The penultimate episode of Rooster is coming to HBO and HBO Max this Sunday. Episode 9 will air on May 3, 2026, at 10 p.m. Eastern Time. This is the second to last episode of the first season. The show will end on May 10, 2026, with the season finale.
Fans of the comedy series have been watching since March. The show started on March 8, 2026, and has released one new episode every week. Episode 8 arrived on April 26, 2026, setting up the story for the final two weeks. With only two episodes left, viewers are eager to see how the season ends for Greg Russo and his daughter Katie.
What Time and Where To Watch Episode 9
Rooster Episode 9 arrives at the same time as all previous episodes. The show airs on HBO at 10 p.m. ET. It also streams live on HBO Max at that exact same time. For viewers on the West Coast, that means 7 p.m. Pacific Time. Central Time viewers can watch at 9 p.m. CT.
International viewers have slightly different schedules because of time zones. In the United Kingdom, Episode 9 comes out on May 4, 2026, on Sky One and NOW. In India, the episode streams on May 4, 2026, on JioHotstar. Most global markets get the new episode one day after the US release.
The episode is called “Ludlow’s Fourth Hottest Professor.” This title matches the show’s funny and smart writing style. Each episode so far has had unique titles that connect to the college setting.
What Happens in Episode 8 Before the Final Episodes
Episode 8, titled “Nobody Spook It,” set up many important story points. Katie, played by Charly Clive, finally told her father the truth. She admitted she had been seeing her ex-husband again. This confession happened at the end of the episode after she spent time feeling sad about her broken marriage.
Greg, played by Steve Carell, spent Episode 8 helping a student named Tommy. Tommy wanted to drop out of college to become a police officer. Greg stepped in and convinced him to stay at Ludlow College. Greg showed real care for the students, proving why he is a good teacher and father figure.
The episode also showed Sunny making a big decision. She turned down a job in New York City to stay with Archie because she is pregnant with his baby. Archie, played by Phil Dunster, does not seem fully committed to her. This has upset many viewers who want better for Sunny’s character.
KEY SCENES FROM EPISODE 8 THAT LEAD INTO EPISODE 9:
- Katie comes clean to Greg about her relationship with her ex-husband
- Greg stops Tommy from leaving college to become a police officer
- Sunny gives up her dream job to stay near Archie
- Cristle and Greg set new rules after breaking up
- The slow connection between Greg and Dylan continues to grow
What Episode 9 Will Bring According to the Preview
The official preview for Episode 9 gives fans a clear idea of what to expect. While Greg works to help the hockey team get ready for a big game, Katie focuses on getting tenure at the college. Archie receives feedback on his book, which could change his situation at Ludlow.
The father-daughter relationship remains the main focus of the show. Greg Russo came to Ludlow College to be closer to Katie after his divorce. His goal was to help her through a hard time in her life. But his presence has created both funny and difficult situations for both of them. Episode 9 will dig deeper into their bond.
Steve Carell, known for playing Michael Scott on “The Office,” leads the cast as Greg Russo. The supporting cast includes Danielle Deadwyler as Dylan, John C. McGinley as Walter, Lauren Tsai as Sunny, and Annie Mumolo as Cristle. Connie Britton also appears as Elizabeth, and Alan Ruck plays Dean Riggs.
Full Episode Schedule for Rooster Season 1
Rooster has a total of 10 episodes in its first season. The show follows a weekly release pattern. Here is the complete schedule:
| Ep | Title | Release Date (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Release the Brown Fat | March 8, 2026 |
| 2 | Trousers | March 15, 2026 |
| 3 | White Whale | March 22, 2026 |
| 4 | Angry, Like An Angry Person | March 29, 2026 |
| 5 | Mr. Razzles | April 5, 2026 |
| 6 | Cop Hawk | April 12, 2026 |
| 7 | All the Dogs’ Names | April 19, 2026 |
| 8 | Nobody Spook It | April 26, 2026 |
| 9 | Ludlow’s Fourth Hottest Professor | May 3, 2026 |
| 10 | Title Not Yet Released | May 10, 2026 |
The show comes from Bill Lawrence, the creator of “Ted Lasso” and “Scrubs.” This connection has brought high expectations from comedy fans. The episodes run about 30 minutes each, making it easy to watch in one sitting.
Also Read:
How to Watch Rooster if You Missed Earlier Episodes
New viewers can still catch up before the season ends. All previous episodes of Rooster are available on HBO Max. The streaming service offers different price plans. The basic plan with ads starts at $10.99 per month. Ad-free options are also available for a higher price.
For viewers outside the United States, local streaming options exist. In the UK, the show is on Sky One and the streaming service NOW. In India, JioHotstar carries the show. Many other countries have HBO Max available as well. The show is one of HBO’s big comedy releases for 2026.
Also Read: Watson Season 2 Episode 19 Recap: Ingrid Faces A Brutal 10-Hour Murder Interrogation By The Police
