Curb Your Enthusiasm: Larry David as a supercharged version of himself

Curb Your Enthusiasm is from the mind of Larry David, co-creator of the long-running Seinfeld, a classic slice-of-life sitcom about a stand-up comedian’s New York apartment lifestyle and getalong gang. Having been the inspiration for George, David injected many of his own hilarious personal stories into the iconic TV character, who’s the crux of many of the show’s best and most hilarious episodes.

Having voiced the character of Yankees bigwig George Steinbrenner, and famous for his cameo as the mysterious caped man, David decided to switch from being a behind-the-scenes writer-producer to jumping in front of camera. As an unofficial Seinfeld spin-off with his own sitcom concept, Curb Your Enthusiasm sees him doing observational bits based on his own life in Los Angeles.

Fly-on-the-wall schadenfreude

Shot primarily on location like a fly-on-the-wall documentary, the show leverages David’s improv comedy and stand-up instinct using free-flowing dialogue to compel loose storylines as ringmaster opposite his talented cast with a circus of colourful characters. Now 11 series in, Curb Your Enthusiasm has been greenlit for a 12th series thanks to its ongoing success.

Much like the unmistakable theme tune, Curb Your Enthusiasm’s winning formula hasn’t changed much from episode 1. Just as Larry’s schemes, deceits and attempts to “make right” culminate in a carefully calibrated moment of glorious schadenfreude and just desserts, the pompous theme ushers in the credits.

As detestable as he is relatable

The off-the-cuff dialogue keeps things upbeat, the documentary shooting style adds edge, the sometimes coarse language adds spontaneity and Larry’s sharp-witted comedy adds pizzazz. Curb Your Enthusiasm bristles with unpredictability, celebrates the silliness of social norms and the joy of human relationships. As over-the-top as Larry gets, his complex approach to social etiquette and enviable apathy make him both detestable and relatable. 

The outspoken producer takes issue with the complex grey area around the minutiae of everyday social interactions, with the show centred on David’s close relationships, misadventures and many faux pas. With former Seinfeld actors playing themselves, Curb Your Enthusiasm has a reputation for hosting big name celebrities.

The misadventures of his show within a show

Series 11 finds David and Jeff trying to pitch his new show, Young Larry, to studio execs at Netflix and Hulu. After a would-be burglar drowns in his pool due to his negligence over a council regulation, he becomes beholden to casting a taco shop owner’s daughter in his new show.

This series features A-list actors and celebrities such as Patton Oswalt, Richard Kind, Kaley Cuoco, Julie Bowen and Woody Harrelson with recurring cast members: Jeff Garlin, Cheryl Hines, Susie Essman, J.B. Smoove and Ted Danson. Blessed with the gift of the gab, Vince Vaughn is a perfect fit for Curb Your Enthusiasm, known for his trademark fast-talk and natural charm.

A nutty scenario for every social interaction

Confronting a debtor with dementia, an earth-conscious Hollywood actor, sensitive healthcare professionals, entitled studio execs and trying to find a suitable Mary Ferguson, the new series finds Larry tripping over his big mouth and misguided social judgment in a variety of awkward and funny new scenarios like a modern day “Mr Magoo”.

Delving into a number of hilarious social dilemmas involving “door slamming”, “stage 4 advice”, “plopping on the couch”, “cream-shaming”, “pre-putt” etiquette and “purposeless walks”, Curb Your Enthusiasm somehow manages to extract the funny from its many nutty and self-deprecating stories, whether David is at the dry cleaners, a grocery store, an upmarket restaurant or on the golf course.

Lampooning everyday situations – and himself

Curb Your Enthusiasm’s 11th series finds Larry David firing on all cylinders, delivering more of the same sitcom hilarity fans have come to expect.

Hosting more big name stars, treading a fine line, and lampooning ordinary social situations, Larry David gives us a sitcom for anyone who appreciates blooper reels and shows that poke holes through the fabric of society, all while throwing up a supercharged version of himself and managing to get through it all without ever breaking character.