HBO’s latest foray into the half-hour comedy space, Rooster, feels less like the prestige heavy-hitters the network is known for and more like a warm blanket. Created by the powerhouse duo of Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses, the show marks a notable return to television for Steve Carell, who brings his signature blend of awkward sincerity to the role of Greg Russo. While it may not reach the dizzying heights of the network’s most revolutionary offerings, it is a solid experience that fans of the ‘Lawrence-verse’ will find incredibly familiar.
If you have spent time with ‘Ted Lasso’ or ‘Shrinking’, you will immediately recognise the DNA here. Rooster follows Greg, a successful author of airport thrillers, as he takes a writer-in-residence position at the fictional Ludlow College. His primary motivation isn’t academic; it is to reconnect with his daughter, Katie, whose life is in a bit of a tailspin. The show excels when it focuses on these core relationships, specifically the bond between Carell and Charly Clive, who have an easy, believable chemistry that grounds the more sitcom-leaning elements. Supporting turns from Phil Dunster and Danielle Deadwyler provide a great comedic spark, even if the scripts sometimes lean into banter that feels a bit too ‘written’.
The sentiment that the show does not quite feel like it is on the typical HBO level is spot on. Rooster does not try to reinvent the wheel or push boundaries. Instead, it is content being a feel good exploration of flawed people trying their best. It is breezy and engaging, though it occasionally struggles with a tonal shift between grounded emotional moments and slightly unrealistic slapstick. For some, the dialogue might feel a little too witty for its own good, lacking the raw edge usually associated with the platform.
The series has already been renewed for season two, and there is clearly an audience for this brand of kind-spirited television. It is a safe, enjoyable watch. It will not be a waste of your time, but it also might not be the show you are still thinking about a week later. If you are looking for something to fill the ‘Ted Lasso’ shaped hole in your life, this is a perfect, albeit safe, companion.
