Larry David announced details of his new HBO sketch comedy series at SXSW, set to premiere on June 26. The show, titled 'Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America,' will satirize U.S. history with improvised sketches featuring notable guest stars.
During a talk at SXSW on Friday, Larry David shared key information about his upcoming HBO series, a seven-episode sketch comedy that satirizes the United States ahead of its 250th anniversary. Directed by Jeff Schaffer, known for his work on 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' and 'Seinfeld,' the series features sketches with improvised dialogue based on outlines, which Schaffer described as "'Curb' in costume."
The rotating cast includes 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' alumni such as Jeff Garlin, J.B. Smoove, and Susie Essman, who will portray Susan B. Anthony. Guest appearances feature Bill Hader and Kathryn Hahn as Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln, Jon Hamm and Sean Hayes as the Wright brothers, David and Jerry Seinfeld as Lewis and Clark, Vince Vaughn, and Barack Obama in a sketch opposite David. Obama's production company, Higher Ground, is among the producers.
A preview clip screened at SXSW depicted David in a sketch inspired by the iconic 1945 'V-J Day in Times Square' photograph. In it, David kisses a stranger, prompting her to call him a "fucko" and sparking an angry mob reaction in classic 'Curb' style.
The series covers 250 years of American history and touches on the current political climate. Schaffer noted, "It’s a little odd to be celebrating our nation at this time. It’s like having a birthday party for your friend in rehab." David, aged 78 and fresh off 'Curb Your Enthusiasm's' 2024 conclusion after 12 seasons, joked about not retiring because "I’m so talented." He added, "The only reason I really ever left my house was so I could come in contact with people to have ideas. Otherwise, there’s no reason to leave your house." Schaffer remarked, "Until a person can walk out of their home and not be irritated by another human, we’ll always have a job."
This project marks David's return to HBO following the end of his long-running series.