Larry David’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” aired its series finale after 24 years and 12 seasons on Sunday, drawing a robust viewership of 1.1 million. This marked the highest viewership of any episode of Season 12, thus making it a significant milestone for the show. Titled “No Lessons Learned,” the episode concluded an arc that began with the season premiere, echoing the 1998 courtroom finale of “Seinfeld,” which David co-created with Jerry Seinfeld.
The finale mirrored the 1998 courtroom finale of “Seinfeld,” which David co-created with Jerry Seinfeld, in which Larry was arrested for giving water to a woman in line to vote in Atlanta. The completion of this arc was depicted in the finale, as Larry and his entourage navigate through his trial. In a meta reference to the “Seinfeld” episode, Leon (J.B. Smoove) comments to Larry, “I heard some terrible things about it. I heard you messed it up.”
The series finale of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” lived up to its reputation, blending subplots, riffs, and recycled jokes, presenting a jovial homage to “Seinfeld.” The episode reprises and defends the widely reviled end to “Seinfeld,” ultimately delivering what the show had heavily foreshadowed. Though the finale had its share of highlights and low points, its ultimate purpose was to offer closure to viewers.
The Curb Your Enthusiasm series finale also brought closure for the show’s co-writer/executive producer and director, Jeff Schaffer, and co-star Susie Essman. In an interview, they discussed the finale, shedding light on the big Seinfeld plot, the impromptu punchline devised by Larry and Jerry, and the sentimental aspect of bidding farewell to the nearly 25-year labor of love.
The finale has left a lasting impression, capping off a 24-year journey with a poignant nod to its predecessor and an earth-shattering viewership, solidifying its place in the annals of television history.
