No 'Curb' at next year's Emmys

Count on at least one opening in the comedy series category at next year's Emmys. With Larry David focused on his HBO movie "Clear History," "Curb Your Enthusiasm" is on another one of its extended breaks — assuming it's coming back someday— and is set to sit out the 2013 kudos.

The most recent season of "Curb," which aired in summer 2011, was announced in April 2010 — more than a year in advance. HBO confirmed today that it was "unlikely" there would be another "Curb" season before the 2012-13 eligibility period ends May 31.

David fans might not be left in the lurch, however. "Clear History" is unequivocally TBD on its premiere date but, having begun production this month, could find its way onto the air by May. That would immediately make it a leading contender for Emmy movie-miniseries honors.

Featuring an ensemble of David, Jon Hamm, Kate Hudson, Michael Keaton, Amy Ryan, Eva Mendes, Bill Hader, Phillip Michael Hall, JB Smoove and Danny McBride, "Clear" is scripted by David and "Curb" cohorts Alec Berg, David Mandel and Jeff Schaffer.

In the meantime, some comedy stands to benefit from the "Curb" vacation. Among the many contenders would be veterans "Louie" (FX), "New Girl" (Fox) and "Parks and Recreation" (NBC), ABC sophomores "Don't Trust the B" and "Suburgatory" and Fox rookies "Ben and Kate" and "The Mindy Project." In addition, HBO will make its own claim to hold onto the spot with the second season of "Enlightened," which is scheduled to come around in January.