Curb Your Enthusiasm fans have been reacting to the “heartbreaking” news that the upcoming 12th season of sitcom will be its last.
HBO announced that the final 10-episode run will begin on Sunday 4 February 2024 and conclude on 7 April.
In a statement, creator and star Larry David said he intends to leave his irascible onscreen persona behind.
“As Curb comes to an end, I will now have the opportunity to finally shed this ‘Larry David’ persona and become the person God intended me to be – the thoughtful, kind, caring, considerate human being I was until I got derailed by portraying this malignant character,” said David.
“And so ‘Larry David,’ I bid you farewell. Your misanthropy will not be missed. And for those of you who would like to get in touch with me, you can reach me at Doctors Without Borders.”
Casey Bloys, the CEO of HBO, added: “It’s hard to say farewell to such a ground-breaking, brilliantly funny and iconic series like Curb Your Enthusiasm, which has left its mark across television and the comedy genre.
“Working alongside Larry David and Jeff Schaffer as well as all of the comedic masterminds that comprise our producers, cast and crew has been a joy that I will always treasure.”
Larry David in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’— (HBO)
Responding to the announcement on X/Twitter, one user wrote: “Wow… that’s absolutely heartbreaking…”
Others paid tribute to the show’s success, with one writing: “the greatest comedy show to ever grace our screens RIP”
Another user recalled the impact the show had on their life. “I walked down the aisle at my wedding to the Curb theme song,” they wrote. “This is a sad day.”
Rumours that Curb Your Enthusiasm would end with this season were sparked earlier this year by a tweet from producer Jon Hayman.
In a since-deleted tweet on Tuesday (28 March), Hayman posted a behind-the-scenes photo showing creator and star Larry David and other crew members looking at a camera screen.
“Maybe you love the show. Maybe you hate the show. Maybe you don’t give a s***,” the caption read. “In any event, shooting the last scene of the last episode of the [sitcom’s] final season.”
Born from an hour-long 1999 special, which was expected to be a one-time project, Curb Your Enthusiasm stars Seinfeld co-creator David as an exaggerated version of himself.
In each episode, he’s often faced with life’s little annoyances as he struggles with his disregard for societal norms and expectations.
At the time of the series 12 renewal announcement, the comedian said that “playing the role of Larry David has been the greatest honour of my life”.
