Larry David and Obamas Team Up for Wild HBO History Show

Max Sterling, 7/11/2025In a marriage of comedic chaos and presidential prestige that feels like a "Curb" episode gone rogue, Larry David emerges from retirement (and a failed beekeeping venture) to team up with the Obamas for an HBO historical comedy series. It's either brilliant madness or the best pitch meeting that never happened.

The yet-untitled series, slated for America's semiquincentennial celebrations in 2026, promises to merge David's trademark neurotic comedy with the gravitas of presidential backing. HBO's announcement landed with the kind of perfect timing that would make even Jeff Greene proud: "President and Mrs. Obama wanted to honor America's 250th anniversary... But then Larry David called."

Speaking of David — fresh off what he claims was a three-day foam party celebration following Curb's finale — his explanation for returning to television ventures into territory that would make even Leon Black scratch his head. "After a violent allergic reaction to the suds, I yearned to return to my simple life as a beekeeper," David explained, in what sounds suspiciously like rejected dialogue from Curb's cutting room floor. "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."

The half-hour sketch comedy limited series reunites David with "Curb" maestro Jeff Schaffer, who's taking the director's chair. Word has it that familiar faces from the "Curb" universe will pop up alongside what HBO cryptically terms "noteworthy guest stars" — which, given the Obama connection, could mean literally anyone from former Cabinet members to that guy who once cut David in line at the coffee shop.

Barack Obama, whose comedic chops at White House Correspondents' Dinners often rivaled professional comedians, seems to grasp the beautiful absurdity of it all. "I've sat across the table from some of the world's most difficult leaders," the former president noted, "Nothing has prepared me for working with Larry David." (One can only imagine the social faux pas waiting to unfold when David inevitably breaks some obscure presidential protocol.)

For the Obamas' Higher Ground Productions, known for weightier fare like "Rustin" and "Leave The World Behind," this sharp turn into comedy feels both jarring and somehow inevitable. Schaffer's cryptic hint about David's historical characters adds another layer of intrigue: "The characters Larry is playing didn't change history. In fact, they were largely ignored by history. And that's a good thing." Picture, if you will, Larry David as the guy who accidentally started the Boston Tea Party by complaining about the quality of Earl Grey.

HBO's comedy chief Amy Gravitt summed up the network's enthusiasm with characteristic understatement: "It's hard to remember a time before Curb, or without Larry David's perspective on modern life." Now that perspective will be unleashed on American history — a prospect both thrilling and slightly terrifying.

The whole endeavor feels like the kind of fever dream that could only materialize in our current entertainment landscape, where streaming platforms are desperate for content that breaks through the noise. But somehow, the idea of Larry David stumbling through pivotal moments in American history, backed by presidential seal of approval, feels weirdly... right?

Come 2026, as America celebrates its 250th birthday, viewers will get to see what happens when you combine presidential diplomacy with the man who made "pretty, pretty, pretty good" a national catchphrase. Heaven help the founding fathers.

Just when television seemed to have exhausted its capacity for surprises, HBO drops a bombshell that reads like satire but isn't — Larry David, barely catching his breath after wrapping "Curb Your Enthusiasm," is teaming up with Barack and Michelle Obama for what might be the most delightfully bizarre collaboration since Nixon met Elvis.The yet-untitled series, slated for America's semiquincentennial celebrations in 2026, promises to merge David's trademark neurotic comedy with the gravitas of presidential backing. HBO's announcement landed with the kind of perfect timing that would make even Jeff Greene proud: "President and Mrs. Obama wanted to honor America's 250th anniversary... But then Larry David called."Speaking of David — fresh off what he claims was a three-day foam party celebration following Curb's finale — his explanation for returning to television ventures into territory that would make even Leon Black scratch his head. "After a violent allergic reaction to the suds, I yearned to return to my simple life as a beekeeper," David explained, in what sounds suspiciously like rejected dialogue from Curb's cutting room floor. "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."The half-hour sketch comedy limited series reunites David with "Curb" maestro Jeff Schaffer, who's taking the director's chair. Word has it that familiar faces from the "Curb" universe will pop up alongside what HBO cryptically terms "noteworthy guest stars" — which, given the Obama connection, could mean literally anyone from former Cabinet members to that guy who once cut David in line at the coffee shop.Barack Obama, whose comedic chops at White House Correspondents' Dinners often rivaled professional comedians, seems to grasp the beautiful absurdity of it all. "I've sat across the table from some of the world's most difficult leaders," the former president noted, "Nothing has prepared me for working with Larry David." (One can only imagine the social faux pas waiting to unfold when David inevitably breaks some obscure presidential protocol.)For the Obamas' Higher Ground Productions, known for weightier fare like "Rustin" and "Leave The World Behind," this sharp turn into comedy feels both jarring and somehow inevitable. Schaffer's cryptic hint about David's historical characters adds another layer of intrigue: "The characters Larry is playing didn't change history. In fact, they were largely ignored by history. And that's a good thing." Picture, if you will, Larry David as the guy who accidentally started the Boston Tea Party by complaining about the quality of Earl Grey.HBO's comedy chief Amy Gravitt summed up the network's enthusiasm with characteristic understatement: "It's hard to remember a time before Curb, or without Larry David's perspective on modern life." Now that perspective will be unleashed on American history — a prospect both thrilling and slightly terrifying.The whole endeavor feels like the kind of fever dream that could only materialize in our current entertainment landscape, where streaming platforms are desperate for content that breaks through the noise. But somehow, the idea of Larry David stumbling through pivotal moments in American history, backed by presidential seal of approval, feels weirdly... right?Come 2026, as America celebrates its 250th birthday, viewers will get to see what happens when you combine presidential diplomacy with the man who made "pretty, pretty, pretty good" a national catchphrase. Heaven help the founding fathers.