With Episode 5 bringing Greg’s ex-wife back to campus and Katie reconnecting with Archie, Rooster is proving that family ties are the most complicated knots of all.
Bill Lawrence — the genius behind Ted Lasso and Shrinking — is back with another show that makes you laugh and quietly breaks your heart at the same time. And Rooster on HBO is already one of 2026’s best new comedies.
What Is Rooster About?
Rooster is an HBO Max comedy drama that premiered on March 8, 2026. Created by Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses, it centres on Greg Russo, a lonely author played by Steve Carell, and his complicated relationship with his daughter Katie Russo, played by Charly Clive, as they both navigate life at Ludlow College.
When the first episode aired, it drew 2.4 million viewers in its first three days — a strong start for the series, which currently holds an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Rooster Episode 5 — Release Date, Time & What to Expect
Episode 5, titled “Mr. Razzles,” premieres on Sunday, April 5, 2026 at 10:00 PM ET/PT on HBO, available to stream simultaneously on HBO Max. DraftKings Network
Greg’s ex-wife arrives on campus for a dedication ceremony, pulling him toward the version of himself he’s always pretending he’s outgrown. At the same time, Katie reconnects with Archie, and Dylan settles into a new role that’s starting to fit a little too well. DraftKings Network
Rooster Key Show Details at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Show Title | Rooster |
| Network | HBO / HBO Max |
| Episode 5 Title | “Mr. Razzles” |
| Episode 5 Air Date | April 5, 2026 |
| Air Time | 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT |
| Total Episodes | 10 |
| Season Finale | May 10, 2026 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 89% approval |
| Creators | Bill Lawrence & Matt Tarses |
| Lead Cast | Steve Carell, Charly Clive, Danielle Deadwyler |
Full Episode Release Schedule
| Episode | Air Date |
|---|---|
| Episode 1 | March 8, 2026 |
| Episode 5 | April 5, 2026 |
| Episode 6 | April 12, 2026 |
| Episode 7 | April 19, 2026 |
| Finale (Ep. 10) | May 10, 2026 |
Why Rooster Is Worth Your Sunday Nights
Rooster belongs to the proud tradition of comedy-drama television where laughs and genuine emotional depth live side by side — something Lawrence has perfected across Ted Lasso and Shrinking.
In Episode 4, Greg attended a frat party, got two bottles duct-taped to his hands, sang aloud with Tommy and his friends, and spent the night with Walt’s assistant — experiencing college life for the very first time. Meanwhile, Katie finally agreed to move on from Archie after pressure from friends, only to end up spending the night with him instead.
The “For Katie” graffiti mystery is still unresolved, Greg’s emotional growth keeps stumbling forward, and Tommy’s bond with Russo is one of the season’s most unexpected delights.
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