Ever had a moment so embarrassing you wanted to rewrite reality itself? Tim Robinson’s latest HBO series, The Chair Company, takes that feeling and cranks it up to eleven.
If you’ve seen I Think You Should Leave—Robinson’s breakout sketch comedy show—you’ll recognize his signature style: a man spiraling into absurdity over something hilariously insignificant. Remember the guy who refused to accept a door only pushed open? He yanked until it broke, all to avoid admitting he was wrong. That’s Robinson’s comedy in a nutshell: a stubborn, self-sabotaging refusal to back down, no matter how ridiculous the stakes.
Now, in The Chair Company, Robinson and co-creator Zach Kanin (I Think You Should Leave) stretch that premise into an eight-episode dark comedy-thriller. Directed by Andrew DeYoung (Friendship), the show follows William Ronald Trosper (played by Robinson), a middle-aged office worker who transforms a minor workplace blunder into a full-blown conspiracy theory. But here’s the twist: What if his paranoia isn’t entirely unfounded?
Ron isn’t just embarrassed—he’s consumed. What starts as a cringeworthy faux pas (details under wraps, but trust us, it’s relatable) snowballs into an obsession. Convinced he’s uncovered corporate corruption, Ron abandons his job, family, and sanity to expose the truth. His wife Barb (Lake Bell) and kids (Will Price and Sophia Lillis) watch helplessly as he unravels, chasing shadows that may or may not exist.
And this is where it gets controversial: Is Ron a tragic hero or a delusional fool? The show cleverly mirrors real-world figures who’d rather burn everything down than admit fault. Yet Ron’s journey isn’t just satire—it’s uncomfortably human. Who hasn’t fantasized about turning their worst moments into a grand vindication?
The supporting cast amplifies the absurdity: socially awkward co-workers, a freeloading acting coach, and a CEO (Lou Diamond Phillips) who’s barely holding it together. Even the henchmen are bizarre—like Mike (Joseph Tudisco), who gets his kicks from listening to obscene radio rants. The world of The Chair Company feels almost normal, but with a surreal edge, as if everyone’s playing a role they don’t quite understand.
Here’s the part most people miss: The 'conspiracy' itself is almost beside the point. The show isn’t about solving a mystery—it’s about the lengths we go to avoid facing our own inadequacies. Ron’s quest leads him into ludicrous confrontations, from brawls with thugs to battles with automated customer service. Each scene is a masterclass in awkward tension, delivered with Robinson’s trademark exaggerated expressions and oddball line readings.
By the end, you’re left wondering: Is Ron the only sane person in a mad world, or is he the madness itself? The show doesn’t answer that—and that’s what makes it brilliant. Love it or hate it, The Chair Company will stick with you like your most cringe-worthy memory. So, what’s your take? Is Ron a hero, a fool, or a little bit of both? Sound off in the comments—we’re dying to hear your hottest takes.
