Larry David is stepping back into the spotlight with a fresh comedy project and some presidential backup as he teams with Barack Obama and Michelle Obama for a new HBO sketch series that blends satire with American history.
The six-episode limited series, greenlit by HBO, will be co-written by the Curb Your Enthusiasm creator and longtime collaborator Jeff Schaffer, who will also direct.
The Obamas are producing the project through their Higher Ground banner, marking another creative venture since their recent work on Leave the World Behind and Court of Gold.
The show’s concept was originally pitched as a tribute to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.
But, according to the official logline, things took a turn when David entered the chat: “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.”
The cast will include familiar faces from Curb Your Enthusiasm along with a lineup of “noteworthy” guest stars, though no names have been confirmed yet.
Barack Obama, known for his dry wit, explained the collaboration.
“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,” he said.
David, who wrapped Curb in April 2024 after 12 seasons, had hinted at retirement. But in typical fashion, his explanation for returning to TV was anything but ordinary.
“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,” David said.
The series does not yet have a title or release date, but HBO confirmed its development on Thursday.