When you think of Barack and Michelle Obama, words like “presidential,” “inspirational,” and “grounded” come to mind.
Larry David? He’s the king of awkward social tension and absurd self-awareness.
So, imagine everyone’s surprise when HBO revealed that these two forces—political royalty and comedy chaos—are collaborating on a sketch comedy series that explores American history, just in time for the country’s 250th birthday.
A Quirky Take on American History Is Coming to HBO
The project, which doesn’t have a title yet, will air on HBO and aims to shine a humorous light on the quirks of American history.
At first, the Obamas set out to honor the U.S. Semiquincentennial (that’s 250 years since independence), but then Larry David entered the chat—and changed everything.
In a tongue-in-cheek statement, the network announced, “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.”
A Legendary Team Behind the Scenes
Larry David, now 78, is writing the series alongside Jeff Schaffer, his longtime collaborator from Curb Your Enthusiasm. Schaffer will also direct the show.
And in true Larry David fashion, the premise sounds like it’ll lean into the obscure and overlooked parts of history—probably with a generous dose of awkwardness and irony.
The production will be backed by the Obamas’ company, Higher Ground, and will feature Barack and Michelle as executive producers, alongside David, Schaffer, Vinnie Malhotra, and Ethan Lewis.
Obama Jokes About Working with Larry David
Barack Obama, never one to miss an opportunity for dry humor, joked about 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.”
That sense of humor seems to be essential for a project this unique.
Larry David’s Dramatic Return from Beekeeping
As for David, he’s doing what only Larry David can do—offering up a hilarious, wildly over-the-top backstory.
“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 just like that, he’s back on TV—mourning his lost bees but ready to make America laugh again.
First HBO Project with Obamas Outside Netflix Deal
This new comedy also marks a big shift for Higher Ground.
While the Obamas’ production company has mainly focused on projects under its Netflix deal (which was expanded in June 2024), this is their first known collaboration outside that partnership.
It’s also Larry David’s big return to the screen, following the 2024 wrap-up of Curb Your Enthusiasm after twelve gloriously uncomfortable seasons.
No Release Date Yet—But the Buzz Has Begun
While HBO hasn’t shared a premiere date yet, the hype is already building.
HBO’s Executive VP of Programming expressed enthusiasm about the show, saying, “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.”
And in typical fashion, Schaffer gave a peek into the series’ oddball tone: “The characters Larry is playing didn’t change history.
In fact, they were largely ignored by history. And that’s a good thing.”
A History Show with a Twist
So, as America gears up to mark 250 years of independence, this HBO show promises to mix presidential prestige with offbeat comedy.
With the Obamas providing the vision and Larry David providing the edge, it’s safe to say this won’t be your typical history lesson.
Stay tuned—there’s more to come from this unlikely dream team.