Tim Robinson’s “The Chair Company” Premieres October 12 on HBO
A new half-hour comedy series created by Tim Robinson and Zach Kanin, “The Chair Company,” will debut on HBO and HBO Max on October 12 at 10 p.m. ET, with episodes airing weekly on Sundays.
The show centers on Ron Trosper, played by Robinson, a man who becomes consumed by a conspiracy after a negative experience with an office chair at a mall development company. The series reunites Robinson with Kanin, as well as Andrew DeYoung, who executive produces and shares directing duties. Robinson’s previous work, including the critically acclaimed “I Think You Should Leave,” has cultivated a dedicated fanbase eager for his unique brand of comedy, which often explores themes of social anxiety and awkwardness.
“The Chair Company” distinguishes itself from Robinson’s earlier projects by featuring a world populated with characters who share Ron’s eccentricities, rather than isolating him as the sole source of the show’s offbeat humor. The cast includes Alberto Isaac, Lake Bell, Sophia Lillis, and Will Price, alongside veteran actor Lou Diamond Phillips. Critics have noted the show’s resemblance to Nathan Fielder’s work, particularly “The Rehearsal”, in its exploration of uncomfortable situations and unconventional storytelling. This style of comedy, which often delves into the anxieties of modern life, has become increasingly popular with audiences seeking alternatives to mainstream sitcoms, as detailed in a recent New York Times review.
HBO has intentionally kept details of the inciting incident with the office chair confidential, adding to the show’s mystique. Officials stated that subsequent episodes will continue to unfold the narrative weekly, offering viewers a deeper dive into Ron Trosper’s increasingly bizarre investigation and the strange world surrounding him.