Tim Robinson Unveils HBO Max’s Cringe-Comedy Thriller The Chair Company
The new HBO Original series blends office conspiracy with awkward humor, arriving October 12.
HBO Max has released the official trailer for The Chair Company, a fresh comedy series from Tim Robinson and Zach Kanin, the duo behind I Think You Should Leave. The show, premiering October 12, 2025, on HBO and HBO Max, turns the familiar office setting into the stage for a bizarre conspiracy thriller infused with Robinson’s trademark cringe comedy.
The series follows William Ronald “Ron” Trosper, played by Robinson, an ordinary employee convinced he has uncovered a vast criminal plot inside his workplace. As he digs deeper, Ron’s obsession begins to clash with both his professional duties and his strained family life. The trailer teases a mix of suspense and hilariously awkward situations that leave viewers questioning whether Ron is a whistleblower or simply losing touch.
The ensemble cast includes Lake Bell as Ron’s wife Barb, Sophia Lillis as his daughter Natalie, and Will Price as his son Seth. Joseph Tudisco portrays Mike Santini, while Lou Diamond Phillips makes a recurring appearance as Jeff Levjman. The mix of comedic and dramatic talent adds depth to the show’s unusual balance of tension and absurdity.
Behind the camera, Andrew DeYoung and Aaron Schimberg take on directing duties. Adam McKay and Todd Schulman, through HyperObject Industries, serve as executive producers, linking the project to McKay’s history of sharp, socially aware comedies such as Don’t Look Up. Their involvement signals that The Chair Company may carry satirical undertones beneath its eccentric humor.
The eight-episode season will roll out weekly through November 30, 2025. HBO is banking on Robinson’s growing reputation as a cult favorite, following his viral success with I Think You Should Leave, to draw audiences eager for something unpredictable. His style, often centered on everyday discomfort spiraling into chaos, now finds new life in a serialized narrative.
For fans, the trailer highlights a curious genre mash-up. What begins as a seemingly corporate thriller quickly transforms into a darkly funny exploration of paranoia, miscommunication, and awkward family dinners. It suggests a show where suspense and comedy fuel each other, a gamble that could set it apart in a crowded fall TV lineup.
With Robinson in front of and behind the camera, The Chair Company looks poised to test whether cringe comedy can thrive in a long-form series format. The trailer has already sparked conversation, with audiences intrigued by how this new project will expand on Robinson’s unique brand of uncomfortable, yet compelling storytelling.
