On March 13, 2026, in Austin, Texas, Larry David and director Jeff Schaffer talked about his upcoming HBO sketch comedy series at a SXSW panel. The show, which is called Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America, makes fun of important events in U.S. history to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday in 2026. David shared a funny video in which his character awkwardly clashes with others at a national celebration, which is a classic example of his social mistakes.
Barack Obama, the former president, makes his first appearance as a comedian in a sketch with David. The sketch was made by Michelle Obama and Barack Obama through their Higher Ground banner. The premise humorously says that the Obamas planned a patriotic tribute “until Larry David called,” which turned their idea into silly comedy. Obama even teased David while they were filming. After giving him script notes, he said, “I’m president here.”
The seven-episode show features a rotating cast of stars, including Bill Hader, Kathryn Hahn as Mary Lincoln, Jon Hamm, Jerry Seinfeld, and former Curb Your Enthusiasm stars Jeff Garlin and Susie Essman. The show will start on HBO on June 26, 2026. Each half-hour episode will have about four sketches and be described as “‘Curb’ in costume.” This is David’s first big TV project since Curb, and it mixes his grumpy style with historical absurdity.
