Larry David is back, and this time, he’s bringing former President Barack Obama along for the ride. HBO has officially greenlit a new half-hour sketch comedy series that brings together David’s signature awkward brilliance and Obama’s, well… patience.
The untitled limited series will explore American history in the only way Larry David can in a hilariously, irreverently way, with a touch of self-deprecation.
The project is being written by David and Curb Your Enthusiasm collaborator Jeff Schaffer, who’s also directing. It will feature cast members from Curb, “noteworthy” guest stars, and is produced by the Obamas’ Higher Ground banner.
The official logline already sets the tone perfectly: “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.”
It’s also the first thing David’s done since Curb wrapped its twelfth and final season last year, and it sounds like the break didn’t go quite as planned.
David said: “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.”
Obama, clearly bracing for whatever chaos David has planned, quipped: “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.”
HBO’s Amy Gravitt is all in on the project: “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.”
Jeff Schaffer teased the tone of the series, adding: “The characters Larry is playing didn’t change history. In fact, they were largely ignored by history. And that’s a good thing.”
No release date yet, but this is shaping up to be one of the most unexpected comedy collaborations in recent memory.
