Diane and I were early fans of Seinfeld. The humor was off-beat. We liked the fact that the setting was New York City (although the series was shot in California). No other comedy program at the time tackled topics like masturbation, lame dancing styles, and eating sandwiches during sex. Jennifer Keishin Armstrong’s Seindeldia makes a valiant attempt to explain the success of the TV comedy (it generated over $2 billion in profits) through interviews and a mostly chronological approach. Seinfeldia is full of fun facts. Rosie O’Donnell was originally considered for the role of Elaine Benes. Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David would “fire” the team of writers at the end of each season and hire a whole new writing staff in order to “keep things fresh.” Jerry Stiller had trouble remembering his lines so his appearances required dozens of extra takes…which explains why Stiller’s character of George’s father is always angry! if you’re a fan of Seinfeld you’ll enjoy this guide to one of the best TV shows ever. I want to drop everything and watch one of my favorite Seinfeld episodes, “The Yada, Yada.” Do you have a favorite Seinfeld episode? GRADE: A-
TABLE OF CONTENTS::
Introduction: the baseball game
The origin story
The players
The network
The cult hit
The production
The writers
The bizarros
Seinfeld nation
The show about something
The larry david-shaped hole
The end
Seinfeldia emerges
The bizarros: the sequel
The legend of the curse
Seinfeldia
Acknowledgements
Source Notes
Interview List
Index
Although we watched all of the Seinfeld episodes when they first aired, my husband and I having been giving them a re-viewing on Hulu and find that they’re still as fresh and funny as they were two decades ago (Seinfeld’s last episode aired a few weeks before the twins were born; they’re now college freshman–how did that much time pass?). My favorite is the one where George buys some artwork from Elaine’s artist ex-boyfriend because George thinks the artist is going to die and drive up the price of his art. This episode includes the famous “Junior Mint” snafu in the operating room.
Deb, the “Junior Mint” episode gets a lot of attention in SEINFELDIA. Like you, I think the SEINFELD episodes retain their freshness better than most comedies.
I was a fan, though I didn’t watch it from the start. I’d have to say, I like the soup nazi episode, and the one where Elaine couldn’t get the woman in the next stall to give her any toilet paper. I can’t picture Rosie as Elaine. One character I really liked was Puddy. And I have to say the episode where george has sex with the cleaning woman, and then asks if that was wrong was funny. George’s parents were funny in an “I’m glad they’re not MY parents way”
Maggie, so many memorable SEINFELD episodes!
George’s response–“Should I not have done that? Was that wrong? Because I have to tell you, nobody told me I shouldn’t do that”–has become an Internet meme featuring anyone (usually politicians) who has been caught flagrantly committing an act they know is wrong.
The Contest (“But are you master of your domain?”()
The Outing (“Not that there’s anything wrong with that”)
The Pen (Jackie’s favorite; the first visit to Florida and the only episode without George)
Jeff, Armstrong discusses Jason Alexander’s paranoia about being “written out” of episodes and feeling threatened by ulia Louis-Dreyfus.
Elaine: “Mrs. Seinfeld, would you PLEASE turn on the air conditioner?”
Mrs. Seinfeld (incredulous): “You’re HOT?”
Jackie always considered this episode a documentary.
Jeff, so true!
Read it too. THE CONTEST is pure genius. Also like the one where Kramer finds Merv Griffin’s TV furniture and hosts a talks show in his apartment. We still watch one occasionally. Rarely find it dated.
Patti, SEINFELD’s wacky sensibilities will keep it fresh for decades!
George getting caught eating food out of the garbage, or knocking people down to get away from a small apartment fire.
“Shrinkage!”
Jerry knocking down the old lady and stealing the rye bread, then meeting her at a dinner party.
The “low talker” leading to Jerry wearing The Puffy Shirt on television.
The very New York alternate side parking episode.
Jeff, and “double-dipping”!
Exactly! We were having chips and salsa last week and immediately I flashed on the “double-dipping” scene.
Jeff, the “double-dipping” scene is classic!
Sorry, but I have no idea what you all are talking about. Junior Mints? Yes, I’ve had them. but I like Andes mints better.
Rick, the “Junior Mint” episode of SEINFELD is comedy gold!
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sometimes I think my sense of humor is lost on the crowd
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Rick, sometimes we think you’re over-medicated.
Mel Torme singing to Kramer, who he thinks is mentally challenged! Suing Sue Ellen for wearing a bra in public! The Marine Biologist! The Urban Sombrero! So many others!
Bob, it’s remarkable when you think about the number of memorable SEINFELD episodes there were!
The Manzier! I see a lot of guys who could use one.