The creator of Ted Lasso returns with another streaming success story.
Rooster, a new adult comedy series starring Steve Carell and Phil Dunster, has aced its first day on streaming, becoming an instant hit. The HBO original series follows Carell as Greg Russo, an author who has a complex relationship with his daughter, Katie (Charly Clive), and seeks to get closer to her over the course of the series.
Now, FlixPatrol reports that, following the series premiere on Sunday, March 8, Rooster has become an instant hit on HBO Max. According to data from March 10, 2026, the comedy sits at Number 3 worldwide on the streaming platform. It’s also become Number 1 in 10 countries, mostly in Europe, including Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, and North Macedonia.
The cast of Rooster also includes Dunster as Archie, Katie’s ex-husband who’s grown estranged from her after leaving her for a graduate student. Other core stars in the show include Danielle Deadwyler as Dylan Shepard, Lauren Tsai as Sunny, Archie’s new girlfriend, and John C. McGinley as Walter Mann, President of Ludlow College, where the series takes place.
It’s not surprising the series has managed to become a streaming hit within just one day. While Carell is best known for being on the cast of The Office, he’s since expanded with various new roles, from Alan Strauss in the Hulu limited thriller The Patient to Nick in Netflix’s comedy-drama The Four Seasons. Other cast members, like Dunster, have also proven strong draws.
It helps the show was co-created by Bill Lawrence, the mastermind behind Apple TV’s Ted Lasso. This marks Lawrence’s fourth TV show to be ongoing at the same time, joining the currently-airing Shrinking season 3, the forthcoming Ted Lasso season 4, and Bad Monkey season 2, which is currently in development.
It helps that reviews for Rooster have been incredibly positive, especially from critics. As of writing, the show holds a Certified Fresh 87% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 39 reviews, with many praising Carell’s performance and the interesting premise. It’s a positivity that seems to be reflected in the quick success it’s had on streaming.
Rooster still has nine episodes left, with its weekly release schedule likely aiding in a lengthy time at the top. If the show can maintain the same level of interest and traction, then Lawrence might have another long-term streaming hit on his hands — while Carell has a new comedy to call his own.
New episodes of Rooster air Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.
- Release Date
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March 8, 2026
- Network
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HBO
- Writers
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Bill Lawrence, Matt Tarses
