Larry David is tackling American history in his new HBO sketch show, "Life, Larry, And The Pursuit Of Unhappiness." In the series, David applies his signature cantankerous persona to pivotal moments and figures from U.S. history, often playing historical figures themselves or individuals tangentially connected to the events.
Each sketch functions as a mini-episode reminiscent of "Curb Your Enthusiasm," with David airing grievances on topics ranging from dessert sharing to awkward phone calls. The show features a rotating cast of guest stars who improvise with David, mirroring the format of his long-running sitcom. Among the announced guests are Chris Parnell, Alan Tudyk, JB Smoove, Jon Hamm, Sean Hayes, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Historical Sketches and Recurring Themes
The show's episodes explore a variety of historical subjects, including the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, World War I trench warfare, Rosa Parks' bus protest, the invention of the telephone, the Boston Tea Party, the McCarthy hearings, the Underground Railroad, and the endeavors of the Wright Brothers. The former president, Barack Obama, appears in the opening scene of the first episode, walking through a museum display about the country's founding.
"Life, Larry, And The Pursuit Of Unhappiness" is written and showrun by David and longtime "Curb" collaborator Jeff Schaffer. The series is produced by Barack and Michelle Obama's Higher Ground production company, which likely contributed to the former president's appearance in the show's promotional material and opening sketch.
Critical Reception
While the show aims to transplant David's "Curb" sensibility into historical contexts, early reviews suggest mixed results. Critics note that the concentrated dose of David's comedic persona in shorter sketches can feel repetitive. Some sketches, particularly those that are more structured like the McCarthy and Declaration of Independence segments, have been found to lack humor. However, moments of improvisation with frequent scene partners like JB Smoove are highlighted as demonstrating the potential of the format.
The series includes no sex or nudity. The final sketch of the first episode reportedly involves Rosa Parks, though details about the specific roles and plot are not fully disclosed. Despite the critical reception, the show does feature David in moments where he demonstrates acting ability, which some reviewers found surprising.
"Life, Larry, And The Pursuit Of Unhappiness" is described as a hybrid that may not appeal to all viewers, with a concentrated delivery of the "Curb" version of Larry David that some found overwhelming in the initial episodes.