Larry David’s New Show Struggles to Impress

Larry David nearly took center stage but got sidetracked by confusion over Barry and Michelle Obama.

No one really needs to delve into HBO’s Life, Rallies, and the Pursuit of Misfortune—it’s widely known it isn’t great. We’ve all seen those desperate trailers, where the iconic Larry David seems to become a caricature of himself, shouting at historical figures while boasting about his own achievements.

It brings to mind Lucille Ball’s final sitcom from 1986, Life with Lucy. In it, a 75-year-old Ball awkwardly tries to recapture the magic that made her a star decades earlier. It felt forced, draining, and frankly just undignified.

After just 13 episodes of Life with Lucy, I was relieved to be done with it.

HBO’s Life, Rallies, and the Pursuit of Misfortune is set for seven episodes, fortunately labeled as a limited series, so a second season shouldn’t happen. That’s a relief since it seems to have missed the mark.

On Rotten Tomatoes, the show has a disappointing 53 percent rating from critics, and the audience score is even lower at 51 percent.

This critic score is particularly disheartening, especially when you consider that:

• Larry David has always been well-regarded by critics.
• Larry David openly disapproves of Trump.
• This show aims to satirize America.
• Barry and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions are behind it.

These factors suggest that critics might normally be lenient, but even then, a 53 percent rating is, frankly, dismal.

Now, Larry David is 79, boasting two iconic long-running sitcoms—Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm. However, just like Ball, who also had two beloved shows prior to Life with Lucy, it’s hard to tell when someone has lost the ability to connect and needs to step back.

Ever wondered who knew when to walk away? Jerry Seinfeld. Though I’m aware there will never again be a series like Seinfeld, I’m pretty sure Larry understood that, too. But perhaps, he was drawn into this venture by Barry Obama.

Obama might not have a knack for humor. Sure, he can crack a joke, but he often comes off as too serious, especially about himself. It’s easy to imagine him and Michelle brainstorming an idea, thinking a character yelling at historical figures could be a riot.

And so, as Larry was approaching his 80th birthday, a call from his idol, Obama, likely felt like one last chance to make an impact.