HBO is set to expand its comedy slate with Rooster, a 10-episode series premiering March 8, 2026. Created by Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses, the show blends sharp campus humor with an emotional father-daughter story at its core. Produced by Warner Bros. Television and Doozer Productions, Rooster promises the kind of heartfelt wit and character-driven storytelling that has become a hallmark of Lawrence’s work.

Leading the series is Steve Carell, who stars as Greg Russo, a best-selling author known around campus as “Rooster.” While Steve Carell is best known for his comedic brilliance in The Office and acclaimed dramatic turns in projects like Foxcatcher, Rooster places him in a layered role that balances humor with vulnerability. 

Here is all about the star-studded ensemble of the upcoming comedy series. 

Steve Carell as Greg Russo (“Rooster”): Carell leads the series as Greg Russo, a middle-aged literary star teaching at a university where students have nicknamed him “Rooster.” Beneath his confident, sometimes pompous exterior lies a father struggling to reconnect with his daughter while maintaining his public persona as a celebrated author.

Charly Clive as Katie Russo: Charly Clive plays Greg’s daughter, Katie, who becomes the emotional centerpiece of the series. Her strained dynamic with her father drives much of the show’s conflict, especially as she navigates her own personal upheaval and independence.

Phil Dunster: Phil Dunster portrays Katie’s husband, whose sudden departure shakes up the family dynamic. Known for his breakout role in Ted Lasso, Dunster brings charm and complexity to a character whose decisions ripple through Greg and Katie’s already fragile relationship.

Danielle Deadwyler in a key campus role: Danielle Deadwyler, acclaimed for her powerful performances in dramatic roles, steps into the university setting with a character who plays an influential part in Greg’s academic and personal challenges. Her presence adds dramatic depth to the comedic landscape.

John C. McGinley in a senior faculty role: John C. McGinley, beloved for his work on Scrubs, joins the ensemble as a prominent figure within the university. His sharp comedic timing and authoritative presence make him a natural fit for the show’s satirical take on campus life.

Lauren Tsai in a student-centered role: Lauren Tsai appears in a significant campus role, likely representing the student voice that frequently clashes with Greg’s old-school literary sensibilities. Her character helps highlight generational tensions central to the story.

Annie Mumolo in a recurring role: Annie Mumolo brings her comedic flair to the supporting cast, adding levity to the university’s faculty and social circles.

Connie Britton in a supporting role: Connie Britton joins the series in a recurring capacity, contributing emotional gravitas and seasoned charm to the extended ensemble.

Robby Hoffman in a supporting role: Robby Hoffman appears as part of the recurring lineup, infusing the campus environment with bold, offbeat humor.

Scott MacArthur in a recurring role: Scott MacArthur rounds out the supporting players, adding further comedic texture to the academic chaos surrounding Greg Russo.

Steve Carell Returns to Comedy with HBO’s ‘Rooster’: Cast, Plot, Release Date and Everything We Know

Can a celebrated author who commands lecture halls and literary acclaim fix the one relationship that matters most, the one with his daughter?

At its heart, Rooster explores what happens when literary fame collides with family reality. Greg Russo may command respect in lecture halls and book tours, but his personal life is far less polished. As his daughter Katie grapples with her own marital breakdown, Greg is forced to confront his shortcomings, not just as a father, but as a man accustomed to admiration.

Set against the vibrant and often absurd backdrop of university life, the series uses campus politics, generational clashes, and intellectual egos as fertile ground for humor. Yet beneath the satire lies an intimate story about reconciliation, pride, and the complicated love between a parent and child. With Bill Lawrence’s signature mix of warmth and wit, Rooster aims to balance laugh-out-loud moments with heartfelt introspection.

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Are you excited to see Steve Carell return to television in this campus-set comedy? Let us know in the comments!