How ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ ended with a ‘Seinfeld’ twist

Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld on
Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld on "Curb Your Enthusiasm."
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It’s pretty, pretty good.

“Curb Your Enthusiasm” ended Sunday night with a twist paying homage to creator Larry David’s “Seinfeld” roots.

Spoilers ahead for the series finale of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” 

At the end of the HBO comedy, titled “No Lessons Learned,” the show — which aired for 12 seasons, from 2000 to 2024 — circled back to the plot line that began when Larry was arrested in Atlanta for giving water to Auntie Rae (Ellia English) while she was standing on line to vote.

This violated a local Georgia law and made Larry an unlikely folk hero, despite the fact that he didn’t do it on purpose. In the spirit of the show, he had been unaware that he was breaking any law, and he hadn’t intended for the gesture to be a grand statement.

Larry David during his trial in the finale episode of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” HBO
Larry David during his trial in the finale episode of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” HBO
Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David in jail in the “No Lessons Learned” episode. HBO
Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David in jail in the “No Lessons Learned” episode. HBO
Larry David is put on trial and all of his misdeeds are put in the spotlight. HBO
Larry David is put on trial and all of his misdeeds are put in the spotlight. HBO

In the finale, Larry and his pals go to Atlanta for the trial. He’s accompanied by Cheryl (Cheryl Hines), Ted Danson (playing himself), Jeff (Jeff Garlin), Susie (Susie Essman), Leon (JB Smoove) and the late Richard Lewis (playing himself. He died in February).

During the trial, presided over by Judge Whitaker (Dean Norris), Larry and his lawyer Sibby Sanders (Sanaa Lathan) are up against district attorney Earl Mack (Greg Kinnear).

But, Larry is more concerned about more urgent matters, like the lack of coasters in court.

Many of Larry’s enemies over the years take the stand to testify about his antisocial behavior, including Mocha Joe (Saverio Guerra), Mr. Takahashi (Dana Lee), Rachel Heineman (Iris Bahr), and Bruce Springsteen (playing himself — appearing via video to berate Larry for giving him COVID-19).

Bruce Springsteen, testifying via video about Larry David’s selfish behavior in “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” HBO
Bruce Springsteen, testifying via video about Larry David’s selfish behavior in “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” HBO
One of the late Richard Lewis’ final performances was captured in the episode. HBO
One of the late Richard Lewis’ final performances was captured in the episode. HBO
Richard Lewis (left) and Larry David in the “Curb Your Enthusiasm” finale. HBO
Richard Lewis (left) and Larry David in the “Curb Your Enthusiasm” finale. HBO

Larry is found guilty and sentenced to a year in prison.

“Seinfeld” notoriously ended with a polarizing episode that David wrote. It saw Jerry, George Costanza (Jason Alexander), Kramer (Michael Richards) and Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) also spending a year behind bars.

But, unlike the “Seinfeld” cast, on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Larry is then saved by Seinfeld, who rescues him after he learns that a juror broke the rules of his sequestration, causing a mistrial. So Larry gets out on a technicality.

Jerry Seinfeld shows up to rescue Larry David from jail. HBO
Jerry Seinfeld shows up to rescue Larry David from jail. HBO
Larry David is sentenced to a year behind bars, but gets out on a technicality. HBO
Larry David is sentenced to a year behind bars, but gets out on a technicality. HBO
Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld leaving prison. HBO
Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld leaving prison. HBO

Jerry and Larry have a chat that gives a nod to the “Seinfeld” finale.

“You don’t want to end up like this. No one wants to see it. Trust me,” Jerry says.

Larry responds, “Oh my God, this is how we should have ended the finale!”

The series closes on Larry and his entourage getting into a petty squabble on the flight back to LA after Susie opens the window shade.