At the heart of The Chair Company is William Ronald Trosper, played by Robinson, a prideful everyman who stumbles into a sprawling conspiracy after an embarrassing incident at work. The show’s logline keeps it vague, but early buzz suggests a mix of corporate satire and surreal chaos, hallmarks of Robinson’s comedic style. Unlike his previous roles, where characters often spiral into awkward oblivion, Robinson describes Trosper as slightly more grounded—though still prone to the kind of stubborn defiance that makes his performances unforgettable.
The series draws aesthetic parallels to Friendship, a 2025 film starring Robinson and Paul Rudd, directed by Andrew DeYoung, who also helms The Chair Company’s pilot. Yet, Robinson insists Trosper is distinct, potentially more relatable than his past characters, offering viewers a fresh lens into his comedic universe.
A Stellar Cast and Creative Team
Joining Robinson is a talented ensemble, including Lake Bell as Barb Trosper, Sophia Lillis as Natalie Trosper, Will Price as Seth Trosper, and Joseph Tudisco as Mike Santini. Lou Diamond Phillips makes a guest appearance as Jeff Levjman, adding star power to the pilot. The cast also features lesser-known actors, a deliberate choice by co-creator Zach Kanin to inject realism into the show’s heightened world.
Robinson and Kanin, longtime collaborators from Saturday Night Live and Detroiters, co-wrote and executive produce the series. They’re joined by Adam McKay and Todd Schulman of HyperObject Industries, whose credits include Succession and Jury Duty. Andrew DeYoung and Igor Srubshchik round out the executive producer team, bringing a mix of comedy and visual flair to the project.
HBO’s Comedy Renaissance
The Chair Company arrives as part of HBO’s push to revitalize its comedy lineup following the end of stalwarts like Curb Your Enthusiasm and Barry. The network has greenlit a slate of creator-driven comedies, including projects from Rachel Sennott and Steve Carell, signaling a commitment to bold, original voices. Amy Gravitt, HBO’s executive vice president of comedy programming, praised the show’s unique imprint, noting that Trosper fits perfectly within HBO’s tradition of iconic comedy leads.
The series’ pickup reflects HBO’s confidence in Robinson and Kanin’s ability to deliver. Their previous work on I Think You Should Leave earned critical acclaim for its absurd, meme-worthy sketches, and fans expect The Chair Company to carry that same irreverent energy into a serialized format.
What to Expect from the Show
While Robinson and Kanin have kept plot details under wraps to preserve surprises, early images and teasers hint at a chaotic workplace setting laced with paranoia and humor. The show’s eight episodes will likely lean into Robinson’s knack for escalating mundane situations into comedic gold, with Kanin’s writing adding sharp, unexpected twists. Social media reactions to the announcement, particularly on Reddit, highlight fan excitement, with references to the show’s quirky dialogue—like “Look at these chairs… they’re filthy!!”—already gaining traction.
The series will stream on HBO Max alongside its TV broadcast, making it accessible to a wide audience. With its blend of cringe comedy, conspiracy intrigue, and a fresh cast, The Chair Company could become a standout in HBO’s 2025 lineup, appealing to both Robinson’s loyal fans and newcomers seeking something delightfully unhinged.
Why It Matters
The Chair Company represents more than just another comedy series—it’s a test of whether Robinson’s niche, high-energy style can translate to a broader narrative format. If successful, it could cement his place as a leading comedic voice and further HBO’s reputation for innovative storytelling. As the network navigates a crowded streaming landscape, this show offers a chance to capture the cultural conversation with humor that’s as bold as it is bizarre.
