From Bill Lawrence, creator of Ted Lasso. Steve Carell stars in Rooster, HBO's biggest comedy premiere in a decade. Watch now.
- March 26, 2026
AceShowbiz - The latest comedy series from renowned producer and writer Bill Lawrence is making waves on HBO. Bill Lawrence, known for hits like Shrinking and Ted Lasso, has recently launched his new show, Rooster, which has quickly become one of the most talked-about premieres of the year.
Rooster debuted on HBO earlier this month and has released three episodes so far, with the latest titled "White Whale." The series stars the Oscar-nominated actor Steve Carell alongside rising star Charly Clive, who plays his daughter. This pairing has helped the show establish itself as a fresh must-watch comedy on HBO’s platform.
According to streaming data, Rooster attracted an impressive 2.4 million U.S. cross-platform viewers within its first three days, marking it as HBO’s largest comedy premiere in over ten years. The show’s early success extends beyond the U.S., ranking as the second most-watched series on HBO Max worldwide. It has topped streaming charts in multiple countries, only trailing behind the popular medical drama The Pitt.
In addition to Carell and Clive, the cast features familiar faces from Bill Lawrence’s previous projects. Phil Dunster, known for his breakout role in Ted Lasso, joins the ensemble, along with talented actors such as Danielle Deadwyler, John C. McGinley, Lauren Tsai, and recurring appearances by Connie Britton and Robby Hoffman. This strong ensemble contributes to the show’s critical and popular appeal.
Critics have responded positively to Rooster, praising its blend of humor and heartfelt moments. Tania Hussain of Collider highlighted the show’s ability to balance "big laughs, small emotional landmines, and relationships," crediting this mix as a hallmark of Lawrence’s work. She emphasized that the ensemble cast "is nailing every scene," suggesting the series should be considered a top pick for viewers this season.
Bill Lawrence continues to demonstrate his knack for creating compelling television with Rooster, following his successes with the third season of Shrinking and the upcoming fourth season of Ted Lasso. His recent revival of Scrubs also received widespread acclaim, showing his consistent ability to deliver quality content across various projects.
The success of Rooster represents a significant milestone for Steve Carell, marking his biggest series role since his iconic work on The Office. Fans and critics alike are eagerly watching to see if the show can climb to number one on HBO Max globally, just behind The Pitt at the moment.
As the series progresses, it is expected to continue attracting viewers with its unique blend of comedy and drama, bolstered by a talented cast and experienced creative team. For those interested in smart, engaging comedy with emotional depth, Rooster is quickly becoming a top contender in the 2026 television landscape.
Rooster is currently available for streaming on HBO Max. Fans of Steve Carell and Bill Lawrence should keep an eye on this promising new show as it unfolds in the coming weeks.