Steve Carell's HBO Show 'Rooster' Filmed at University of the Pacific Steve Carell’s new HBO series, Rooster, features a fictional college named Ludlow, but the real-world location for much of the show’s filming is the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. The university’s McCaffrey Center and other campus buildings served as backdrops for scenes involving the protagonist, Greg Russo, a visiting professor navigating family dynamics and academia. The production spent two weeks on campus in June 2025, with exteriors shot almost entirely there. One of the most memorable scenes involves Carell’s character climbing a building to steal a weathervane, a tradition at Ludlow. This sequence was filmed on the University of the Pacific’s McCaffrey Center, with a makeshift roof added for the shoot. Ashley Williams, the university’s director of strategic initiatives, described the process as “entertaining to watch close up,” noting the physical demands of the scene, including wind machines simulating challenging conditions. The series follows Greg Russo, a beach read author played by Carell, as he becomes a visiting professor at Ludlow to spend more time with his daughter, Charly Clive. Her character is in a complicated relationship with another professor, portrayed by Phil Dunster, an alum of Ted Lasso. The cast also includes Danielle Deadwyler, John C. McGinley, and Lauren Tsai. The show was created by Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses, known for Spin City and Scrubs. The idea stemmed from a shared experience of parenthood, as all three creators had daughters in their early 20s transitioning into adulthood. Lawrence described the project as a reflection of their desire to connect with their children during this period.#steve_carell #university_of_the_pacific #mccaffrey_center #phil_dunster #bill_lawrence
