Larry David discusses ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ ‘Seinfeld’ legacies and new HBO series
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- At a packed Bovard Auditorium panel, Larry David reflected on “Curb Your Enthusiasm’s” 12-season run ending in 2024, revealing how his cantankerous on-screen persona differs from his actual self.
- The comedy veteran is developing a new HBO historical spoof, “Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness,” premiering Aug. 7 to coincide with America’s 250th anniversary celebration.
- When asked about a potential “Seinfeld” reunion, David delivered an unambiguous response: “No.”
Inside the ornate Bovard Auditorium, Larry David kept a full audience in stitches as he discussed the creation and legacy of his improv hit, “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” which concluded in 2024 after 12 seasons.
In a conversation with Lorraine Ali — who wrote “No Lessons Learned: The Making of Curb Your Enthusiasm,” which retraces the show’s long run with cast interviews, episode guides and behind-the-scenes material — David reflected on the separation between himself and the abrasive on-screen persona he adopted for more than two decades.
“I wish I was that Larry David,” he said.
David spoke about the outrageous audition process for “Curb,” wherein actors tried to navigate a brief written scenario without any dialogue to guide them as David lambasted them in character. Out of this process came iconic one-liners and beloved characters, such as Leon, played by J.B. Smoove.
“People bring out certain things, and when I would act with them, some of them would make me seem funny,” David said. “I go, ‘Oh, that’s good — let’s give him a part.’”
David cited “Palestinian Chicken” as one of his favorite episodes of the show. In the episode, David is caught between a delicious new Palestinian chicken restaurant, a Palestinian girlfriend and an outraged inner circle of Jewish friends.
For the record:
3:56 p.m. April 23, 2026An earlier version of this story misidentified the title and premiere date of Larry David’s new show, “Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness,” which premieres June 26 on HBO.
He also spoke briefly about his upcoming episodic HBO series, “Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness,” a historical spoof that will retrace United States history for the country’s 250th founding anniversary. The series will premiere on June 26.
“A lot of wigs, costumes, beards — fake beards,” David said. “Nothing worse than fake beards.”
The controversial ending of “Seinfeld,” which David co-wrote with comedian Jerry Seinfeld, was polarizing among fans when it was released, David said. After a recent rewatch, however, David said he thought it was “pretty good,” to a round of applause from the audience.
Near the end of the panel, an audience member asked a question some definitely had on their mind: Will “Seinfeld” ever get a reunion?
“No,” David replied without missing a beat.
