As HBO's Rooster wraps up its acclaimed run, fans of Steve Carell's biting comedy are left wondering what to watch next. The answer might be hiding in plain sight: Bob Odenkirk's Lucky Hank, a tragically canceled eight-episode series that delivers the same sharp, cynical humor with a literary twist.
Odenkirk, best known for his charismatic turn as Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, brings a different kind of energy to Lucky Hank. Here, he plays Hank Devereaux Jr., a jaded English department chair at a fictional university. His performance is a masterclass in world-weary cynicism, reminiscent of his role in Nobody but with a farcical, almost theatrical edge. The show, which earned a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score, was canceled after just one season, but it remains a hidden gem for those who crave intelligent, character-driven comedy.
What Is 'Lucky Hank' About?
Hank Devereaux Jr. is a literature professor who has long since lost his passion for teaching. In the pilot, he goes on a tirade against a student's experimental prose, calling the school "mediocrity's capital." The students quickly remind him that his own literary output is limited to one barely published book. This sets the stage for a series that explores the tension between academic tradition and youthful ambition.
At home, Hank's life is equally fraught. His wife (Mireille Enos) is a stabilizing force, but his daughter (Olivia Scott Welch) only contacts him for money. The show balances these personal struggles with workplace comedy, as Hank navigates the politics of a non-confrontational dean (Oscar Nunez) and eccentric colleagues. It's a slice-of-life view of academia that is both hilarious and poignant.
Making Academia Entertaining
The world of academia is often seen as dusty and unsexy, but Lucky Hank breathes life into it. Adapted from a novel, the show uses a workplace sitcom structure to make the lives of literature professors accessible and fun. It has all the hallmarks of a great sitcom: bizarre interactions, witty dialogue, and relatable undercurrents. The show asks big questions about who gets to decide what art is, all while keeping the audience laughing.
Odenkirk's performance is the heart of the show. He balances Hank's misanthropy with a hint of charisma, making him a character we root for despite his flaws. It's a coming-of-age story for a middle-aged man, and Odenkirk's delivery of the sharp script is a delight. For fans of drama masterpieces that hook you in the first 10 minutes, Lucky Hank delivers from the start.
Why 'Lucky Hank' Deserves a Second Look
While Rooster has been a streaming hit, Lucky Hank was canceled too soon. But its eight episodes are a complete, satisfying arc. Odenkirk told Collider that the show "wasn't the sexiest show you ever heard about," but it was "a great show." He's right. Lucky Hank is a masterclass in making the unsexy world of academia compelling through sheer cynicism and wit.
If you're looking for a replacement for Rooster, or just want to see Bob Odenkirk at his best, Lucky Hank is streaming now. It's a show that proves even a canceled series can be a masterpiece. And for those who love a good miniseries where every episode is flawless, this one fits the bill.
