HBO's 4-Star Larry David-Obama History Comedy Lands 2 Stars

3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 26

Two-star review verdict: HBO's "Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness" turns Larry David and Barack Obama's American-history premise into a mostly "deeply cringe" sketch series.
The criticism centers on slow pacing, long transitions and repetitive humor, with David essentially playing the same curmudgeonly character in sketches spanning the Declaration of Independence to VE Day.
Barack Obama's role is described as minimal despite Higher Ground producing the show with Michelle Obama, leaving the series largely as David's showcase alongside celebrity guests including Jerry Seinfeld and Jon Hamm.
The review argues the format was done better by Comedy Central's 2013-2019 "Drunk History," suggesting the Obamas' production company is stronger in documentaries and children's programming as the U.S. nears its 250th anniversary.