HBO releases first look at new comedy series Rooster starring Steve Carell

HBO has released the first official images for its upcoming comedy series Rooster, set to premiere in March 2026.

The series stars Steve Carell as Greg Russo, a novelist who visits a college campus for a reading and becomes unexpectedly involved in campus life.

Rooster is created by acclaimed TV comedy producer Bill Lawrence, known for Scrubs, Cougar Town, and recent successes like Ted Lasso and Shrinking. Lawrence co-showruns the series with Matt Tarses, and the executive producer team also includes Carell, Jeff Ingold, Liza Katzer, Jonathan Krisel, Barbie Adler, Annie Mebane, David Stassen, and Anthony King.

The show’s ensemble cast features Charly Clive (The Lazarus Project) as Russo’s daughter, a university professor navigating her own challenges. Other notable cast members include Danielle Deadwyler (The Woman in the Yard), Phil Dunster (Ted Lasso), Lauren Tsai (Legion), and John C. McGinley, reuniting with Lawrence from Scrubs.

Set across ten episodes, the series follows Russo’s comedic misadventures at the college while interacting with the faculty, students, and a charming canine companion. The title Rooster derives from one of Russo’s novels, reflecting his larger-than-life personality and narrative style.

Lawrence’s long-standing collaboration with Tarses and Carell promises a blend of clever humor and heartfelt storytelling. With the series building on Lawrence’s reputation for character-driven comedies, Rooster is expected to attract both fans of his previous works and new viewers seeking fresh, campus-centered comedy.

HBO has yet to announce a precise release date, but the network confirmed the March 2026 premiere window. Fans are encouraged to follow official HBO updates for the latest on Rooster.