“The Chair Company” is a comedic thriller on HBO Max with eight episodes, following Ron Trosper (Emmy Award winner Tim Robinson) on his quest to uncover the truth about office chairs. Co-created with long-time collaborator Zach Kanin, the new series bears a resemblance to Robinson’s Netflix original sketch-comedy series, “I Think You Should Leave.”
“The Chair Company” centers around Ron, a middle-aged businessman who works for a company in Ohio that builds shopping malls. Within the first episode, viewers see Ron suffer an embarrassing workplace humiliation. Though he seems to brush it off and move forward, Ron is fuming on the inside. He becomes hell-bent on proving that commonplace things in the working world are not quite as they seem.
Critics And Fans Are Raving About ‘The Chair Company’
Robinson’s unique cringe comedy style dips into the thriller genre as he delves into paranoia and addresses themes like middle-age pressures, modern work life and corporate bureaucracy. As a writer and creator of the new series, Robinson pushes the envelope even further than he did in “I Think You Should Leave.” The new series is filled with jarring moments, comedic conversations and over-the-top explosions in response to some of life’s daily inconveniences. On top of that, a conspiratorial tone seems to be building throughout the show as Ron searches for answers to his budding difficulties.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, “The Chair Company” attracted 1.4 million viewers for its debut over three days on the HBO channel and HBO Max streaming service. It’s the biggest comedy series premiere for HBO since 2020. Read on to find out more about the film locations and setting of the new slapstick comedy series.
Where Is ‘The Chair Company’ Set?
“The Chair Company” is set in Columbus, Ohio. The mall Ron is leading the development of is expected to be built in Canton, a small suburb about two hours northeast of Columbus. Dublin Jerome High School, located in Dublin, Ohio, is mentioned within the first episode. That’s apparently where Ron’s son goes to school and where his son’s basketball team reportedly “whipped” New Albany’s team. Both of these high schools are real places, mentioned to give the series a sense of place in the suburbs of Columbus. The show goes on to follow Ron in his quest for justice. The chair company’s headquarters is reportedly located in Newark, Ohio, despite filming for “The Chair Company” taking place in New York.
Your Guide To Exploring New York Filming Locations
Key Scenes: Office scenes and scenes in Ron’s house were filmed in specially created sets at Broadway Stages’ Brooklyn location. Additional scenes showing Ron walking through the city were filmed in various areas around Manhattan to enhance the show’s visual appeal, according to The Cinemaholic.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring or early fall is ideal for visiting Brooklyn if you’re basing your trip on the weather alone. Though there are plenty of activities to attend in the summer, the excessive heat might make it unbearable. Similarly, winters in New York can get rather chilly – so only plan a trip during that time if you can take the cold.
Transportation Options: The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, or MTA, operates widespread public transportation throughout New York City. You can purchase a Metro card and familiarize yourself with the routes to navigate the city with ease and without breaking the bank. Or, for even more exercise, consider walking or renting a bike during your visit to avoid the hassle of parking and refueling while on the go.
Despite “The Chair Company” taking place in a small town, producers and directors used their creativity to evoke a small-town feel in parts of the Big Apple. Filming took place in late spring and throughout the summer of 2024. A Brooklyn studio became Ron’s office space and home for most of the slapstick series. Broadway Stages’ Soundstage 23 was used to shoot most of the series, with the stage transformed into office spaces.
Since Robinson’s comedy style requires multiple takes and improvisation, shooting in a studio was ideal for controlling lighting and set design. The closed studio also allowed the cast and crew to work without any interruptions from the public, Soap Central reported.
According to the company’s newsletter, Stage 23 spans 17,000 square feet and features full soundproofing, on-site equipment rentals, an overhead grid for specific lighting needs and access to support spaces for green rooms, offices, hair and makeup, among others. Broadway Stages as a whole has been influential in the filming of countless TV shows and movies at its locations throughout New York, including “Elsbeth,” “Poker Face,” “Law & Order: Organized Crime,” “Godfather of Harlem” and several movies in the Marvel series, to name a few.
Things to Do: If you’re traveling with kids, a day spent at Coney Island won’t soon be forgotten. The amusement park features one of the country’s oldest wooden roller coasters still in operation. If you’re looking for some relaxation, consider a stroll through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden or a picnic at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Where to Eat: Enjoy the Polish restaurants that are found around every corner in the Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn. Some local favorites include Pierozek, a family-owned spot known for its pierogies, the Syrena Piekarnia (notable for its baked goods and holiday decor), and Karczma Polish Restaurant, an excellent spot for sampling a true Polish meal.
Where to Stay: The Henry Norman Hotel, located near the intersection of Henry Street and Norman Avenue, is a popular place for cast and crew to stay while filming at the nearby Brooklyn Sound Stages. The 4-star boutique hotel, converted from a 19th-century warehouse, now features 52 rooms and offers walkable access to numerous restaurants and activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch “The Chair Company”?
All eight episodes of “The Chair Company” are available for streaming on HBO Max.
What is HBO’s most successful series?
“The Chair Company” is HBO’s most successful comedy series premiere since 2020, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Additionally, Esquire reports that “The Wire” is the most-watched HBO series of all time.
