Tim Robinson’s New HBO Series The Chair Company Delivers a Bold Blend of Absurd Comedy and Conspiracy-Fueled Drama

The Chair Company is HBO’s latest breakout hit, created by Tim Robinson and Zach Kanin, and it premiered on October 12, 2025 with a total of eight episodes released weekly. The series quickly earned a strong critical response, holding a 100% critics’ score and an 82/100 Metacritic rating, signaling widespread acclaim and high viewer interest.

The show follows William Ronald “Ron” Trosper, played by Robinson, a project manager at a property-development firm whose life unravels after a humiliating workplace incident. Moments after delivering an important speech at work, Ron’s chair collapses underneath him, pushing him into an obsessive quest to uncover the manufacturer behind the faulty furniture. This journey leads him to a company called Tecca, launching a bizarre investigation that exposes his insecurities and spirals into conspiracy and paranoia.

Critics have highlighted how the series mixes absurdist comedy with psychological tension, creating something that feels both deeply uncomfortable and sharply funny. Outlets like RogerEbert.com praise the show’s ability to present everyday corporate settings with a sinister edge, while still grounding the narrative in relatable human emotions. A detailed critical breakdown can be found in the coverage by TV Guide, which explores how the series plays with tone and structure.

Much of the praise focuses on Robinson’s performance, which merges his trademark awkward-energy humor—familiar to fans of I Think You Should Leave—with a more layered portrayal of a man struggling under the weight of shame and self-doubt. The series builds on that discomfort as Ron’s investigation takes him through empty warehouses, late-night confrontations, and unsettling discoveries that blur the line between corporate oversight and personal delusion.

The show’s popularity has continued to rise, with HBO officially renewing it for Season 2 in November 2025. According to industry coverage from Consequence, executives cited it as HBO’s top freshman comedy in platform history, drawing an average of 3.3 million U.S. viewers across live and on-demand platforms. Additional reporting from Collider confirms that production plans for the next season are already underway.

Audience curiosity has also heightened thanks to the season’s unresolved questions, including theories about whether Ron’s fall was accidental or orchestrated. Outlets like CinemaBlend have discussed these story threads extensively, with one article directly examining the central mystery through fan speculation, available at CinemaBlend.

Another standout element is the supporting cast, including Lake Bell, whose performance has been spotlighted in interviews. Her discussions about working alongside Robinson’s unpredictable comedic style appear in features from the New York Post and WTHR, offering behind-the-scenes context into how the show balances grounded acting with chaotic humor. The WTHR interview can be read at WTHR’s coverage.

The series has also received attention from streaming recommendation platforms, with outlets like Decider describing it as a must-watch for fans who enjoy unsettling humor paired with escalating tension. Their review is available at Decider. For those looking to watch, guides such as Tom’s Guide outline where and how the show can be streamed.

Overall, The Chair Company stands out because it combines absurd comedy, psychological intensity, and corporate satire in a way only Tim Robinson could deliver, making it one of HBO’s most unique and talked-about releases of 2025.