The spring semester is still unfolding at Ludlow, but HBO has already made it very clear that it likes what it sees. Rooster has spent the first five of its ten episodes building strong word of mouth, a lot of critical goodwill, and the kind of audience momentum new comedies rarely get this quickly. That’s especially true on HBO, where breakout comedies don’t come around every week. With several episodes still left to air, the series has already turned into one of the network’s biggest freshman success stories in years. Now, that early heat has turned into an official renewal.

HBO has officially renewed Rooster for Season 2. The first four episodes are averaging 5.8 million U.S. viewers, and the show is currently pacing as the most-watched freshman HBO comedy in more than a decade. The 10-episode first season continues airing Sundays at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT, with the finale set for May 10. Episodes air on HBO and stream on HBO Max.

Set on a college campus, Rooster centers on an author navigating a complicated relationship with his daughter. Steve Carell leads the series, which also stars Charly Clive, Danielle Deadwyler, Phil Dunster, John C. McGinley, and Lauren Tsai. Carell also executive produces alongside Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses, with the show coming from Warner Bros. Television.

How Good Is ‘Rooster’?

Collider‘s review, written by Tania Hussain, said that Rooster is one of the funniest and best surprises of the year because it makes everything look easy. The show is funny, warm, and full of small emotional moments that sneak up on you. Lawrence does what he does best here, mixing sharp jokes with real feelings, and the result is a series that is very easy to get hooked on. Hussain wrote:

“Rooster’s successful balancing act between big laughs, small emotional landmines, and relationships is exactly why Lawrence comedies hit the way they do. Earning so much of its laughter and heart through the time you spend on campus with these characters, the HBO series never just relies on its charm and one-liners. As a show that keeps getting better as it goes and an ensemble that is nailing every scene, Rooster belongs at the top of your must-watch list this season.”

Rooster is streaming now on HBO Max.

via Collider