In an exciting announcement for fans of sketch comedy, Larry David is making his much-anticipated return to HBO. According to exclusive reports from Variety, the creator and star of the iconic series Curb Your Enthusiasm has collaborated once again with the premium cable network to develop a new limited series focused on American history.
In this fresh venture, David is teaming up with Jeff Schaffer, who has an impressive background as the showrunner, executive producer, and frequent director of Curb Your Enthusiasm. Together, they are crafting a six-episode sketch series that promises to blend humor with historical context. Both David and Schaffer will serve as executive producers, with Schaffer also stepping into the director's role.
Adding to the excitement, the series will be executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama under their production company, Higher Ground Productions. Vinnie Malhotra and Ethan Lewis will also contribute as executive producers. Former President Obama humorously noted, “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.”
The series aims to honor America's 250th anniversary and celebrate the unique history of the nation. The official logline reads: “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.” This intriguing premise sets the stage for a creative journey through history, infused with David's signature comedic style.
In addition to David, the sketch series is expected to feature a mix of familiar faces from Curb Your Enthusiasm and other guest stars. While exact casting details remain under wraps, fans can look forward to the return of some beloved actors from David’s previous work.
Reflecting on his return to television, David shared, “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.”
This announcement marks another significant chapter in David's relationship with HBO. Curb Your Enthusiasm originally aired for eight successful seasons from 2000 to 2011, followed by a ninth season in 2017 and subsequent seasons in 2020, 2021, and what was announced as the twelfth and final season in 2024. The show has garnered widespread acclaim, receiving 55 Emmy nominations across its 12 seasons, solidifying its status as one of the most popular comedies of the 21st century.
As Amy Gravitt, executive vice president and head of HBO & HBO Max Comedy Programming, aptly stated, “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.”
David and Schaffer have a rich collaborative history, having previously worked together on Seinfeld and the TV movie Clear History. Schaffer is also known for co-creating other popular shows like The League and Dave on FX, showcasing his talent in the comedy genre.
Higher Ground Productions has been busy setting up various scripted projects, including the Netflix series The Altruists, which delves into the cryptocurrency exchange FTX, and a series adaptation of the novel All the Sinners Bleed. The company is currently under a non-exclusive first-look deal with Netflix, further expanding its influence in television.
As fans eagerly await more details regarding this exciting new limited series, one thing is clear: Larry David's return to HBO is a moment to celebrate for comedy lovers everywhere.
