Steve Carell in ‘Rooster’: HBO Comedy Review & Details | Bill Lawrence Series

Steve Carell is back on HBO, and this time, he’s navigating the slightly absurd world of academia – and a family crisis – in “Rooster,” a modern comedy that premiered Sunday. The series, created by Bill Lawrence (“Ted Lasso,” “Scrubs”), finds Carell playing Greg Russo, a best-selling author whose fictional hero shares the show’s title. But the story quickly expands beyond a book tour to encompass a very messy personal life for both Greg and his daughter, Katie (Charly Clive).

The premise, as detailed in a review from the Los Angeles Times, centers around Greg’s arrival at Ludlow College, where Katie is an art history professor. He’s ostensibly there for a reading, but the real reason is a bit more complicated: Katie’s husband, Archie (Phil Dunster), has left her for a neuroscience graduate student, Sunny (Lauren Tsai). It’s a setup that allows Lawrence to explore familiar themes of family, mid-life crises, and the often-unexpected ways people connect.

A Familiar Formula, Gently Applied

Lawrence, known for his character-driven comedies, brings a similar sensibility to “Rooster” as he did with “Ted Lasso” and “Shrinking.” As noted by Slate, the show has been described as “Ted Lasso for academia,” suggesting a similar blend of warmth, humor, and emotional depth. However, “Rooster” feels distinctly less focused on grand triumphs and more interested in the quiet moments of everyday life. Greg Russo, unlike Ted Lasso’s relentlessly optimistic coach, is a self-described introvert, still grappling with a divorce from a high-achieving ex-wife, Elizabeth (Connie Britton). He’s comfortable being uncomfortable, a quality Carell excels at portraying.

The series doesn’t shy away from the awkwardness of the situation. A key plot point involves Greg being hired as an artist-in-residence – a position secured, in part, because Katie accidentally burned down Archie’s house although attempting to destroy a first edition of “War & Peace.” This unlikely turn of events, as reported by the Boston Herald, sets the stage for a series of comedic and heartfelt interactions between Greg, Katie, and the colorful cast of characters at Ludlow College.

Bill Lawrence’s Creative Ecosystem

Bill Lawrence’s involvement is significant. He’s built a recognizable brand of television, often centered around flawed but ultimately good-hearted characters navigating complex relationships. His previous successes, including “Scrubs,” “Cougar Town,” and more recently, “Shrinking,” demonstrate a consistent ability to balance humor with genuine emotional resonance. Lawrence frequently collaborates with the same writers and actors across his projects, creating a familiar creative ecosystem. Matt Tarses, who co-created “Rooster,” has a long history with Lawrence, having worked with him on “Cougar Town” and “Shrinking.”

This collaborative approach extends to the show’s tone and themes. “Rooster” shares a similar focus on the messiness of life and the importance of human connection that has defined Lawrence’s other work. The series isn’t about solving grand problems; it’s about navigating the small, everyday challenges that make up the human experience.

Steve Carell’s Return to Form

For Steve Carell, “Rooster” represents a return to the kind of character-driven comedy that made him a star. While he’s continued to work steadily in film and television since “The Office,” this role feels particularly well-suited to his strengths. As he recently explained to People, making “Rooster” reminded him of the collaborative spirit he experienced on “The Office.”

Greg Russo is a character defined by his anxieties and insecurities, but also by his genuine desire to connect with his daughter. Carell brings a nuanced performance to the role, balancing comedic timing with moments of vulnerability. The dynamic between Carell and Charly Clive is central to the show’s success, and their chemistry is evident from the start.

Beyond the Central Family Drama

While the father-daughter relationship is the emotional core of “Rooster,” the series also features a strong supporting cast. Danielle Deadwyler plays Dylan, a poetry professor who becomes an unlikely confidante for Greg. John C. McGinley, known for his role in “Scrubs,” appears as Walter Mann, the college president, bringing a familiar energy to the role. The show also introduces a number of memorable student characters, adding another layer of complexity to the story.

The series also doesn’t shy away from poking fun at the quirks of academic life. There are running gags about the sensitivities of college students and the often-absurd debates that take place in the humanities. However, the humor is never mean-spirited, and the show ultimately treats its characters with respect.

What’s Next for “Rooster”?

With six episodes available for review, “Rooster” establishes a gentle, character-driven tone that sets it apart from many other comedies on television. The remaining four episodes, scheduled to air weekly on HBO, will likely delve deeper into the relationships between the characters and explore the complexities of life at Ludlow College. The series’ success will depend on its ability to maintain this delicate balance of humor and heart, and to continue to develop its compelling characters. The show’s procedural rollout on HBO suggests a deliberate approach to building an audience, allowing viewers to engage with the story week by week.