He’s back: Larry David teams up with the Obamas to create new TV comedy series about American history
The production combo sounds prettay, prettay, prettay good
After his beloved and extremely Jewish sitcom “Curb Your Enthusiasm” ended after 12 seasons last year, many fans undoubtedly had the same thought: Would this be the last of Larry David on TV?
The notorious curmudgeon’s answer: Absolutely not.
On Thursday, David announced that he will be partnering with Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company to create a six-episode sketch comedy series about American history.
The 78-year-old David will star in, co-write and executive produce the new series, which will air on HBO, the home of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Higher Ground, the Obamas’ production company, will produce it.
“I’ve sat across the table from some of the world’s most difficult leaders and wrestled with some of our most intractable problems,” the former president said in a statement. “Nothing has prepared me for working with Larry David.”
The official summary for the show reads: “President and Mrs. Obama wanted to honour America’s 250th anniversary and celebrate the unique history of our nation on this special occasion…But then Larry David called.”
For decades, “Curb Your Enthusiasm” often brought Jewish humour and culture to the mainstream, poking fun at Jews of all stripes and even at the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But it’s unclear how much of the new show will tap into American Jewish history — David’s statement focused on what seems to be a joke about a made-up hobby.
“Once Curb ended, I 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 said in a statement. “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.”
“Curb Your Enthusiasm” writer and executive producer Jeff Schaffer will also write, direct and executive produce the currently-untitled series, which will presumably come out in 2026, as it is meant to coincide with the nation’s 250th anniversary.
“The characters Larry is playing didn’t change history. In fact, they were largely ignored by history. And that’s a good thing,” Schaffer said in a statement.
Although exact casting details have yet to be announced, the new show is set to feature some “Curb Your Enthusiasm” actors and “noteworthy guest stars.”
“It’s hard to remember a time before ‘Curb,’ or without Larry David’s perspective on modern life,” said Amy Gravitt, the head of HBO and Max’s comedy programming. “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.”
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
