Pretty, Pretty Presidential: Larry David Joins Forces with Obama

Olivia Bennett, 7/11/2025Larry David and Barack Obama are teaming up for an unexpected HBO limited series to celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial. Expect neurotic humor and historical antics as David navigates quirky storylines alongside the cool former president, promising a blend of entertainment and education like never before.

HBO's brilliant stroke of genius pairs television's most lovably neurotic curmudgeon with the eternally cool 44th president for a six-episode limited series celebrating America's upcoming Semiquincentennial. (Don't worry — most people can't pronounce it either.)

Obama's deadpan comment about the partnership absolutely steals the show: "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." Darling, when a former president delivers a zinger worthy of a Comedy Central roast, you know you're in for something special.

David's response? Pure, unvarnished Larry — a rambling tale about foam parties, beekeeping, and mysteriously vanishing insects that sounds like it could've been lifted straight from a "Curb" episode. The man who made social awkwardness an art form hasn't lost his touch.

The still-untitled project (rumor has it David's locked in an epic battle over serif versus sans-serif fonts) promises to bring back familiar faces from the "Curb" universe, sprinkled with A-list guest appearances. Executive producer Jeff Schaffer's teasing revelation that David's characters are history's forgotten footnotes feels absolutely perfect — who better to play history's also-rans than television's premier merchant of mortification?

Here's the kicker — at 78, David had sworn he was "too old" for weekly camera appearances. "To act the way I do on this show, how can I continue to act like that? It's insane," he'd mused on "Sunday Today." Yet here we are, watching him gear up to potentially offend every historical figure from Paul Revere to Teddy Roosevelt. Some retirement plan, sweetie.

The marriage of David's neurotic brilliance with the Obamas' Higher Ground production company feels like the kind of unlikely pairing that somehow works — think peanut butter and bacon, or platform Crocs on a red carpet. It's the perfect reflection of our current cultural moment, where the lines between entertainment and education blur faster than a Hollywood marriage.

For HBO, this series promises to be the crown jewel of their 2025 lineup. When Amy Gravitt, their head of comedy programming, talks about offering "a glimpse at our shared history," one can't help but wonder if that glimpse will include George Washington having a pretty, pretty, pretty bad day at Valley Forge. Honestly? Here for it.

In Hollywood's latest plot twist that would make even the most seasoned screenwriter do a double-take, Larry David and Barack Obama are teaming up for what might just be 2025's most deliciously unexpected collaboration. Just when everyone thought David was ready to shuffle off into the sunset after "Curb Your Enthusiasm's" finale, the master of manufactured mayhem has decided to crash headlong into American history — with a former president in tow, no less.HBO's brilliant stroke of genius pairs television's most lovably neurotic curmudgeon with the eternally cool 44th president for a six-episode limited series celebrating America's upcoming Semiquincentennial. (Don't worry — most people can't pronounce it either.)Obama's deadpan comment about the partnership absolutely steals the show: "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." Darling, when a former president delivers a zinger worthy of a Comedy Central roast, you know you're in for something special.David's response? Pure, unvarnished Larry — a rambling tale about foam parties, beekeeping, and mysteriously vanishing insects that sounds like it could've been lifted straight from a "Curb" episode. The man who made social awkwardness an art form hasn't lost his touch.The still-untitled project (rumor has it David's locked in an epic battle over serif versus sans-serif fonts) promises to bring back familiar faces from the "Curb" universe, sprinkled with A-list guest appearances. Executive producer Jeff Schaffer's teasing revelation that David's characters are history's forgotten footnotes feels absolutely perfect — who better to play history's also-rans than television's premier merchant of mortification?Here's the kicker — at 78, David had sworn he was "too old" for weekly camera appearances. "To act the way I do on this show, how can I continue to act like that? It's insane," he'd mused on "Sunday Today." Yet here we are, watching him gear up to potentially offend every historical figure from Paul Revere to Teddy Roosevelt. Some retirement plan, sweetie.The marriage of David's neurotic brilliance with the Obamas' Higher Ground production company feels like the kind of unlikely pairing that somehow works — think peanut butter and bacon, or platform Crocs on a red carpet. It's the perfect reflection of our current cultural moment, where the lines between entertainment and education blur faster than a Hollywood marriage.For HBO, this series promises to be the crown jewel of their 2025 lineup. When Amy Gravitt, their head of comedy programming, talks about offering "a glimpse at our shared history," one can't help but wonder if that glimpse will include George Washington having a pretty, pretty, pretty bad day at Valley Forge. Honestly? Here for it.