both a source of comfort and a reminder of the circumstances that brought him there. Charly Clive portrays this push-and-pull with nuance, acting as a foil to Carell’s often overeager father figure.
Carell’s Greg, reminiscent of Jason Sudeikis’ Ted Lasso and Jason Segel’s Jimmy in “Shrinking,” is enthusiastic and often meddling, but tempered with warmth and charm. He seeks to reconnect with Katie while navigating the challenges of academia and attempting a personal reinvention.
An Ensemble Cast and Satirical Edge
“Rooster” features a strong supporting cast including Danielle Deadwyler as poetry professor Dylan, Annie Mumolo as Walter’s assistant Cristle, and Rory Scovel as a local cop. The show tackles intergenerational divides on campus, highlighting the clash between Greg’s more traditional sensibilities and the social consciousness of the students. The series handles this dynamic with a light touch, avoiding both condescension and scolding.
The show also explores the aspirations of Sunny, Archie’s former student, aiming to give her a more fully realized story beyond being “the other woman.”
Familiar Lawrence Themes
Like Lawrence’s previous operate, “Rooster” incorporates workplace dynamics and explores characters harboring deeper emotional wounds. Greg’s connection with a troubled student, Tommy (Maximo Salas), echoes similar relationships in “Shrinking.” However, the college setting and satirical elements give “Rooster” enough distinction to stand on its own.
“Rooster” premieres March 8 at 10 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.