Curb Your Enthusiasm
Curb Your Enthusiasm is a sitcom based on the one-hour special of the same name which aired on HBO in 1999 (see 1999 in TV). Curb Your Enthusiasm is produced in a unique way: instead of scripts, actors are given detailed scene outlines, from which the actors improvise dialogue. Scenes are recorded on location and in sequence. The show weaves clever, ironic stories around the minutiae of David's sensitivities, propensities to outrage, joy in minor, slightly misanthropic flouting of life's daily conventions, and unintended self-destructive behavior. Because of this, it is often referred to as an extension of the Seinfeld series (co-created by David), exploring many of the themes raised in that show, but with a darker comic palette thanks to the greater latitude afforded by cable television.
Characters
Because of the show's realistic improvisation, and because Larry David and many other characters on the show play themselves, there is a blurred distinction between fiction and reality, again relating the show thematically to Seinfeld (see also Seinfeld article).
- Larry David (as himself) - The star of the show. The character is afraid of offending others (like the handicapped), but often does so inadvertently. He also has terrible luck at social situations (with a few notable exceptions). Real-life Larry David has said that he is nothing like the character he portrays on the show.
- Cheryl David (played by Cheryl Hines) - An utterly believeable straight woman/foil for David. She is often exasperated by Larry's eccentricities.
- Jeff Greene (played by Jeff Garlin) - Larry's manager. He doggedly sticks up for Larry David. One of his character quirks is that he is obsessed with sex, complete with hidden pornography collection and string of infidelities.
- Susie Green (played by Susie Essman) - Jeff Greene's wife. Often reacts to Jeff and Larry's shenanigans with violent language.
The show has a bevy of guest stars in each episode. Richard Lewis and Ted Danson often guest-star as Larry David's friends. Other guests have included former Seinfeld stars Jason Alexander and Julia Louis-Dreyfus as well as Martin Scorsese, Rob Reiner, Alanis Morissette, David Schwimmer, Mel Brooks and Ben Stiller. Many guest stars will play themselves. Jerry Seinfeld made a cameo appearance in the season 4 finale.
Plots
Spoiler warning: Plot or ending details follow.
Episodes in seasons after Season 1 of Curb Your Enthusiasm are often linked by a certain theme or plot.
- Season 2 - Larry David pursues another television project, first with Jason Alexander, and then with Julia Louis-Dreyfus. The premise: an actor who starred in a famous television show (Seinfeld being the obvious reference point) subsequently finds it difficult to secure other work because they are so strongly associated with their famous character. David pitches the idea to network executives, who for a variety of reasons pass on his idea.
- Season 3 - David invests in a restaurant with a group of people (including Ted Danson). The season ends with the restaurant's grand opening.
- Season 4 - David is approached by Mel Brooks to star in the Los Angeles stage adaptation of The Producers.
See also
