In a plot twist worthy of prestige TV, Larry David Obama, Barack Obama , and Michelle Obama are joining forces for a sketch comedy series that’s already getting people to pay attention—and it doesn’t even have a title yet.
HBO announced on July 10 that the iconic trio will collaborate on a limited half-hour comedy series centered on American history , featuring, of course, the classic Larry David Twist. It’s a wild, weird, and wonderful combination.
So what is the show about?
It started with a noble intention: The Obamas wanted to mark America’s upcoming 250th anniversary with something that honored the country’s past. Then Larry David got involved, and everything took a delightful turn for the worse.
“President and Mrs. Obama wanted to honor America’s 250th birthday and celebrate our nation’s unique history on this special occasion… but then Larry David called,” reads the official HBO logline.
What followed was a collision of big ideas, even bigger personalities, and, apparently, a few bees. More on that in a second.
Who’s behind the scenes?
Larry David and longtime “Curb Your Enthusiasm” partner Jeff Schaffer will also direct, write, and direct the series. This marks David’s first return to television since Curb ended in 2024, following an epic 12-season run that defined the brilliance of Cringe.
The Obamas’ Higher Ground backs the production, most notably their first known project outside of their Netflix deal, which they recently extended through June 2024. They will serve as executive producers, alongside David, Schaffer, Vinnie Malhotra , and Ethan Lewis .
Barack Obama issued a statement that is both presidential and perfectly dry: “I have sat across the table from some of the world’s toughest leaders and wrestled with some of our most intractable problems. Nothing prepared me for working with Larry David.”
In true Larry fashion, he turned to the absurd and the heartbreak: “Once the curb was finished, I celebrated with a three-day foam party. After a violent allergic reaction to the foam, I longed to return to my simple life as a heart of a heart… Alas.”
What will the program be like?
While plot details are still being revealed, the HBO team suggests that the series will focus on forgotten or completely forgotten moments and characters from history through a comedic lens. “The characters Larry is playing haven’t changed history. In fact, they’ve been largely ignored by history. And that’s a good thing.”
And with a promise of “notable” guest stars, it’s shaping up to be one of the most unconventional ways to celebrate America’s semi-quincentennial.
© Michelle Obama/InstagramAs Amy Gravitt, EVP of comedy programming at HBO, put it:
“It’s hard to remember a time before Curbside, or without Larry David’s perspective on modern life. We’re thrilled that Larry is returning to HBO, this time from higher ground, to give us a glimpse into our shared history…”
No release date has been announced yet, but this one is already generating a lot of buzz, and not just from Larry’s missing bees.
