Larry David is a comedy institution. Period.
David earned that distinction by co-creating the classic “Seinfeld” sitcom. He solidified that status with 12 mostly great seasons of HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
By “mostly,” we mean the series had its hit-or-miss episodes (like many shows endure). The problem got worse in its final season, where an incremental case of Trump Derangement Syndrome entered the frame.
To be fair, the show had likely run out of creative steam, which proved more detrimental than any TDS symptoms. It was hard not to notice that trend, though, especially since “Curb” had avoided woke nonsense and political gerrymandering for so long.
A classic example of using politics to the show’s advantage? The on-screen Larry, the ultimate misanthrope, donned a red MAGA hat to keep people away from him in season 10.
On Curb Your Enthusiasm when Larry David wears MAGA hat to avoid people!
One of my favorite episodes of all time.
pic.twitter.com/8E1JNneode— Skyleigh Uhrich (@Sky_Lee_1) February 3, 2024
That’s observational and funny, even if the same episode featured other, more lopsided comments meant to provoke, not make us howl.
Now, David is back with “Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness.” The HBO Max limited series, co-produced by Barack Obama, lets David skip through American history with tongue firmly planted in cheek.
The first wave of critical reviews was less than kind. This critic watched the first episode through gritted teeth. Painful, not funny.
An upcoming sketch on the show directly targets President Trump, suggesting it might have been a key motivator behind the series in toto (It’s not the only sketch attacking the current president, per press reports).
Still, this one stings for several reasons.
- It’s not remotely funny
- It’s so on-the-nose any chance for humor is gone
- It’s the last screen performance by actor/director Rob Reiner
The legendary artist was killed last year along with his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, allegedly by their adult son Nick Reiner.
This clip, from Larry David’s new show “Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness” is one of his FUNNIEST ever.
Awesome to have Rob Reiner as George Washington in possibly one of his final on-screen performances.
Cameo by Kimmel is chef’s kiss.
RIP, Rob Reiner. pic.twitter.com/b7NSCB2P68— BrooklynDad_Defiant!
(@mmpadellan) July 5, 2026
The clip weaponizes TDS, Fake News and clunky dialogue to attack President Trump, the J6 overreach and more. It’s like the worst of late-night TV propaganda, which may explain Jimmy Kimmel’s cameo.
Reiner’s appearance just makes us sad.
The Legacy Media’s TDS made matters even worse. Variety served up a ghoulish headline to capture the sketch.
Rob Reiner Gets the ‘Last Laugh’ Against Trump in Secret Final Role as George Washington in Larry David’s HBO Show https://t.co/59zdiQtOqt
— Variety (@Variety) July 4, 2026
Gotcha, Trump! Except Reiner’s tragic end remains a horrible event, one that doesn’t befit a “last laugh” description.
Gross.
That will be forgotten, thankfully. David’s sad new series, aimed as a political cudgel and missing his signature wit, will not.
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