HBO’s new series “Rooster” has already been turning heads due to its intriguing subject matter, high production value and leading actor, Steve Carell. While many fans may be attracted to the show for its New England locale, you may be surprised to learn that “Rooster” was shot entirely in and around Stockton, California. Most of the show takes place in the fictional Ludlow College, which is modeled after series co-creator Matt Tarses’ alma mater of Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, as reported by SF Gate. Tarses initially intended to film the show at a real New England school, but had to settle for a West Coast location due to studio limitations.
Even though Ludlow can’t be found during a leaf-peeping pilgrimage to central Mass, you can still check out the hallowed halls of this sacred institution. In reality, the college scenes in “Rooster” were filmed at the University of the Pacific in Stockton. Other shots were completed at the University of Southern California, while additional interiors were captured on soundstages in Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank. If you’re interested in taking a trip to sunny California, be sure to read ahead. We’ll outline a few key filming locations for “Rooster” and offer advice on the best restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions. Before long, you might find yourself admiring the beauty of nature and chasing your dreams as a talented author.
‘Rooster’ Takes Place In Massachusetts, But Was Filmed In Stockton, California
Key Scenes: Most of the campus scenes for Ludlow College were captured at the University of the Pacific in Stockton. The campus is quite large, spanning over 175 acres, so there are plenty of exteriors in the background that highlight the exceptional architecture and beautiful landscape.
Best Time to Visit: Though Stockton is a beautiful place to explore year-round, most locals recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring or fall. The months of May and October offer the mildest weather, while still providing premier access to plenty of outdoor events. Stockton is located roughly 90 minutes east of San Francisco, or 50 minutes south of Sacramento, by car. That means that you can check out several iconic Californian cities during your stay. Los Angeles is a day’s drive away as well, roughly six hours south of Stockton by car.
Transportation Options: Unfortunately for visitors, California isn’t exactly known for its easy-to-navigate cities. While there are buses and taxis in the area, most visitors are advised to rely on rideshare apps or rental cars to get around. Depending on your budget, it might make more sense to stay in a hotel in a more central location, such as San Francisco or Sacramento, and make your trip to Stockton a one or two-day excursion. This would allow you to save some money on a rental car, while still offering a chance to see Ludlow College.
During a discussion with SFGate, the university’s president explained, “It really has that New England vibe. It’s very lush with all sorts of foliage. Beautiful, gigantic trees.” President Callahan specifically highlighted spaces such as Burns Tower and Knoles Lawn, which appear many times throughout the series.
“Rooster” was shot during the summer of 2025, meaning regular college courses were not in session. Still, some members of the Pacific community were able to involve themselves in the show, so those with close personal ties to the region should be sure to keep their eyes peeled for friends, family members and notable local businesses in the background as Steve Carell’s Greg Russo bumbles his way through his daughter’s personal life.
Things to Do: If you do decide to stay close to Stockton during your vacation to the Golden State, you’ll find that there are plenty of exciting activities to get into. Walking tours and guided wine tasting events are a good start, while destinations including the Haggin Museum and the Bob Hope Theater are a must-visit. Sports fans should be sure to look ahead before booking their trip to catch a game at the nearby Banner Island Ballpark or Stockton Arena. The 99 Speedway is also present right in Stockton, so racing fans can be sure to pick up tickets to the Rusty Wallace Racing Experience if possible. If you’re traveling with the whole family, consider taking a day to explore the Pixie Woods at Louis Park or the local children’s museum.
Where to Eat: Stockton has a surprisingly comprehensive array of delicious eateries, offering “Rooster” fans tons of delightful meals during their trip. If you get the chance, be sure to check out some of the top restaurants in the area, including Waterloo, El Rancho Inn-Steak & Lobster, and the Garlic Brothers Restaurant. Prime Table Steakhouse is another local favorite, especially if you’re not worried about watching your red meat intake.
Where to Stay: One major upside to staying in the Stockton area is the hotel pricing. Hotels in the city are significantly more affordable than those in neighboring hubs such as San Francisco or Sacramento, allowing you to save some cash for day trips and excursions. Some of the best affordable hotels in Stockton include chains such as the Red Roof Inn, Holiday Inn Express and the Hilton. If you’re looking to stay close to the action and explore as many “Rooster” filming locations as possible, you can even stay in the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel, which is a cool 10-minute walk from the University of the Pacific.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “Rooster” based on?
Unlike many new shows, “Rooster” is not based on any existing story or IP. Instead, the series is largely based on true stories of fatherhood, coming-of-age and loneliness, as expressed by the series’ creators and performers. College dean Walter Mann is based on actor John C. McGinley, as he explained in a recent interview with People. Likewise, co-creator Bill Lawrence told SFGate that the show was inspired by his relationship with his daughter, and the kinship he felt with collaborators Matt Tarses and Steve Carell. Specifically, Lawrence stated, “We all had daughters in their early 20s who were kind of burgeoning into adulthood and didn’t need their fathers anymore, especially for three men that didn’t mind being fairly intrusive in their lives and wanting to overprotect them.”
What does “Rooster” stream on?
“Rooster” is now streaming on HBO. New episodes are on pace to release every Sunday.
