10 Greatest Character Introductions In Sitcom History
4. Leon Black - Curb Your Enthusiasm
Leon Black is Larry David’s perfect partner in crime, but he was actually a latecomer to the HBO show, not making his debut until the sixth season. Though originally Larry was less than pleased to have the freeloading Leon stay at his house when he takes the Black family in after Hurricane Edna, the pair eventually became unlikely friends.
Leon makes his mark on the show immediately (and literally) when in the episode The Anonymous Donor Larry confronts him about an unfortunate stain found on a blanket in his room. The scene is one of the funniest exchanges in the show, with a highlight being a misunderstanding over the word “ejaculate”.
Often a new character joining an established show can come about when the writers run out of ideas and they often don’t comedic rhythm right away, if at all.
Fortunately this wasn't the case with Leon, due to actor J.B. Smoove’s pitch-perfect delivery and the effortless chemistry he and Larry David had from the start. An unlikely friendship sure, but one that keeps giving, even as the show enters its long-awaited ninth season later this year.