Greg Russo – best-selling author of the beloved Rooster books – is at a crossroads in his life. Living alone in Florida after his divorce from wife of 25 years Elizabeth, he wishes he could be like his most-loved character: confident, good with the ladies, and knowing how to get himself out of a funk. Unfortunately, he’s none of those things.

When he’s given the opportunity to make an appearance at Ludlow College – the same liberal arts school his daughter Katie works at as an Art History professor – he jumps at it. Partly to get to talk about his work, but also to check on his daughter, who is going through a tough time - her husband, Archie, left her after having an affair with a post-grad student named Sunny.

But as he arrives at Ludlow, he quickly finds himself drawn into the world of the teachers and the students, bonding with the faculty over shared experiences. When he needs to quickly get Katie out of a jam, he agrees to join the school as their writer-in-residence for one semester, much to the delight of school president Walter.

With his tight bond with Katie being one of the most important things in his life, Greg begins to realise this could be the fresh start he’s desperately needed.

Rooster is created by Bill Lawrence (Ted Lasso, Shrinking, Bad Monkey) and Matt Terses (Scrubs, The Goldbergs) for HBO Max_, and first launched in March 2026.

The first season runs for 10, half-hour episodes. Learn more about season one here.

Yes! In April 2026, it was confirmed that Rooster will return for a second season, after becoming HBO’s most-watched new comedy in over a decade.

At the announcement, Bill Lawrence, co-showrunner, executive producer, and writer, quote: “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.”

At the time of writing, season two of Rooster is yet to begin filming, but is believed to be aiming for a release in 2027.

The main cast members of Rooster are:

• Steve Carell (The Office US, The Four Seasons) as Greg Russo

• Charly Clive (Pure, The Lazarus Project) as Katie Russo

• Danielle Deadwyler (Till, Paradise Lost) as Dylan

• Phil Dunster (Ted Lasso, The Devil’s Hour) as Archie

• John C. McGinley (Scrubs, Stan Against Evil) as Walter Mann

• Lauren Tsai (Legion, Moxie) as Sunny

Joining them are recurring cast members:

• Connie Britton (American Horror Story, The White Lotus) as Elizabeth

• Robby Hoffman (Hacks, Dying For Sex) as Mo

• Annie Mumolo (Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar, Bridesmaids) as Cristle

• Alan Ruck (Succession, Speed) as Dean Riggs

• Rory Scovel (Physical, No Good Deed) as Police Officer

• Maximo Salas (Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, The Runarounds) as Tommy

Rooster has been rated 15 for the overall series, meaning it has been deemed unsuitable for children and younger audiences.

This is due to the show containing:

• Some scenes of a sexual nature

• Minor scenes of male nudity (for comedic effect)

• Scenes of excessive drinking and recreational drug use (specifically marijuana)

• Some minor scenes of violence (for comedic effect)

• Discussions around appropriate language and behaviour (cultural and sexual)

Rooster is currently available to watch on Sky and HBO Max.

Sky Atlantic will continue to air upcoming seasons of much-loved HBO shows that have previously aired on Sky, including House of the Dragon, The Last of Us and The White Lotus alongside homegrown Sky Originals and exclusive Peacock Originals straight from the US.

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