By Calder Costantini – Staff Reporter

The new HBO Max comedy show “Rooster,” starring Steve Carell, is a perfect blend of playful, witty comedy and dramatic moments that make the show as entertaining as it is. “Rooster” isn’t another throwaway failed comedy show; it reflects how modern audiences want stories that feel both funny and real at the same time. 

“Rooster” follows Greg Russo, played by Steve Carell, a successful author who ends up teaching at a college that his daughter works/worked at. This show heavily focuses on Greg and his daughter’s relationship and their sense of humor together. Within their interactions, the show tackles real problems like divorce, career setbacks, and more. The blend of current problems and awkward comedy makes “Rooster” stand out from other modern shows, especially comedies. 

What makes “Rooster” especially interesting is the stray writing the writers produce. Unlike modern comedies, “Rooster” will have the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Many recent comedies will be one-dimensional, and be easy to predict what’s going to happen by the end of the episode (think of it like a Disney movie). Unlike those shows, “Rooster” is unpredictable and will catch you off guard. 

Another reason “Rooster” is great is the setting. “Rooster” is set, for the most part, on a college campus, with enthusiastic and interesting characters everywhere. The show has already proven it can have comedy built around the environment, and a college campus is the perfect sandbox for situational comedy. It does a nice job of illustrating how different people face different problems and employ different methods to address them. 

Overall, “Rooster” is the perfect modern comedy show you can throw on and get a good laugh, while still having a bit of serious moments and drama. By combining comedy with meaningful storytelling, it becomes a perfect, witty comedy show. The show serves as a reminder that even when life becomes more complicated, you can rely on family and friends.

Rating (so far): 3.5 out of 5 stars