The University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, serves as a primary filming location for Steve Carell's new HBO series, "Rooster." The campus's aesthetics were a key factor in its selection for the show.
Stockton: Location Context
Stockton has been noted for its crime rates, with a reported annual murder rate of 13.3 per 100,000 residents as of September 2025, placing it among California's highest.
Stockton has been noted for its crime rates, with a reported annual murder rate of 13.3 per 100,000 residents as of September 2025, placing it among California's highest. However, Stockton Police Chief Stanley McFadden stated in February that the city is achieving 15-year lows in violent and property crime victimizations and 6-year lows in homicides.
Filming Location Rationale: Why Pacific?
Carell informed SFGate that the 175-acre University of the Pacific campus was chosen for its resemblance to an elite East Coast liberal arts institution.
Steve Carell informed SFGate that the 175-acre University of the Pacific campus was chosen for its resemblance to an elite East Coast liberal arts institution. It is the only West Coast university to feature Collegiate Gothic architecture, prominently displaying a nearly 200-foot-tall white tower with spires and stained glass, which is frequently seen in the series.
University President Christopher Callahan described the campus as having a "New England vibe," characterized by its lush foliage, large trees, and notable areas like Knowles Lawn.
About "Rooster": The New HBO Series
Plot and Characters
"Rooster" centers on author Greg Russo, portrayed by Carell, who becomes the writer-in-residence at Ludlow College. His daughter, Katie (Charly Clive), is also a professor at the university and is dealing with a divorce from her husband Archie (Phil Dunster) after discovering his involvement with a graduate student.
Creative Vision and Cast Dynamics
Series creator Bill Lawrence and collaborator Matt Tarse developed the concept after realizing, along with Carell, that they all had adult daughters who were becoming more independent. Carell commented that the show's ensemble dynamic reminded him of his experience on "The Office," citing a shared sense of kindness and generosity among the cast.
Steve Carell commented that the show's ensemble dynamic reminded him of his experience on "The Office," citing a shared sense of kindness and generosity among the cast.
University's Filming History
This is not the first time the University of the Pacific campus has appeared on screen.
This is not the first time the University of the Pacific campus has appeared on screen. Its cinematic history includes the 1949 Oscar-winning film "All the King's Men" and the campus setting for Robin Williams' professor character in "Flubber."