In a plot twist worthy of prestige TV, Larry David, Barack Obama, and Michelle Obama are joining forces for a sketch comedy series that’s already getting people paying 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, with, of course, the classic Larry David twist. It’s a wild, weird, and wonderful combination.
So, what’s the show about?
It started with a noble intention: The Obamas wanted to mark America’s upcoming 250th anniversary with something that honored the nation’s past. Then Larry David got involved, and everything veered delightfully sideways.
“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,” reads the official HBO logline.
What followed was a collision of big ideas, even bigger personalities, and apparently, some bees. More on that in a second.
Who’s behind the scenes?
Larry David and longtime “Curb Your Enthusiasm” partner Jeff Schaffer, who will also direct, will write and direct the series. It marks David’s first return to television since Curb ended in 2024 after an epic 12-season run that defined cringe brilliance.
The Obamas’ Higher Ground backs the production, notably their first known project outside of their Netflix deal, which they recently extended in June 2024. They’ll serve as executive producers, alongside David, Schaffer, Vinnie Malhotra, and Ethan Lewis.
© Michelle Obama/XBarack Obama issued a statement that’s both presidential and perfectly dry: “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.”
In true Larry fashion, he veered into absurdity and heartbreak: “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… 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.”
What will the show actually look like?
While plot details are still being revealed, the HBO team hints that the series will focus on overlooked or downright forgotten moments and characters from U.S. history through a comic lens. “The characters Larry is playing didn’t change history. In fact, they were largely ignored by history. And that’s a good thing.”
And with a promise of “noteworthy” guest stars, it’s shaping up to be one of the most unconventional ways to celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial.
© Michelle Obama/InstagramAs Amy Gravitt, EVP of HBO comedy programming, put it:
“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…”
No premiere date has been announced yet, but this one’s already generating major buzz, not just from Larry’s missing bees.
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