Obamas' production company collaborates with Larry David on US history comedy show
Larry David’s latest HBO venture, a U.S. history sketch comedy, smells like a progressive history rewrite with Barack and Michelle Obama as executive producers. The six-episode series, co-written with Jeff Schaffer, promises laughs but risks preaching, given the Obamas’ track record of pushing polished narratives, as Breitbart reports. Conservatives might brace for a sanitized take on America’s past, dressed up as satire.
David, starring alongside Curb Your Enthusiasm alumni guest stars, will helm this limited series to mark the U.S. Semiquincentennial. The show, produced by the Obamas’ Higher Ground Productions, aims to blend humor with history, though its specific topics remain undisclosed.
The collaboration with Schaffer, former Curb Your Enthusiasm showrunner, suggests sharp writing, but the Obamas’ involvement raises eyebrows.
Higher Ground’s projects often lean into social justice themes, which could tilt the series toward a woke reinterpretation of America’s founding. A comedy about history should cut deep, not pander.
Larry David’s controversial edge
David’s humor has always toed the line, sometimes crossing it. His April outburst, accusing Bill Maher of dining with “Hitler” after Maher’s Trump White House visit, sparked backlash for trivializing the Holocaust. That kind of recklessness could bleed into a history comedy, where precision matters.
Last February, David’s bizarre attack on Elmo during the Today Show -- physically grabbing the puppet -- drew universal scorn.
Such antics suggest he’s unafraid to shock, but they also hint at a lack of restraint that might undermine serious historical commentary. Conservatives value truth over stunts.
The series’ tie to the U.S. Semiquincentennial, celebrating 250 years of American independence, should be a chance to honor the nation’s grit.
Instead, with the Obamas producing, it risks becoming a lecture on America’s flaws, sidelining the triumphs of liberty and resilience. Balance is key, but skepticism is warranted.
Obamas' influence awaited
Barack Obama’s quip about working with David -- “Nothing has prepared me for working with Larry David” -- sounds charming but dodges scrutiny. His diplomatic polish contrasts with David’s raw edge, potentially softening the comedy’s bite. A former president producing TV invites questions about the agenda.
“I’ve sat across the table from some of the world’s most difficult leaders and wrestled with some of our most intractable problems,” Obama added. Yet, navigating global crises doesn’t guarantee a nuanced take on comedy or history -- his administration often favored narrative over fact.
Michelle Obama’s role as executive producer further signals Higher Ground’s heavy hand. Their projects, like Netflix’s American Factory, often carry a progressive sheen, which could clash with David’s irreverent style. A comedy tethered to ideology risks losing its punch.
HBO’s high expectations noted
HBO’s Amy Gravitt gushed, “It’s hard to remember a time before Curb, or without Larry David’s perspective on modern life.” Her enthusiasm for David’s return ignores his recent missteps, banking on nostalgia to sell the series. Blind faith in a comedian’s genius can backfire.
“We’re thrilled that Larry is coming back to HBO, this time with Higher Ground, to give us a glimpse at our shared history,” Gravitt continued. The phrase “shared history” feels loaded -- whose version of history will this show amplify? Conservatives suspect a selective lens.
The David-Obama connection isn’t new; they’ve been golf buddies on Martha’s Vineyard for years. This cozy relationship might explain the partnership, but it doesn’t guarantee a fair shake for America’s story. Personal ties shouldn’t trump objective storytelling.
Conservative concerns persist
The Semiquincentennial deserves celebration, not revisionism. A comedy series could highlight America’s quirks and triumphs, but the Obamas’ involvement suggests a progressive spin that might alienate viewers who cherish unfiltered history. David’s talent could be squandered on a preachy script.
David’s knack for exposing human folly could shine if the series skewers all sides equally. Yet, with Higher Ground steering, the show might lean into narratives that downplay America’s exceptionalism. Conservatives will watch closely for bias.
America’s 250th anniversary calls for humor that unites, not divides. Larry David, if unshackled from ideological producers, could deliver a gem, but the Obamas’ shadow looms large. Here’s hoping the series surprises with wit, not woke talking points.




