What can you say about Curb Your Enthusiasm that hasn't already been said? This doesn't have a laugh track and doesn't rely on corny one liners to make it funny. There will never be another Seinfeld but this comes awfully close. Every interaction, every conversation will make you laugh out loud. It's easily one of my all-time favorite comedies! It hooked me during season 1 and never let go. It has stayed ridiculously funny throughout its entire run and has been almost as good as Seinfeld (which is saying something because Seinfeld is also an all-time great). If you don't find this show funny then that's on you because it's freaking hilarious! Larry David is just a flat out genius, he's responsible for two of the funniest shows ever created in Curb Your Enthusiasm and Seinfeld!
358 Reviews
Laugh Out Loud Funny!
Supermanfan-1331 May 2022
Curb Your Enthusiasm is easily one of my all-time favorite comedies! It has stayed ridiculously funny throughout its entire run and has been just as funny as Seinfeld (which is saying something because Seinfeld is an all-time great). If you don't find this show funny then something is wrong with you. It's hilarious! Larry David is just a flat out genius, he's responsible for two of the funniest shows ever created in Curb Your Enthusiasm and Seinfeld!
Funny as ever, realistic as hell - one of the best sitcoms of all time.
TomiusJ16 January 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Normally, I don't go for the type of sitcom made in the United States. As I'm English, the usual classics like "Friends" and "Seinfield" don't tend to match out against things like "The Office" and "Peep Show". Now, it's probably because I'm British that I've developed these comedy tastes, but I am in no way against the sort of stuff the USA turn out. "Scrubs", "Home Improvement" and "South Park" are some of my favourite shows of all time, all funny in their own ways. Recently I invested in series one of a very different show, something that I thought I'd buy after seeing a few clips on a TV special. "Curb Your Enthusiasm" is the king of sitcoms - and here's why.
The idea is simple. Larry David (writer and co-creator of Seinfield) plays himself as he goes from place-to-place on life's adventures with a great supporting cast, including his wife Cheryl and best friend Jeff. As he goes, realistic situations develop, and here lies the comedy; Larry says and does the exact opposite to what a normal person would do - in essence, he says what you'd be thinking instead of pretending to be humble, polite or well-mannered. Of course, Larry can be humble, polite and well-mannered, but only to those who treat him the same way.
First off, the tagline "deep down you know you're him" is totally spot-on. The character of Larry is (secretly) somebody you know you are, it's just Larry tends to voice his opinion, state what's true and stand up for himself when things aren't his fault. Isn't this somebody we all wish we could be? I sure do, but it's Larry's lack of feelings for anybody but himself that sets him apart. Sure, he's a nice guy too - I'd be pals with him, and even more so for speaking his mind.
Of course, the comedy develops from a variety of other areas too. Our poor protagonist is normally punished in some way for speaking his mind, as it seems you can't get through life by simply saying what's right. Take the first episode for instance, Larry jokingly refers to his wife as "Hitler" whilst on the phone to his friend Jeff - little did he know, he was on speaker phone and Jeff's parents have heard. They're outraged, and why? ...they've got a cousin who was a gay holocaust survivor. Geesh! That's just one example however, and as the series develops, the plots and little stories tend to get better and better. The characters are very, very well done - and you have to remember, a lot of the show is improvised from a simple script outline. The actors were auditioned with Larry David himself and it shows that he's put time and effort into getting the show perfect - it really does.
In a nutshell, "Curb Your Enthusiasm" is as realistic as "The Office", and in the same way, a very similar show. Where "The Office" used cringe-comedy to get us laughing, "Curb Your Enthusiasm" gets us laughing at what we know is true. It's a look at a character who we can love and adore, and yet still distance ourselves from because deep down, we know we're him... we just don't want to admit it.
The idea is simple. Larry David (writer and co-creator of Seinfield) plays himself as he goes from place-to-place on life's adventures with a great supporting cast, including his wife Cheryl and best friend Jeff. As he goes, realistic situations develop, and here lies the comedy; Larry says and does the exact opposite to what a normal person would do - in essence, he says what you'd be thinking instead of pretending to be humble, polite or well-mannered. Of course, Larry can be humble, polite and well-mannered, but only to those who treat him the same way.
First off, the tagline "deep down you know you're him" is totally spot-on. The character of Larry is (secretly) somebody you know you are, it's just Larry tends to voice his opinion, state what's true and stand up for himself when things aren't his fault. Isn't this somebody we all wish we could be? I sure do, but it's Larry's lack of feelings for anybody but himself that sets him apart. Sure, he's a nice guy too - I'd be pals with him, and even more so for speaking his mind.
Of course, the comedy develops from a variety of other areas too. Our poor protagonist is normally punished in some way for speaking his mind, as it seems you can't get through life by simply saying what's right. Take the first episode for instance, Larry jokingly refers to his wife as "Hitler" whilst on the phone to his friend Jeff - little did he know, he was on speaker phone and Jeff's parents have heard. They're outraged, and why? ...they've got a cousin who was a gay holocaust survivor. Geesh! That's just one example however, and as the series develops, the plots and little stories tend to get better and better. The characters are very, very well done - and you have to remember, a lot of the show is improvised from a simple script outline. The actors were auditioned with Larry David himself and it shows that he's put time and effort into getting the show perfect - it really does.
In a nutshell, "Curb Your Enthusiasm" is as realistic as "The Office", and in the same way, a very similar show. Where "The Office" used cringe-comedy to get us laughing, "Curb Your Enthusiasm" gets us laughing at what we know is true. It's a look at a character who we can love and adore, and yet still distance ourselves from because deep down, we know we're him... we just don't want to admit it.
Some People Just Aren't Getting It...
MovieMarauder6 October 2002
I think too many people are looking to this show as a Seinfeld spin-off. The truth is, it's not, and you have to take the show for what it truly is. Larry David, in his great comedic brilliance, is not trying to glorify himself with this show, you can tell that just from watching one episode. Instead, he is really utilizing a caricature of a rich, whipped, neurotic yuppie to skewer the image of life at the top. His character (even though he is essentially playing himself), bumbles, complains, talks himself into painful situations, and is ultimately served devilishly funny comeuppance from episode to episode. This self-deprecating humor wouldn't work for anybody else, but for a guy like Larry David, this material works perfectly, because he seems so easy to laugh at (and I have a feeling this is hardly accidental, which is why his comedy is truly brilliant.) I really have to marvel at the idea of anyone NOT being able to laugh at this show. It's the greatest comedic take on life and the human condition that has ever been captured on film. All other television comedies of this era pale in comparison. "Curb Your Enthusiasm" is possibly the salvation of true comedy TV, in an age when good television comedies are few and far between.
Arrest your eagerness!
jotix10025 August 2005
There are few men working on television today that rival the wit, the insight, or the genius of Larry David. To compare "Curb Your Enthusiasm" to "Seinfeld" is preposterous. With "Curb Your Enthusiasm", Larry David has created one of the greatest comedic series one have ever seen on American television. Fortunately for us, we got hooked right away from his first year and we sadly miss a new installment, which we thought would be forthcoming in the 2004-2005 season.
Most of the episodes have been directed by Robert Weide, who seems to be attuned to Mr. David's kind of comedy. The episodes directed by the other guest directors are fine as well, but it seems that Mr. Weide gets the best out of all performers in the ones he is at the helm.
The cast is flawless. Larry David is always enjoyable playing himself, something that is no small accomplishment. He is just a natural. Cheryl Hinds plays Larry's wife with a lot of style. Jeff Garlin, as Larry's manager, is good. Many talented performers are seen in different episodes among them, Sisie Essman, Wanda Sykes, Richard Lewis, and Ted Danson.
"Curb Your Enthusiasm" has a quality that most other sitcoms don't have and it is the ability to amuse us even in reruns! This happens because of Larry David's tremendous intelligent approach to comedy.
Most of the episodes have been directed by Robert Weide, who seems to be attuned to Mr. David's kind of comedy. The episodes directed by the other guest directors are fine as well, but it seems that Mr. Weide gets the best out of all performers in the ones he is at the helm.
The cast is flawless. Larry David is always enjoyable playing himself, something that is no small accomplishment. He is just a natural. Cheryl Hinds plays Larry's wife with a lot of style. Jeff Garlin, as Larry's manager, is good. Many talented performers are seen in different episodes among them, Sisie Essman, Wanda Sykes, Richard Lewis, and Ted Danson.
"Curb Your Enthusiasm" has a quality that most other sitcoms don't have and it is the ability to amuse us even in reruns! This happens because of Larry David's tremendous intelligent approach to comedy.
Pretty, pretty good
Ruskington6 December 2019
I can certainly understand why many people don't like this show. The improv style is something of an acquired taste, there isn't much of a storyline at any point and Larry David himself (or at least this exaggerated version of him) is a bit of a polarizing figure. However, I personally consider it one of the best TV comedies ever made. It took me a while to really get a feel for it, and I stopped and restarted more than once, but once you get into it there's really nothing else like it. It's also one of the only shows I have seen that has maintained its standards all the way through. We're talking 90 episodes of consistent brilliance with barely a dip. Most comedies run dry after 2 or 3 seasons so it's a credit to the writing and acting that Curb Your Enthusiasm has stood the test of time so well.
Larry David is one of the best engineers of situational comedy in the business. The way the episodes unfold is brilliant and there are some hilarious high payoff moments. Yes, the punchlines are telegraphed and yes, the episodes do follow a fairly predictable formula but I don't find that to be a problem. Many great comedies are equally unsubtle, but as long as the characters are rich enough to pull it off, it really doesn't detract from the overall quality of the show.
Larry himself is a wonderfully observed character. His dry biting wit coupled with his almost autistic social clumsiness makes him the perfect contrast to the pretentious So-Cal socialites and celebrities. One criticism I have of the show, however, is the string of attractive girlfriends that Larry dates in the later seasons. I can accept him punching above his weight with Cheryl given his wealth and status, but after they separate, he is somehow able to find an endless stream of desirable girlfriends young enough to be his daughter and he does it without flaunting his money or fame.
The supporting cast is a huge success. Cheryl Hines and Jeff Garlin occasionally come unstuck in the more heavily improvised scenes, but both of their characters complement Larry perfectly. The infamous entourage of Ted Danson, Richard Lewis and Bob Einstein are brilliant accessory characters who develop very nicely as the show progresses and have a high level of authenticity. They share some great scenes and successfully help take the comedic load off Larry's shoulders. My personal favourite though has to be the amazing Susie Essman who is absolutely hilarious as Susie Greene. Her undiluted disgust at the mere sight of Larry (or indeed, her own husband) never ceases to amuse me and her heavily accented tirades and outbursts are probably my favourite part of the show.
Curb Your Enthusiasm is one of the finest comedy shows I have ever seen and I would recommend it to anyone. However, I would urge you to watch at least one full season before writing it off as it can take some getting used to. I hope they continue to make this show indefinitely, there's little else that compares.
Larry David is one of the best engineers of situational comedy in the business. The way the episodes unfold is brilliant and there are some hilarious high payoff moments. Yes, the punchlines are telegraphed and yes, the episodes do follow a fairly predictable formula but I don't find that to be a problem. Many great comedies are equally unsubtle, but as long as the characters are rich enough to pull it off, it really doesn't detract from the overall quality of the show.
Larry himself is a wonderfully observed character. His dry biting wit coupled with his almost autistic social clumsiness makes him the perfect contrast to the pretentious So-Cal socialites and celebrities. One criticism I have of the show, however, is the string of attractive girlfriends that Larry dates in the later seasons. I can accept him punching above his weight with Cheryl given his wealth and status, but after they separate, he is somehow able to find an endless stream of desirable girlfriends young enough to be his daughter and he does it without flaunting his money or fame.
The supporting cast is a huge success. Cheryl Hines and Jeff Garlin occasionally come unstuck in the more heavily improvised scenes, but both of their characters complement Larry perfectly. The infamous entourage of Ted Danson, Richard Lewis and Bob Einstein are brilliant accessory characters who develop very nicely as the show progresses and have a high level of authenticity. They share some great scenes and successfully help take the comedic load off Larry's shoulders. My personal favourite though has to be the amazing Susie Essman who is absolutely hilarious as Susie Greene. Her undiluted disgust at the mere sight of Larry (or indeed, her own husband) never ceases to amuse me and her heavily accented tirades and outbursts are probably my favourite part of the show.
Curb Your Enthusiasm is one of the finest comedy shows I have ever seen and I would recommend it to anyone. However, I would urge you to watch at least one full season before writing it off as it can take some getting used to. I hope they continue to make this show indefinitely, there's little else that compares.
IMPOSSIBLE NOT TO LAUGH
ZaidKarimSlopek25 February 2020
Love Larry
micah-3973922 March 2020
CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM.
MTHDAR12 March 2024
I remember that Curb your Enthusiasm was a real comedy back then.. and tbh it was for the first 8 seasons of the show. The Comedy was too cringy and easily felt embarrassed (the funny type of cringe and embarrassment), but for late seasons it wasn't anymore. My thoughts are that the show was running for so long.. 25 years is not a simple number, a quarter of century LITERALLY!! And for a show that runs for long, it will backfire obviously. So Larry David ran out of ideas.. You can clearly see moments are not the same at all. And that isn't because they are old, I can laugh on Pretty pretty pretty good moments from the first five seasons (even if rn rewatched them I would still laugh at them), however, if I saw the same moment on season ten or nine I wouldn't laugh AT ALL. You can't say "that's what she said" jokes anymore but when you hear it from Michael in season 3 you will be laughing to death. The major problem is the show running for years and years and with it, it lost the quality of Its unique hilarious jokes. I wish IMDB had a comment section where you could reply and discuss this show so that we can share opinions about it. Thank you guys for reading.
Funniest show ever!!
jhnbrennan17111 December 2013
This hilarious show is created and written by comedic genius Larry David (co creator of Seinfeld)who stars as a fictionalized version of himself and follows the daily life of the wealthy millionaire. The story often revolves around the socially awkward positions Larry gets himself into due to his problems, expectations and annoyances of other people and his difficulty letting these slide unexpressed.
The witty, very well structured show is improvised offering something fresh to the genre, the cast do a brilliant job and there's a great understanding between them. I've seen a lot of comedy programs over the years and I have to say that this show which has me laughing to the point where my stomach hurts is the greatest I've ever seen. I'm just praying it returns for a ninth season.
The witty, very well structured show is improvised offering something fresh to the genre, the cast do a brilliant job and there's a great understanding between them. I've seen a lot of comedy programs over the years and I have to say that this show which has me laughing to the point where my stomach hurts is the greatest I've ever seen. I'm just praying it returns for a ninth season.
Hilarious
NirvanaWi5 January 2019
I may be a little biased because I enjoy laughing. In addition to that I genuinely enjoy quality comedy in any medium. Despite those two factors, I think the lowest anyone with a could rate this show is a 6, which would be terribly wrong, but everyone is entitled to have wrong opinions here and there (although my opinion on this show is right). Reviewers giving it a 1 are just being contrarian and I have not read any legitimate criticism in those reviews. Whoever rates 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' lower than a 6 is not to be trusted nor given any credibility, their sense of humor is broken and is unfixable.
Preeeeetttyyyyy preeeeettttyyyyy pretty good
Don_Falone198523 September 2020
Not just pretty good, but outstanding comedy masterpiece from Larry David. This is my favourite comedy TV series of all time and one I can binge watch from the start and still get that level of viewing satisfaction I got when I first was introduced to it. No episode is a filler and every episode is hilarious and comedy perfection. The series stars Larry David as a fictionalized version of himself. Like the real-life David, the character is well known as the co-creator and main co-writer of the highly successful sitcom Seinfeld. Although David maintains an office, he is rarely shown working. Most of the series revolves around David's interactions with his friends and acquaintances, with David often at odds with the other characters, usually to his detriment. Cringe worthy scene after scene is compelling viewing and you are constantly telling yourself "I would love to say that, but haven't got the balls to",
Larry David takes all that and literally does what everyone else wants to do, but can't. The situations he finds himself in just never get boring. The characters are all outstanding, as are the locations of the show. Brilliant show.
Lost its enthusiasm
jim-134829 June 2021
I've watched--and enjoyed--every season of Curb your Enthusiasm up to now. The 2020/21 season has gone off the rails, with most of the dialogue consisting of shouting matches between Larry and assorted characters. I get the impression that everyone is tired of the show, and they're all just shouting the lines and collecting their checks.
Seinfeld Rated R
glgioia26 June 2003
So what does Larry David do for an encore after the incredibly successful sitcom that detailed his experiences as a stand up in NY, he creates a new sitcom about his experiences as a very succesful creator of said show, post cancellation, living the good life with a ton of dough out in Malibu. Sounds pretty boring, and even snotty right? Its not at all. Like the rest of us, I loved Seinfeld, and still love the reruns. But I gotta say, this show is better. It's the same basic premise, which I guess is to turn a standup monologue into a situation comedy. In other words, instead of having a guy on stage telling jokes about the amusing and annoying happenstances of every day life, you create a format comedy, and use these anecdotes to weave together a plot. What made Seinfeld memorable was the clever way in which everything all in the end tied up in a nice little package. If you notice, that's a common laugh getter for stand-ups, to inject a joke they made earlier in their set and put it into practical anecdotal demonstration. You are right if you are thinking this is complete hogwash and hyper-analyzation of something not meant to be studied as such, but there it is. Having said all of that, I think CYE is the logical next step for fans of the Seinfeld show. It's the advanced course if you will of the more remedial network show. The freedom of HBO allows for obviously more adult material and language, but also for pure artistic expression. A lot of what goes on is definitely not palatable to the mainstream, and I could honestly see people hating it. Not me. I think its a rare chance to see genius, unfettered and uncensored. Yes Larry David was George Costanza or vice versa, but through this series, you also see he was Kramer, Elaine and Jerry. For some reason I totally relate to his inability to relate to everyone else, including his wife. Its often way too contrived, but I love it. If you were a fan of Seinfeld for the reasons I've mentioned, and not just for the run of the mill laugh track jokes, you will be missing something special if you don't give these a shot.
Love it
leonstevemoses30 August 2020
Totally outrageous
blanche-223 November 2012
In one way, it's easy to explain the chicanery that goes on during "Curb Your Enthusiasm" by stating that the model for Larry David on his creation, "Seinfeld" was George Costanza. The other thing is that during a documentary about "Seinfeld," David said when the show got an order for 14 shows after its original four, he went home and cried in his bed. He didn't know how he was going to write 14 shows; he had so much difficulty with the first four.
So out of this crazy comic mind comes "Curb Your Enthusiasm," a heavily improvisational show starring David as himself, Cheryl Hines as his lovely wife Cheryl, Jeff Garlin as his manager Jeff, Susie Essman as Jeff's wife Susie, who is always fighting with Larry, and Richard Lewis. Ted Danson, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss and many others as Larry's friends.
Larry is usually in trouble over something due to the fact that he's massively inappropriate and doesn't understand boundaries. He invites a sex offender to his house for Seder with other neighbors; when Jeff's dog gets lost, Larry breaks up a wedding reception when he thinks the Korean florist has prepared the dog for reception food; he tries to weasel out of giving Richard Lewis his kidney; he accuses a doctor of stealing his newspaper. In short, the situations on this show are hilariously funny, sometimes sexual in nature, with lots of salty language. It's often adult humor, made even funnier by Larry's complete guilelessness over what he's done.
In season 4, Larry is cast as Max Bialystock in "The Producers," and the season ends with his opening night and features the LA cast of The Producers as well as Anne Bancroft and Mel Brooks. David Schwimmer plays Blume. Inspired.
What I love is that on the face of it, this seems to be a show about a successful writer living in a beautiful house with a beautiful wife but instead, complete insanity prevails.
Very enjoyable, and it's no wonder David finished the series and was begged to come back for more seasons.
So out of this crazy comic mind comes "Curb Your Enthusiasm," a heavily improvisational show starring David as himself, Cheryl Hines as his lovely wife Cheryl, Jeff Garlin as his manager Jeff, Susie Essman as Jeff's wife Susie, who is always fighting with Larry, and Richard Lewis. Ted Danson, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss and many others as Larry's friends.
Larry is usually in trouble over something due to the fact that he's massively inappropriate and doesn't understand boundaries. He invites a sex offender to his house for Seder with other neighbors; when Jeff's dog gets lost, Larry breaks up a wedding reception when he thinks the Korean florist has prepared the dog for reception food; he tries to weasel out of giving Richard Lewis his kidney; he accuses a doctor of stealing his newspaper. In short, the situations on this show are hilariously funny, sometimes sexual in nature, with lots of salty language. It's often adult humor, made even funnier by Larry's complete guilelessness over what he's done.
In season 4, Larry is cast as Max Bialystock in "The Producers," and the season ends with his opening night and features the LA cast of The Producers as well as Anne Bancroft and Mel Brooks. David Schwimmer plays Blume. Inspired.
What I love is that on the face of it, this seems to be a show about a successful writer living in a beautiful house with a beautiful wife but instead, complete insanity prevails.
Very enjoyable, and it's no wonder David finished the series and was begged to come back for more seasons.
It's great, except for all the yelling.
itsm-122 September 2020
Larry David is a funny guy! He's got many good observations, and is (mostly) honest and say what he thinks.
The show is great except for all the unnecessary yelling and swearing. Some of the actors aren't great, but it kinda doesn't matter - the points are being made.
Larry David post-Seinfeld
smellthecult-com-128 December 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Larry David features as himself in this curious, vicious and truly excellent comedy from The States.
Larry is a very interesting creature, full of cast in stone beliefs about how the world should be, how people should behave, and standards of behaviour both in society in general and between individuals. His fervent belief system constantly sees him landing himself in hot water as he derides and/or becomes upset by people who don't understand his unique set of rules.
Ball tighteningly embarrassing situations present themselves as Larry stumbles from one disaster to another, and his long suffering wife Cheryl tries her best to explain to him just why it is that he always seems to get things wrong.
From an individual standpoint, I find the show very interesting as it seems clear that the viewer is meant to consider his beliefs a little over-zealous, but I for one whole-heartedly agree with him the majority of the time. People should be nicer towards one another, people should be more considerate, and those that aren't are deserving of his wrath.
Great performances from Jeff Garlin as his agent and Richard Lewis, playing himself, as one of his closest friends gives this show a real edge.
Massively recommended to all, but be prepared to squirm almost as much as you laugh. Simply brilliant.
Larry is a very interesting creature, full of cast in stone beliefs about how the world should be, how people should behave, and standards of behaviour both in society in general and between individuals. His fervent belief system constantly sees him landing himself in hot water as he derides and/or becomes upset by people who don't understand his unique set of rules.
Ball tighteningly embarrassing situations present themselves as Larry stumbles from one disaster to another, and his long suffering wife Cheryl tries her best to explain to him just why it is that he always seems to get things wrong.
From an individual standpoint, I find the show very interesting as it seems clear that the viewer is meant to consider his beliefs a little over-zealous, but I for one whole-heartedly agree with him the majority of the time. People should be nicer towards one another, people should be more considerate, and those that aren't are deserving of his wrath.
Great performances from Jeff Garlin as his agent and Richard Lewis, playing himself, as one of his closest friends gives this show a real edge.
Massively recommended to all, but be prepared to squirm almost as much as you laugh. Simply brilliant.
Never stop laughing
764Waxie25 November 2021
The Best Parts of 'Seinfeld"
tkdlifemagazine12 April 2022
I was never a fanatic of Seinfeld when it was in first run; however, I did like it. Larry David's foray into the world of cable and the device of using his Seinfeld success to create a show around the real George Costanza is nothing short of brilliant. The show is cringeworthy at times but always entertaining and always very funny. The characters, like in Seinfeld, are rich and laughable. Larry manages to carry the show but he leaves so much room for so many people to shine- from Jeff Garland to Susie Essman to the terrific JB Smooth. Is this really Larry? Is this scripted or free form? Is this how Hollywood and TV really functions? I am not sure and do not care. I just know its funny and original and I am glad it is coming back for more.
I love Seinfeld, but this is funnier
atdmv24 April 2021
All in all remarkable
Horror-yo15 June 2020
If you've been around comedy series long enough, you'll know it takes a certain kind of indulgence to get into the rhythm of the thing, to the point where the plot often becomes too convoluted or too particular (if the series takes place in a specific field for example). The thing about Larry David and his humor is that anybody, from any culture or background, could understand at least what the main point of the episode is, and understand what the humor is conveying. It doesn't necessarily cater to the American, upper middle class, L.A./N.Y. crowd, which is what we see of most onscreen. It's just so easy to watch, and so intuitive it requires little effort to fully immerse into an episode. The character Larry lives the fancy life of a successful wealthy old guy, but he doesn't behave like one, which shatters the boundaries of social class and even culture. He sees everything from his own personal point of view, and will contest anything and everything he deems unfair, whether christian or jewish, black or white, rich or poor, handicapped or able-bodied, male or female.
Now, that premise alone of the ever-critical New York Jew with little regard for sensitivities is indeed funny, but wouldn't fill out 10 full seasons in any substantial enough way. Larry David merely sets the tone of the show, but doesn't flesh it out. The magic in the series happens with the writing, and particularly the interconnected structure of each episode. We'll be shown something at the start of each story, we'll then be shown a couple more seemingly innocuous and independent events, but our attention is focused so much on the present disasters we're shown we'll forget about those earlier occurrences, which somehow come back to connect with the other subplots, with each episode being a climactic converging of all those brewing catastrophes. And it's not just each individual episode that works that way, but the full season. And there's always a subtle yet unconventional moral at the end, some kind of ironic twist of fate.
Never at any point does the series look like it's out of breath, as Larry David continues with his perfect 100% record from Seinfeld to this latest CYE season 10. As everything it could be criticized, loathed even, but it is at least consistent with what it does. Times change, but Larry David's character and humor, and virtuosity at his craft, remain.
Now, that premise alone of the ever-critical New York Jew with little regard for sensitivities is indeed funny, but wouldn't fill out 10 full seasons in any substantial enough way. Larry David merely sets the tone of the show, but doesn't flesh it out. The magic in the series happens with the writing, and particularly the interconnected structure of each episode. We'll be shown something at the start of each story, we'll then be shown a couple more seemingly innocuous and independent events, but our attention is focused so much on the present disasters we're shown we'll forget about those earlier occurrences, which somehow come back to connect with the other subplots, with each episode being a climactic converging of all those brewing catastrophes. And it's not just each individual episode that works that way, but the full season. And there's always a subtle yet unconventional moral at the end, some kind of ironic twist of fate.
Never at any point does the series look like it's out of breath, as Larry David continues with his perfect 100% record from Seinfeld to this latest CYE season 10. As everything it could be criticized, loathed even, but it is at least consistent with what it does. Times change, but Larry David's character and humor, and virtuosity at his craft, remain.
9-7 because of 9, 11,12
EvanKevelson24 March 2020
Seasons 1-7 of Seinfeld , Seasons 1-8 of Curb and this past season (sorry LD though 8 still better than most sitcoms in the history of TV, in terms of your Cannon of work 9 with the exception of two episodes was zero laughs). Season 10 unique as LD embraces being a real Alta Cocka... and I think LD had more sexual excitement this last season than the entire series lol.
Then post Mocha Joe season 11 Zero laughs and some over the line incredibly offensive crap. The overall story base making the show was the same base as season 2.
Season 12 first 5 episodes I've seen, not tied up neatly with a common denominator, every episode has been a combination of old Seinfeld and Curb Routines with zero effort to even put a new spin on it.
At his age and this juncture if 1/4 last seasons is good and the rest suck.. LD is literally just getting free money.
Then post Mocha Joe season 11 Zero laughs and some over the line incredibly offensive crap. The overall story base making the show was the same base as season 2.
Season 12 first 5 episodes I've seen, not tied up neatly with a common denominator, every episode has been a combination of old Seinfeld and Curb Routines with zero effort to even put a new spin on it.
At his age and this juncture if 1/4 last seasons is good and the rest suck.. LD is literally just getting free money.
Almost Good.... but ultimately too annoying
giantpanther21 July 2008
This show has a seinfeldian feel to it, you can tell Larry David strongly influenced the George character in Seinfeld (it was based on him). This show is sort of like what Seinfeld would be, if you took out Jerry Seinfeld and made George a successful guy living in LA. Its funny but you need the straight guy like Jerry, the one who remains the neutral spectator that the audience can identify with.
This show would work better if Larry David's character had an equally influential counterpart. There is a certain formula that you can count on, Larry David is going about his day, he runs into something annoying that most people would ignore and instead he blows up about it, ruining his day and everyone else's around him.
David contributed some great stuff to the show Seinfeld, but hes got no one to hold him back here and the show gets sort of out of control. I could see how as a comedian this guy would probably be pretty funny because its always entertaining to see someone go a little bit crazy.
Its a show worth checking out for one or two episodes, I watched about 10 or 12 episodes from various seasons on HBO and thought they were decent but ultimately too neurotic for my tastes.
This show would work better if Larry David's character had an equally influential counterpart. There is a certain formula that you can count on, Larry David is going about his day, he runs into something annoying that most people would ignore and instead he blows up about it, ruining his day and everyone else's around him.
David contributed some great stuff to the show Seinfeld, but hes got no one to hold him back here and the show gets sort of out of control. I could see how as a comedian this guy would probably be pretty funny because its always entertaining to see someone go a little bit crazy.
Its a show worth checking out for one or two episodes, I watched about 10 or 12 episodes from various seasons on HBO and thought they were decent but ultimately too neurotic for my tastes.
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