Larry David returns to HBO with a new seven-episode sketch comedy series, “Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America,” premiering Friday, June 26 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The limited series marks his first major project since “Curb Your Enthusiasm” concluded in April 2024 after 12 seasons.
The show is produced by former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground production company, with Obama himself appearing in the series. In a teaser released by HBO Max, Obama quipped about the collaboration: “I have sat across the table from some of the world’s most difficult leaders and wrestled with some of the globe’s most intractable problems. Nothing has prepared me for working with Larry David.”
Created by Larry David and Jeff Schaffer, the series takes a satirical look at pivotal moments in American history, timed to coincide with the nation’s 250th founding anniversary. Each episode contains multiple sketches exploring defining events through David’s comedic lens, according to Variety.
The cast includes a roster of prominent comedians and actors. Bill Hader plays Abraham Lincoln opposite Kathryn Hahn as Mary Todd Lincoln, while Jon Hamm and Sean Hayes reunite to portray the Wright brothers. Additional cast members include Susie Essman and Vince Vaughn. Jerry Seinfeld, David’s longtime collaborator from “Seinfeld,” reunites with him for a sketch about Lewis and Clark, marking a notable pairing of the two comedy legends.
“Curb Your Enthusiasm” ran for 12 seasons spanning 24 years before concluding in April 2024. The show, which aired its finale on April 7, 2024, became one of HBO’s longest-running series. David had repeatedly joked over the years that each season would be the last, only to return for more episodes. When he finally confirmed the end was permanent in December 2023, it marked the close of a defining era in his career.
New episodes of “Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness” will debut weekly on HBO and HBO Max through August 7, 2026. The series represents a fresh creative direction for David, moving from the improvisational, semi-autobiographical comedy of “Curb” to sketch-based historical satire produced in partnership with the Obamas’ production company.
Sources
- Variety — Confirmed the show’s title, June 26 premiere date, seven-episode format, cast including Seinfeld, Hader, Hahn, Hamm, and Hayes, and the historical sketch format
- Deadline — Reported the June 26 premiere at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and HBO Max, weekly episode release schedule
- Warner Bros. Discovery Press Release — Official announcement of the seven-episode series, premiere date, and Higher Ground production partnership
- Entertainment Weekly — Confirmed Seinfeld’s appearance as Lewis and Clark, Obama’s involvement, and cast details
- TV Insider — Detailed cast roles including Hader as Abraham Lincoln and Hahn as Mary Todd Lincoln
- Chortle — Noted this is David’s first project since “Curb Your Enthusiasm” ended in 2024 after 12 seasons
- NBC New York — Confirmed “Curb Your Enthusiasm” ended with its 12th season in 2024
- HBO Max Teaser — Featured Obama’s statement about working with Larry David
