Obama to Make Comedy Debut in Larry David's New HBO Show

The legendary comedian's new sketch series will drop a star-studded cast into some of the most famous moments in American history.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:03am

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Barack Obama is set to appear in a sketch comedy series on HBO titled "Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America" alongside comedian Larry David. The seven-episode series, which premieres on June 26, will satirize U.S. history in celebration of the country's 250th anniversary and feature a rotating cast of actors and comedians playing historical figures.

Why it matters

This marks Obama's first foray into comedy television, demonstrating his willingness to step outside of his political background and take on a more lighthearted role. The series also represents an ambitious project from Larry David and his longtime collaborator Jeff Schaffer, blending historical reenactments with David's signature brand of comedic improvisation.

The details

The series will rely heavily on improvisation, with sketches built around loose outlines rather than traditional scripts. A short clip shown during a SXSW panel preview featured David witnessing the famous 'V-J Day in Times Square' moment, which is depicted by the iconic photograph of a Navy sailor kissing a stranger to celebrate the end of World War II. Obama, whose production company Higher Ground also produces the series, will appear opposite David in one of the sketches, with Schaffer revealing that the former president 'was ragging on [David's] golf game, ragging on how much sunscreen [he] wear[s]'.

  • The HBO sketch series 'Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America' is set to premiere on June 26, 2026.

The players

Barack Obama

The former President of the United States, who is set to appear in a sketch comedy series on HBO alongside comedian Larry David.

Larry David

A legendary comedian and the creator of the HBO series 'Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America'.

Jeff Schaffer

A longtime collaborator of Larry David and the director of the HBO series 'Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America'.

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What they’re saying

“I'm president here”

— Larry David

“He was ragging on [David's] golf game, ragging on how much sunscreen [he] wear[s]”

— Jeff Schaffer, Director

What’s next

The series is set to premiere on June 26, 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The takeaway

This collaboration between Barack Obama and Larry David represents an unexpected and ambitious project that blends political history with David's signature comedic style, showcasing the former president's willingness to step outside of his traditional role and explore new creative avenues.