Rooster

HBO’s Rooster is an acting masterclass, with tour-de-force performances from Steve Carrell, Phil Dunster, Danielle Deadwyler, John C. McGinley, and more. It’s at once charming, incisive, and laugh-out-loud funny.

It’s the kind of show that doesn’t knock your socks off​, but its amiable wit is more than welcome.

Though the series strikes the creator’s signature balance of humor and emotional depth, Rooster has yet to rival Shrinking, Ted Lasso, or The Office. That’s not to say the six of ten episodes made available for review weren’t a genuinely fun ride; rather, it’s a testament to the incredible heights we’ve seen both men reach.

Mostly, though, Archie’s indiscretion serves as a conduit to character comedy about well-meaning screw-ups trying to make good. The ensemble is large and charming. .... The only remarkable thing about Rooster, really, is that it treats a campus rocked by teacher-student sex as just another backdrop.

If you’ve never seen Carell in anything, you will find Rooster charming and quite funny. Even if you have, you could put this series on in the background of whatever else you’re doing, and it’s perfectly pleasant. But it could be so much more if the writers weren’t clearly trying to create another Ted Lasso, with which Rooster shares a writer.

Aside from the occasional choice gag, its geniality dampens its silliness.

Unfortunately, “Rooster” is full of predictable characters and circumstances, adding up to a lackluster narrative.

A funny show that gives off nostalgic 90s vibes. Funny parts, not game changing but just a pleasant surprise.

There were some good comedic moments in the pilot episode, and with Phil Dunster (one of the few bright spots in the last season of Ted Lasso) and Danielle Deadwyler, it's got a solid supporting cast. I'm optimistic about its potential!

The intro had me a bit chicken. Leading with the characters quirks and the sarcastic banter had me thinking caricatures and callousness. No. They're all complete, likeable characters. The dialog is clever - many laughs - and it has a Schitt's Creek and Ted Lasso warmth. I wouldn't call the plots compelling, but each episode is a fun 30 minutes.

Steve Carell heads the cast as the popular writer of action/adventure pulp, who takes a job teaching at a university. This sets him up for all manner of gentle comedy, as he interacts with students, faculty and his own daughter, who’s teaching there too. It’s created by Matt Tarses, best known for “Scrubs” and Bill Lawrence, who’s credits include “Ted Lasso,” “Shrinking,” as well as “Scrubs.” With this pedigree you’d expect a charming new take on college life and politics. The entire ensemble has its charms and the humorous situations are boosted by the characters. Carell provides most of the comedy and “Scrubs” doc John C. McGinley chimes in with his aggressive style, while Annie Mumolo adds a fun off-key character as his secretary. While it is amiable and pleasant, this series doesn’t break new ground or prove as entertaining as the other shows created by this duo. (Review based on 9 out of 10 thirty-minute eps)

Embarrassingly bad. Aside from Cougar Town, I’ve loved all of the Bill Lawrence series, but this one falls massively short. I feel the only ones giving this a great review are those who have such a love for Steve Carrel, likely from the office, that they convince themselves this is watchable. But Carrell hasn’t been good since the 2000s, his ego outgrew his ability to be likeable on screen.