What to watch this week: Larry David's new HBO comedy, talking sheep, and Kim Novak

The Israeli television landscape continues its prolific output with the upcoming series "On Standby," premiering on Yes on July 21. The comedy stars Gitit Fisher as a depressed airport security screener who, despite her personal struggles and living with her father, is pushed to overcome her shell through a series of events. The premise suggests potential for dark humor, particularly drawing from the repetitive nature of airport security questions.

Meanwhile, Larry David's new HBO comedy, "Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America," is also generating discussion. Produced by the Obamas, the series features David in sketches where he interacts with key moments in American history. One sketch imagines David as Richard Livingston, a Continental Congress member tasked with writing a draft of the Constitution, injecting his signature kvetching and mundane concerns, like a ban on sharing umbrellas, into high-minded historical proceedings.

However, the article expresses reservations about the execution of David's series, suggesting that while the concept is amusing, the sketches often overstay their welcome. The reviewer notes that individual skits could work well at two to three minutes but become tiresome when extended. Examples cited include a sketch about a World War I soldier and another featuring David as Alexander Graham Bell, which are described as falling flat or resembling college revue material.

The critique implies that while David's comedic persona is well-established, its application to historical scenarios doesn't always translate into sustained humor, leading to a repetitive viewing experience. The article contrasts the potential of "On Standby" with the perceived shortcomings of David's historical comedy.