ROOSTER: HBO’s New Steve Carell Comedy Sets March 2026 Debut — Cast, Story, and Why This Could Be HBO’s Next Big Hit

HBO is betting big on character-driven comedy again — and this time, it’s putting Steve Carell front and center.

The premium network has officially announced ROOSTER, a brand-new comedy series debuting March 2026 on HBO, with streaming availability on HBO Max.

Backed by the creative minds behind some of the most beloved modern comedies, ROOSTER is already shaping up to be one of 2026’s most anticipated HBO originals.

With a sharp emotional hook, a prestige ensemble cast, and proven showrunners, this is not a loud sitcom — it’s a smart, adult comedy built for longevity.

What Is ROOSTER About?

At its core, ROOSTER is a deeply personal comedy.

Set on a college campus, the series centers on an acclaimed author played by Steve Carell, whose life becomes increasingly complicated by his strained relationship with his daughter, portrayed by Charly Clive.

Rather than leaning on campus hijinks or generational clichés, ROOSTER focuses on:

• Parent–child emotional disconnect

• The tension between intellectual authority and personal failure

• The awkward intimacy of adulthood colliding with unresolved family baggage

This is comedy rooted in discomfort, honesty, and recognition — a tone HBO has mastered when it commits to character over punchlines.

Why ROOSTER Is Already a Big Deal

The creative team alone explains the confidence.

ROOSTER comes from co-showrunners Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses, both of whom have long track records of blending humor with emotional depth.

Bill Lawrence, in particular, has repeatedly proven that comedy resonates most when it’s built on flawed, human characters rather than exaggerated setups. Pairing that sensibility with Steve Carell — an actor who thrives in precisely that space — is a calculated, high-upside move.

Carell also serves as an executive producer, signaling a hands-on role that goes beyond performance.

Full Cast: A Strong Ensemble With Range

HBO has assembled a cast that balances prestige drama experience with comedic sharpness:

• Steve Carell

• Charly Clive

• Danielle Deadwyler

• Phil Dunster

• John C. McGinley

• Lauren Tsai

This lineup suggests a series that can move seamlessly between humor, emotional confrontation, and quieter, reflective moments — exactly the tonal space HBO comedies tend to dominate.

Episode Count and Format

• Episodes: 10

• Season Structure: Single-season order (Season 1)

• Release Window: March 2026

A ten-episode order gives the series room to breathe without overstaying its welcome — ideal for a story driven by relationships rather than gimmicks.

Production and Creative Credits

ROOSTER is produced by Warner Bros. Television, with a deep bench of experienced executive producers:

• Bill Lawrence

• Jeff Ingold

• Liza Katzer (Doozer)

• Matt Tarses

• Jonathan Krisel

• Barbie Adler

• Annie Mebane

• David Stassen

• Anthony King

• Steve Carell

Both Doozer Productions and Matt Tarses operate under overall deals at Warner Bros. Television, ensuring creative stability and long-term support.

Where to Watch ROOSTER

• Network: HBO

• Streaming: HBO Max

• Premiere: March 2026

The series will debut on HBO first, with streaming availability on HBO Max — continuing the network’s dual-release strategy for major originals.

Why ROOSTER Could Be HBO’s Next Comedy Breakout

HBO comedies don’t chase trends — they define lanes.

ROOSTER fits squarely into HBO’s strongest category: adult comedies that prioritize:

• Sharp writing

• Emotional realism

• Performances over spectacle

With Steve Carell anchoring the series and Bill Lawrence shaping its voice, this show has the ingredients to appeal to both comedy fans and viewers who prefer grounded, prestige storytelling.

This isn’t a campus comedy about youth.

It’s a comedy about regret, connection, and the messiness of growing older while your child grows apart.

That specificity is its strength.

ROOSTER feels like a deliberate swing — not for virality, but for staying power.

HBO is pairing one of television’s most respected comedy creators with one of its most versatile performers, then placing them in a setting rich with emotional and intellectual tension.

Come March 2026, ROOSTER won’t be trying to be the loudest show on TV.

It’ll be aiming to be the one people keep talking about after the season ends.