Barack and Michelle Obama team up with Seinfeld creator for new comedy show
The former First Couple is teaming up with Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm creator Larry David for a new HBO series. The yet-to-be-titled project is a six-episode, half-hour sketch comedy series set to air on HBO, with the Obamas' production company, Higher Ground, executive producing alongside Larry David and longtime collaborator Jeff Schaffer.
According to HBO, the show was originally envisioned as a tribute to America's 250th anniversary - until Larry David got involved. The official logline reads, "President and Mrs. Obama wanted to honor America's 250th anniversary and celebrate the unique history of our nation on this special occasion. ...But then Larry David called."
The show will feature a mix of Curb Your Enthusiasm alumni and high-profile guest stars, with Schaffer also serving as director.
The concept is expected to explore overlooked (and likely hilariously fictionalized) historical moments through the distinctively absurd lens of Larry David.
Obama couldn't resist cracking a joke about teaming up with the 78-year-old comedian. He said, "I've sat across the table from some of the world's most difficult leaders and wrestled with some of our most intractable problems," said the former president. "Nothing has prepared me for working with Larry David."
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Meanwhile, David issued a statement, joking, "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."
About the project, Amy Gravitt, EVP of HBO and Max Comedy, said, "It's hard to remember a time before Curb, or without Larry David's perspective on modern life."
She added, "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."
Jeff Schaffer added, "The characters Larry is playing didn't change history. In fact, they were largely ignored by history. And that's a good thing."
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