Everyone thought he was done. When the finale of Curb Your Enthusiasm rolled out in April 2024, it felt like the definitive end of an era. Larry David, the man who turned "social assassin" into a job title, seemed ready to finally retreat into his version of a quiet life. But let’s be honest: Larry David doing nothing is a dangerous concept for everyone involved.
Basically, he’s back. And no, it isn't Curb Season 13.
The new Larry David show is officially happening at HBO, and it’s arguably the most bizarre pivot of his career. He isn't just bringing back the old gang for more petty grievances about buffet etiquette or dry cleaning. Instead, he’s teamed up with—and this is not a joke—Barack and Michelle Obama.
The Obama Connection: Wait, What?
It sounds like a punchline. You’ve got the 44th President of the United States, known for measured diplomacy, and a guy who once started a "spite store" because he didn't like a latte. HBO confirmed the project is a six-episode limited series produced by the Obamas' Higher Ground production company.
The premise? American history.
Specifically, the show is designed to coincide with America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. While the Obamas reportedly wanted to create something that honored the "unique history of our nation," the logline for the show suggests Larry David had other plans. It reads: "President and Mrs. Obama wanted to honor America's 250th anniversary... But then Larry David called."
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What the New Larry David Show Actually Is
Don't expect a dry Ken Burns documentary. This is a sketch comedy series.
Think Drunk History but with more neuroses and probably way more arguing about the seating chart at the Constitutional Convention. Jeff Schaffer, the long-time Curb mastermind and director, is back at the helm. He’s already gone on record saying the characters Larry plays aren't the ones who changed history. They're the ones history ignored.
In a statement that is quintessentially Larry, he explained his return to TV by claiming his post-Curb life as a beekeeper was cut short when his bees "mysteriously vanished." He’s returning to HBO to "ease the loss of my beloved hive."
- Six episodes total.
- Sketch format rather than a single narrative.
- Focuses on historical figures who "didn't change history."
- Features a mix of Curb alumni and "noteworthy" guest stars.
Seinfeld and the First Footage
If you caught the HBO 2026 sizzle reel that dropped recently, you saw the first glimpse of this madness. There’s a shot of Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld. They are both dressed in full 18th-century colonial garb—wigs, waistcoats, the whole deal.
David yells, "I got a really good feeling about this!" It’s a moment that feels both nostalgic and totally fresh. Seeing the two Seinfeld creators back together in period costume suggests the show will lean heavily into the absurdity of the past. If you've ever wondered how Larry would handle a duel or a smallpox outbreak, this is probably your only chance to find out.
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Why This Matters for 2026
The timing is everything. 2026 is the Semiquincentennial. Most networks will be pumping out patriotic, soaring tributes to the founding fathers. Larry David is likely going to do the exact opposite.
There’s a lot of speculation about which Curb regulars will show up. While no official cast list exists beyond Larry himself, the "mix of some Curb actors" promise has fans hoping for Susie Essman or J.B. Smoove in a powdered wig. Imagine Leon Black explaining the "rules of the trail" to Lewis and Clark. Honestly, that alone is worth the subscription price.
Real Talk: Is It Just Another Curb?
Probably not.
Sketch comedy requires a different rhythm. Curb was built on the slow-burn escalation of a single misunderstanding over thirty minutes. Sketch is fast. It’s punchy. By moving into American history, David is stepping away from the "fictionalized version of himself" that we’ve lived with for twenty-four years.
He’s playing characters. Different people.
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That’s a huge shift. For years, we’ve seen Larry as the center of a modern universe. Now, he’s the fly in the ointment of history. It’s a bold move for a 78-year-old who could easily just sit on a golf course and complain about the wind.
How to Prepare for the Premiere
HBO hasn't given us a hard date yet, but since it's tied to the 250th anniversary, expect a launch in the first half of 2026.
If you want to be ready, here’s the move:
- Rewatch the Curb Finale: It sets the tone for Larry’s current "I don't care" attitude toward traditional endings.
- Brush up on 1776: Not for the facts, but to guess which historical figures Larry is going to offend first.
- Follow Higher Ground: The Obamas' production company usually keeps a tight lid on things, but they’ve been the primary source for the few teasers we have.
This project is a weird collision of high-level prestige and low-level pettiness. It shouldn't work. It’s a former president and a guy who once tripped Shaquille O'Neal. But in the world of Larry David, the things that shouldn't work are usually the ones that become legendary.
Keep an eye on the HBO Max (or just Max, or whatever they're calling it next week) sizzle reels. The footage of Larry and Jerry in those wigs is just the tip of the iceberg.
Next steps: Audit your HBO subscription to make sure you're set for the 2026 slate. You’ll also want to look out for the official title announcement, which is expected to drop late this year. Once that title is out, the marketing blitz—and the inevitable Larry David press tour—will begin in earnest.