Despite a six-year gap between Season 8 and Season 9, Larry David’s attack on uncomfortable social customs felt right at home in 2017. Some things never change, and David is certainly one of those things. Thank God.

All told, there is plenty to be enthusiastic about. The season’s storylines are only just getting into place, and standalone “Thank You For Your Service,” the fifth episode, is an elegantly structured comic episode that suggests the season will just get better. ... Curb Your Enthusiasm’s long-awaited comeback is not exactly great, but pretty, pretty, pretty good.

It picks up with no alterations other than those time arranges; otherwise, it is completely of a piece with the seasons that preceded it. There has been no attempt to fix what was not broken, to innovate, to go deeper; given that one point of the show is the impossibility of meaningful change, change would be inappropriate.

There are comforting pleasures in the return of Curb Your Enthusiasm. Cheryl Hines is back and her character is on pleasant terms with ex-husband Larry. ... But the derangement of the comedy might be the most satisfying returning element.

There are comforting pleasures in the return of Curb Your Enthusiasm. Cheryl Hines is back and her character is on pleasant terms with ex-husband Larry. ... But the derangement of the comedy might be the most satisfying returning element.

This season of “Curb” may not set the world on fire, but there will always be that one unbelievable thing Larry says that will make you shake your head as you laugh, really hard.

On paper, I love the idea of Larry becoming an American Salman Rushdie by trying to tell his story in the form of a stage musical. It’s got a shamelessly metafictional kick. ... But the fatwa that’s declared against Larry is too predictable and half-assed. ... [Episode five is] not great, either, but it’s much better and funnier than this debut.

Foisted A-. The Pickle Gambit B+. A Disturbance In The Kitchen A-. Running With The Bulls A-. Thank You For Your Service B+. The Accidental Text On Purpose A. Namaste B+. Never Wait For Seconds A-. The Shucker B+. Fatwa A-.

After a six year hiatus Curb Your Enthusiasm returns for its ninth season. Truth be told this is probably the shows weakest season thus far with jokes not quite landing as consistently as in previous seasons, but even when not at it’s very best this remains a cut above almost any other comedy series on air.

This show just never loses its touch, it is the best and funniest show on television.

Not Curb as its best, but still a great season. It's not just the jokes that make it hilarious, but the cast including Susie Essman, J. B. Smoove, Bob Einstein and also the terrific guest stars.

Curb your enthusiasm continues to have its spurts of hilarity although it doesn't feel as relevant as it did 15 years ago. Larry David still has the same charm.