Rooster is a 2026 comedy series created by Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses. The show stars Steve Carell, Scott MacArthur, Annie Mumolo, John C. McGinley, and Connie Britton. The series premiered on March 8, 2026, and is available to stream on HBO Max.
The story follows Greg Russo, a successful author who created the famous “Rooster” book series. Even though his fictional hero is confident and fearless, Greg’s real life is very different. After his divorce, he lives quietly in Florida and begins to question his life choices.
Things change when his daughter Katie, an art history professor, experiences a public emotional breakdown after her husband leaves her for a student. Greg moves to her college campus at Ludlow College to support her. The show explores family relationships, campus life, and the differences between generations while mixing emotional moments with comedy.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Rooster |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Director/Writer | Bill Lawrence, Matt Tarses |
| Starring | Steve Carell, Scott MacArthur, Annie Mumolo, John C. McGinley, Connie Britton |
| Runtime | ~30 minutes per episode |
| Age Rating | TV-MA |
| Release Date | March 8, 2026 |
| Distributor | HBO Max (Streaming) |
Rooster Age Rating
The Rooster series is officially rated TV-MA. This rating is given because the show contains strong language, sexual content, and drug use throughout several episodes. Characters often use explicit words during arguments or comedic scenes, and adult conversations are common. The series also includes references to romantic relationships, hookups, and some brief nudity in comedic situations. Alcohol and marijuana use also appear during college parties and social gatherings.
A TV-MA rating means the program is designed for mature audiences only. Shows with this rating may include strong language, sexual material, or adult themes that are not suitable for younger viewers. Because of this, parents should be cautious before allowing teens or children to watch the series.
Is Rooster Suitable for Kids?
Rooster is mainly intended for adults. The show focuses on mature life situations such as divorce, romantic relationships, career struggles, and complicated family dynamics. Many jokes and storylines are written for adult audiences and may be difficult for younger viewers to understand.
Older teens may be able to watch the show with guidance, but younger teens and children are likely to find the language and themes inappropriate. Parents should be aware that the college setting often includes partying, strong jokes, and adult conversations.
Age-by-Suitability
| Age Group | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Ages 3–7 | No, not suitable for young children. |
| Ages 8–12 | No, not recommended for this age group. |
| Teens (13–15) | Not recommended due to strong language and mature themes. |
| Teens (16–17) | Yes, with caution and parental guidance. |
| Adults | Yes, suitable for mature audiences. |
Rooster Parents Guide
Rooster is a comedy series set on a college campus, but it includes several adult elements that parents should know about before allowing younger viewers to watch.
- Sex & Nudity: The series contains references to romantic relationships, hookups, and infidelity. Some episodes include brief comedic nudity, such as characters in a sauna or awkward situations.
- Violence & Gore: Violence is mild and mostly played for humor. There are small physical scuffles, heated arguments, and one storyline involving a house fire caused accidentally.
- Profanity: Strong language appears frequently in dialogue. Characters sometimes use explicit words, including the F-word and other insults, especially during emotional or comedic moments.
- Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking: Alcohol is shown regularly at campus parties and social gatherings. Some characters are also seen using marijuana.
- Frightening & Intense Scenes: Some emotional scenes involve personal struggles, public embarrassment, and relationship problems, but the overall tone remains comedic.
Tips for Parents
Parents may want to watch the trailer or preview an episode before allowing teens to watch Rooster. The show’s humor often relies on adult situations and strong language. Talking with teens about the themes of relationships, divorce, and college culture can also help them better understand the story. Since the show takes place on a college campus, parents may want to discuss the portrayal of partying and adult independence as well.
Rooster Official Trailer
The Rooster series premiered on March 8, 2026. It is available to stream on HBO Max.
FAQs
What is the age rating for Rooster (2026)?
The Rooster series is rated TV-MA. This rating is given because the show contains strong language, sexual content, and depictions of substance use.
Is Rooster suitable for teenagers?
Rooster may be suitable for older teens aged 16–17 with parental guidance, but it is not recommended for younger teens due to frequent profanity and mature themes.
Does Rooster contain violence or disturbing scenes?
Violence in Rooster is mild and mostly comedic. The show focuses more on relationships and personal struggles rather than intense action or graphic scenes.
Does Rooster include sexual content?
Yes, Rooster includes sexual references, discussions of relationships and affairs, and brief comedic nudity in some episodes.
Where can you watch Rooster?
The Rooster series premiered on March 8, 2026, and it is available to stream on HBO Max.