Steve Carell Returns to HBO: Everything to Know About the Comedy Icon
BERLIN, 07 February 2026 — Steve Carell, the versatile American actor who defined a generation of comedy as Michael Scott in The Office, is officially returning to the small screen. Following a week of intense speculation, HBO has released the first trailer for his latest project, Rooster, marking a significant new chapter in the career of the Concord-born performer.
The “Rooster” Era: Carell’s 2026 Television Comeback
On Thursday, 5 February 2026, HBO unveiled the first look at Rooster, a new comedy series created by Bill Lawrence (Ted Lasso, Scrubs) and Matt Tarses. The series is scheduled to premiere on 8 March 2026, on HBO and HBO Max.
Plot and Character Details
In Rooster, Carell portrays a best-selling author and professor navigating the complexities of a college campus. The narrative focuses on his “inner badass” and a complicated relationship with his daughter, played by Charly Clive. The trailer suggests a blend of Lawrence’s signature heart and Carell’s mastery of the “awkward situation” archetype.
A Star-Studded Collaboration
The series marks a major collaboration between Carell and Bill Lawrence, who is currently enjoying a prolific year with concurrent seasons of Shrinking and Ted Lasso. The cast of Rooster reportedly includes familiar faces from the Lawrence “universe,” including alumni from Spin City and Scrubs.
The Evolution of Steven John Carell
Born on 16 August 1962, in Concord, Massachusetts, Steve Carell’s trajectory from a correspondent on The Daily Show to a Hollywood heavyweight is a case study in range. While he is globally recognised for his six-year tenure as the regional manager of Dunder Mifflin, his filmography demonstrates a deliberate shift between absurdist comedy and poignant drama.
| Film Title | Release Year | Notable Role |
|---|---|---|
| The 40-Year-Old Virgin | 2005 | Andy Stitzer |
| Dan in Real Life | 2007 | Dan Burns |
| Dinner for Schmucks | 2010 | Barry |
| Date Night | 2010 | Phil Foster |
| Crazy, Stupid, Love. | 2011 | Cal Weaver |
| Beautiful Boy | 2018 | David Sheff |
Legacy and Impact
Carell’s influence on modern comedy remains significant. His portrayal of Michael Scott (2005–2011) continues to dominate streaming charts and internet culture through viral memes and “delayed greeting” clips. However, his dramatic turns in films like Beautiful Boy, alongside Timothée Chalamet, have solidified his reputation as a “character actor” capable of commanding significant critical respect.
The 2026 Landscape
As of February 2026, Carell remains one of the few actors to successfully bridge the gap between network television nostalgia and the prestige era of streaming. With Rooster set to debut next month, industry analysts expect the series to be a cornerstone of HBO’s spring programming, potentially placing Carell back in the Emmy conversation for the first time in several years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does Steve Carell’s new show “Rooster” premiere?
Rooster is scheduled to premiere on Sunday, 8 March 2026, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and will be available for streaming on HBO Max.
What is the plot of “Rooster”?
The series follows a best-selling author and professor (Carell) who meddles in his daughter’s life while navigating a college campus environment. It is described as a comedy exploring family dynamics and mid-life identity.
Who created the series “Rooster”?
The show was created by Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses. Lawrence is well-known for his work on Ted Lasso and Shrinking.
Is Steve Carell still involved with “The Office”?
While Carell left the main cast of The Office in 2011 (returning for the series finale in 2013), he remains synonymous with the role of Michael Scott. There are currently no confirmed reports of him returning for any new iterations of the franchise in 2026.