Larry David’s ties to Bernie Sanders extend beyond his portrayal of the ex-presidential candidate on Saturday Night Live: They are distant cousins.

PBS revealed the news on its show Finding Your Roots, which delves into celebrities' family histories.

The revelation shocked both individuals, with Mr Sanders asking host Henry Louis Gates if he was kidding.

“That is unbelievable,” Mr Sanders said. “People talk to me about Larry David, and I say, ‘He does a better Bernie Sanders than I do!’”

Mr Gates had sat the senator and comedian down separately to tell them they're likely third or fourth cousins.

Instead of saying the information directly, Mr Gates gave them each a book with information about their relative inside.

“I hope it's a good athlete,” Mr David said before opening it to find a photo of Mr Sanders.

“What the hell!” he exclaimed.

Both men are from Brooklyn, have similar physical features and are in their 70s – which is perhaps why Mr David’s impression of Mr Sanders was so spot-on.