In an unexpected collaboration, Larry David and former President Barack Obama are set to create a new sketch comedy series for HBO. This limited series will explore themes of American history and is expected to include cast members from David’s acclaimed show, Curb Your Enthusiasm. The project aims to honor the United States’ 250th anniversary with a unique blend of humor and historical reflection.
Details of the New Series
The untitled half-hour series is co-written by David and his longtime collaborator Jeff Schaffer, who will also direct. The premise revolves around the Obamas’ desire to celebrate America’s rich history on this significant milestone, which humorously takes a turn when David enters the picture. The series promises to feature prominent guest stars, further adding to its appeal.
The production is backed by Obama’s Higher Ground media company, marking a notable shift as this is the first series to be produced outside of Netflix, where Higher Ground has an existing deal. Previously, the company secured a film deal with 20th Century Studios for a Christmas comedy titled Merry Ex-Mas.
Comments from the Key Players
In light of this collaboration, Obama humorously remarked, “I’ve sat across the table from some of the world’s most difficult leaders and wrestled with some of our most intractable problems. Nothing has prepared me for working with Larry David.” David, in turn, shared his humorous perspective, stating, “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. 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.”
The excitement surrounding the series is palpable. Amy Gravitt, Executive Vice President and Head of HBO & HBO Max Comedy Programming, expressed her delight, saying, “It’s hard to remember a time before Curb, or without Larry David’s perspective on modern life. 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.”
Schaffer added a thoughtful note about the characters David will portray, emphasizing their historical significance: “The characters Larry is playing didn’t change history. In fact, they were largely ignored by history. And that’s a good thing.”
As anticipation builds, this collaboration between Larry David and Barack Obama is set to bring a fresh, comedic lens to historical narratives, promising to engage audiences with both humor and insight. The series is expected to debut in the coming months, though specific release dates have yet to be announced.
