Jeff Schaffer on Obama's Notes, Curb in History

Key Points:

• "Curb Your Enthusiasm" ended its 24-year run in 2024, but Larry David's collaborator Jeff Schaffer confirms David's continued involvement in TV with a new historical sketch comedy series, "Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness," which premiered on HBO on June 26.
• The new show, co-created by David and Schaffer and executive produced by Barack Obama, humorously portrays Larry as selfish, petty men throughout American history, blending historical events with David's signature comedic style.
• The project originated from a Higher Ground (Obama's production company) initiative to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, appealing to Larry David's interest in American history and featuring a mix of scripted outlines and live rewrites similar to "Curb Your Enthusiasm."
• The series was designed as a limited event with seven episodes, featuring cinematic production values and notable guest stars like Kathryn Hahn and Bill Hader, with plans for potential future projects involving David and Schaffer hinted at, though nothing concrete yet.
• Barack Obama played an active executive producer role, providing feedback and support during production, while the show maintains a "Curb"-like sensibility of juxtaposing significant historical moments with petty, everyday grievances.