HBO is sticking with Rooster.
The network has officially renewed the college-set comedy for a second season, with Steve Carell returning to lead the series as it shifts from its fall semester setting into a new chapter at the fictional Ludlow College in the spring.
Created by Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses, Rooster continues Lawrence’s strong track record, with every half-hour comedy he’s co-created landing multiple seasons—including hits like Ted Lasso.
The early renewal isn’t much of a surprise. The series debuted to 2.4 million U.S. cross-platform viewers in its first three days—the biggest HBO comedy launch in over a decade—and has continued to build momentum. Its first four episodes are averaging 5.8 million viewers, with the show consistently landing in HBO Max’s daily Top 3.
Set on a college campus, Rooster centers on a complicated father-daughter dynamic between Carell’s successful author and his daughter, played by Charly Clive, a professor navigating a messy public divorce. The ensemble also includes Danielle Deadwyler, Phil Dunster, John C. McGinley, and Lauren Tsai.
Executives point to the show’s warm, character-driven tone as a key factor in its success—offering a more comforting, traditional comedy feel at a time when audiences are gravitating toward lighter, more familiar storytelling.
Produced by Warner Bros. Television, Rooster also marks the studio’s first series for HBO proper since Westworld.
New episodes from the 10-episode first season air Sundays on HBO and stream on HBO Max, with the season finale set for May 10.