Studio: Hbo Home Video Release Date: 01/29/2008 Run time: 300 minutes Rating: Nr

Throughout Curb Your Enthusiasm's fifth season, HBO's master of passive-aggression went in search of his roots. In the sixth, Larry returns to his old tricks--to the relief of fans who felt the show was losing its way. As usual, most scenarios revolve around problems unique to neurotic millionaires. Larry's voice of reason, wife Cheryl (Cheryl Hines), continues to save him from himself (when she can). This time, the 10-episode arc turns to Roots when the Davids take in the Blacks, a family of African-American hurricane evacuees, including Loretta (Vivica A. Fox) and her brother, Leon (an uproariously profane J.B. Smoove). Naturally, "L.D." offends other groups along the way, like an Asian gentleman ("The Anonymous Donor"), a chemotherapy patient ("The Lefty Call"), a deaf woman ("The Rat Dog"), and tennis-player-turned-comedian John McEnroe, a group unto himself ("The Freak Book"). During the year, Larry also tangles with an X-rated dessert, an unsympathetic senator (Rep. Barbara Boxer as herself), an inebriated chauffeur (Toby Huss), the infinite superiority of Ted Danson, and the usual games of one-upmanship with Jeff Greene (Jeff Garlin), Richard Lewis (himself) and Marty Funkhouser (Bob "Super Dave" Einstein, brother of director Albert Brooks).

Since Curb Your Enthusiasm takes its inspiration from David's real life, the big news arrives when Cheryl, a character based on environmental activist Laurie David, walks out on him. Then their friends pick sides. Thereafter, things really start to go downhill, resulting in some of Larry's funniest faux pas ever--until R&B vocalist John Legend steps in to save the day. Not literally, but his soulful singing sets the scene for the surprisingly sweet finale. Extra features include a live conversation between David and Susie Essman, a sixth year featurette ("On the Set"), and a gag reel. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

How does Larry David do it? This is the sixth season of the increasingly remarkable Curb Your Enthusiasm. One would think that by this time, the series would start to show wear and tear, but it doesn't. Larry manages to make it even better this time around.

The first addition here is a family that loses their house in a hurricane, and on the prodding (or nagging) of Cheryl, the Davids adopt the family. It's a black family called the Blacks, which Larry has a lot of fun poking at. At first, the addition seems a bit contrived, but by the season's end, they are fully integrated into the series and fit in perfectly. The shows are as hilarious as anything Larry's done, with special kudos going to The Ida Funkhouser Roadside Memorial (where Larry steals flowers from his friend's mother's memorial), The Therapists (with a wonderful comic turn by Steve Coogan), The N Word (where Jeff Garlin accidentally gets his head shaved because of Larry, and Garlin actually got his head shaven for the show and sports a crewcut for the rest of the series), and the anonymous donor, where Larry gets in Ted Danson's face about being "anonymous". It's also funny to see Larry use the Blacks' bathroom with their "real" toilet paper, as opposed to the scarring, environmentally friendly one. Larry divorced his wife, Laurie, and he complained in an interview how she was pyscho about her environmentalism, and she forced him to use said toilet paper. Larry's rear end is now much more pleasant, as he has divorced Laurie and enjoys the benefits of singledom and soft toilet paper.

Many of the usual suspects appear here, and new ones do too (the above Black family, Michael McKean, Steve Coogan, Tia Carrere). It all seems to work so well for Larry. Brilliant stuff.

First off, Season Six is ok. why?! Cause Larry David doesn't have to add more characters in his show!! More characters adds more comedic problems.
But beside that, some episodes were really funny. If you like Seinfeld you'll love this show.

This is the series that jumps the shark. At least twice.

The New Orleans family living in Larry's house. A transparent attempt to add some new regular characters to the format.

A John McEnroe cameo.

The Larry Eye stare "are you sure?" contest has got old too as as the "Prrrretttty Good" shtick.

It's still laugh aloud funny in places but the series has peaked.

One of the best seasons of the series - dynamic and hilarious, at times even embarrassing but always enjoyable. 100% recommended stuff.

OMG... Larry David and gang are outstanding. Everyone is perfect in their roles. The humor is priceless.