HBO is clearly very happy with ‘Rooster‘, as the freshman comedy starring Steve Carell (The Office) has already landed a second season renewal. The series has been a strong performer for the network, with HBO saying the first four episodes are averaging 5.8 million U.S. viewers and putting it on course to become the most-watched new HBO comedy in over a decade.
Created by Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses, the campus-set comedy centres on an author with a complicated relationship with his daughter, played by Charly Clive (Pure). That father-daughter dynamic has been at the heart of the show from the start, and it sounds like there is still plenty more awkwardness, emotional chaos, and college-based comedy to come when ‘Rooster’ returns.
Amy Gravitt, EVP, HBO Programming, Head of HBO & HBO Max Comedy Series, said: “It’s been heartening to feel the audience embrace ROOSTER, as we did when we first saw Steve, Bill and Matt bring this character to life. Along with our partners at WBTV and Doozer, we’re looking forward to seeing what Ludlow’s Spring Semester has in store for this incredible comedy ensemble.”
Clancy Collins White, President, Creative Affairs, Warner Bros. Television, added: “ROOSTER is a heartfelt, endearing series, and its second-season renewal is richly deserved. Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses are masters of their craft, bringing their signature heart and humor to life through an incredible cast led by Steve Carell. We’re thrilled to continue this creative journey with HBO and Doozer.”
Bill Lawrence, co-showrunner, executive producer, and writer, also commented: “We are so grateful to Warner Bros. Television and HBO for being such great partners and to Casey, Amy and Channing for giving us the opportunity to keep making this show with Steve and our amazing cast. It’s been a career highlight for both of us, but more for Matt than me.”
Alongside Carell, the cast also includes Danielle Deadwyler (Station Eleven), Phil Dunster (Ted Lasso), John C. McGinley (Scrubs), and Lauren Tsai (Legion). With Lawrence involved, plus McGinley in the ensemble, there is also a nice little ‘Scrubs’ reunion energy floating around this one.
The comedy has also earned a warm critical response, which never hurts when a network is deciding whether to stick with a new show. More importantly, though, HBO clearly sees ‘Rooster’ as a genuine breakout, which is not a bad place to be for a show still in its first semester.
‘Rooster‘ Season 1 continues Mondays on HBO Max in the UK and Ireland (and on Sky).
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