Larry David Teams with the Obamas for ‘Curb’-Like Take on U.S. History in New HBO Sketch Series
Just in time for the United States’ Semiquincentennial —yes, that’s actually the official title for a 250th anniversary —Larry David is giving his own bent —curb, if you will —on the old U.S. of A. The comedy legend will produce for HBO a limited yet-untitled half-hour sketch comedy series alongside producer Jeff Schaffer —who will also direct —and one of the country’s former leaders, President Barack Obama, through his and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground production company. Vinnie Malhotra and Ethan Lewis will also serve as executive producers.
According to the official logline, “President and Mrs. Obama wanted to honor America’s 250th anniversary and celebrate the unique history of our nation on this special occasion… but then Larry David called.”
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AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Rle4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R15e4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe“I’ve sat across the table from some of the world’s most difficult leaders and wrestled with some of our most intractable problems,” Obama said in a statement. “Nothing has prepared me for working with Larry David.”
In a release, David said that after “Curb Your Enthusiasm” ended its long run in April 2024, he “celebrated with a three-day foam party.” “After a violent allergic reaction to the suds, I yearned to return to my simple life as a beekeeper, harvesting organic honey from the wildflowers in my meadow,” David continued. “Alas, one day my bees mysteriously vanished. And so, it is with a heavy heart that I return to television, hoping to ease the loss of my beloved hive.”
HBO & HBO Max’s Executive Vice President and Head of Comedy Programming Amy Gravitt added that it was “hard to remember before ‘Curb'” a time with no perspective from David on what it is like to live in the modern world. As such, she professed, “We’re thrilled that Larry is coming back to HBO, this time with Higher Ground, to give us a glimpse at our shared history as we celebrate our Semiquincentennial.”
“The characters Larry is playing didn’t change history,” Schaffer said in a statement. “In fact, they were largely ignored by history. And that’s a good thing.”
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Rqe4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R1ae4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeNo release date or additional information is available about the new project.
The Obamas’ Higher Ground Production has been busy in recent years, with projects like the Oscar-nominated “Rustin” and the six-part Olympic basketball docuseries “Court of Gold.” David has kept a fairly low profile since “Curb” ended, though he did appear on the “Saturday Night Live” 50th anniversary special.
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