Larry David's New HBO Max Series Gets Mixed Reviews

Larry David’s new comedy series, “Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness,” premieres on HBO Max on Friday, June 26, 2026. The seven-episode limited series, produced in collaboration with Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions, marks David’s first major project since the conclusion of his long-running series “Curb Your Enthusiasm” in 2024.

The sketch comedy show places a fictionalized version of David into pivotal moments of American history, from the Boston Tea Party to World War II and presidential scandals, where his signature misanthropic and socially inept character creates comedic chaos. The series features a roster of guest stars including Jerry Seinfeld, Jon Hamm, Rita Wilson, Kathryn Hahn, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and former President Barack Obama, who also appears in a sketch. At a recent premiere event, David praised Obama’s comedic timing and ability to ad-lib.

Early critical reviews have been mixed, with many noting the show’s strong production values and flashes of genius but criticizing its repetitive formula. The series currently holds a critic approval rating in the mid-60s on review aggregator sites, a score notably lower than the high marks...