Carell plays Daniel “Rooster” Royston, a bestselling novelist whose most famous character — a tough, no-nonsense rooster detective — has defined his career. But behind the success lies a man quietly unraveling: his books haven’t sold in years, his marriage ended years ago, and he’s been coasting on past glory while avoiding real life. When his daughter Ellie (Charly Clive) shows up on his doorstep after her husband (Phil Dunster) leaves her for a younger grad student, Rooster is suddenly thrust into the role of emotional anchor — something he’s never been very good at.
The series is classic Lawrence: humor with heart, flawed characters who grow through connection, and a gentle but unflinching look at how people heal when they stop running from pain. Rooster’s journey is about rediscovering purpose, learning to be present for his daughter, and confronting the ways his own avoidance shaped the family he loves. Ellie, meanwhile, is trying to rebuild her life while grappling with betrayal, self-doubt, and the fear that she’s repeating her parents’ mistakes.
Phil Dunster, fresh off his breakout role as Ted Lasso’s Jamie Tartt, plays the ex-husband — charming, immature, and deeply flawed — in a performance that promises to be both funny and heartbreaking. Danielle Deadwyler (Till, The Harder They Fall) joins as Rooster’s sharp, no-nonsense best friend and confidante, bringing warmth, wisdom, and occasional tough love to the group.
The show’s tone feels like a natural evolution of Lawrence’s style: optimistic without being naive, funny without being cruel, and deeply human. Early footage shows Rooster awkwardly trying to connect with his daughter’s friends (including a group of frat boys who become unexpected allies), navigating dating apps at his age, and facing the reality that his “rooster” persona — tough, unflappable, heroic — doesn’t translate to real life. The trailer’s standout line — Rooster telling a group of college kids, “I wrote a rooster who always knows what to do. Me? I’m still figuring it out.” — perfectly captures the show’s blend of self-deprecating humor and honest vulnerability.
Visually, Rooster trades the glossy polish of big-budget comedies for a grounded, lived-in look: cozy suburban homes, rainy Portland streets (the show films in Oregon for tax incentives), and intimate, character-focused scenes. The soundtrack leans on classic rock and indie folk, underscoring moments of reflection and quiet growth.
Critics who’ve seen early episodes are enthusiastic. Variety called it “Bill Lawrence’s most mature comedy yet — funny, tender, and deeply relatable,” while The Hollywood Reporter praised Carell for “delivering one of his best performances in years — a man who’s funny because he’s flawed, not despite it.” With a strong ensemble and Lawrence’s proven track record, Rooster is already being tipped as a potential Emmy contender, particularly for Carell and Clive.
