Rooster: A New Comedy Series Premieres

Background and Filming

Rooster is a new HBO comedy series that premiered on March 8, 2026. The show stars Steve Carell as Greg Russo, a best-selling author of airport novels, and Charly Clive as Katie Russo, a professor of art history. The series explores the father-daughter relationship between Greg and Katie, particularly in the wake of Katie’s husband cheating on her with a graduate student.

Filming for Rooster took place over two weeks in June 2025 at the University of Pacific’s Stockton Campus, which spans 175 acres. The campus has a long history with Hollywood, dating back to the 1940s, having hosted productions such as All the King’s Men in 1949, Flubber in 1997, and Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981.

To enhance the authenticity of the campus scenes, the crew enlisted about 100 extras, comprising locals, students, and professors who were available during the filming period. Juli Alexander, an extra, recalled, “Steve Carell popped out of the car and was like, ‘Hi everybody, thank you so much for being here. I really appreciate this. I’m really excited for this project. Let’s get going.'”

During the filming, Carell expressed his admiration for Clive’s performance, stating, “I never felt like Charly was auditioning. It just felt like two actors having a go at a scene.” This collaborative atmosphere contributed to the show’s engaging character drama and comedy.

Current Status

As of now, Rooster has premiered successfully, and audiences are eager to see how the series unfolds the complexities of family dynamics. The show is expected to resonate with viewers, particularly those interested in character-driven narratives that blend humor with poignant moments.

The significance of this series lies not only in its star-studded cast but also in its exploration of relatable themes such as personal struggles and familial relationships. Rooster aims to capture the essence of modern family life, making it a noteworthy addition to HBO’s lineup of original programming.