Obamas to produce Larry David US history sketch comedy series for HBO
(The Hill) – Obamas are teaming up with Larry David to produce a six-episode sketch comedy series on HBO to mark the country’s 250th anniversary, parent company Warner Bros. Discovery announced Thursday.
The untitled limited series will focus on American history and will be executive produced by David, Jeff Schaffer and Higher Ground, the media company founded by former President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama.
David and Schaffer — who have previously worked together on “Seinfeld” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” — will team up again as writers of the limited series. The series will star David and be directed by Schaffer.
The Warner Bros. Discovery press release said the Obamas — who are both named executive producers on the series — “wanted to honor America’s 250th anniversary and celebrate the unique history of our nation on this special occasion. ...But then Larry David called.”
“I’ve sat across the table from some of the world’s most difficult leaders and wrestled with some of our most intractable problems,” former President Obama said in a statement.
“Nothing has prepared me for working with Larry David,” he added.
Schaffer described the historical characters that David portrays in the series as unconventional.
“The characters Larry is playing didn’t change history,” Schaffer said. “In fact, they were largely ignored by history. And that’s a good thing.”
The series is expected to bring back cast members of HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” show, which ended last spring after 12 non-consecutive seasons, as well as some “noteworthy guest stars.”
“It’s hard to remember a time before ‘Curb,’ or without Larry David’s perspective on modern life,” Amy Gravitt, the head of comedy programming for HBO & HBO Max, said in a statement.
“We’re thrilled that Larry is coming back to HBO, this time with Higher Ground, to give us a glimpse at our shared history as we celebrate our Semiquincentennial.”
David, in a statement, remarked on his return to television.
“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, harvesting organic honey from the wildflowers in my meadow. 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,” David said.