When Does Seinfeld Get Good?
Hailed as one of the all-time great comedy series, most fans will tell a new viewer that the first season starts off a little clunky but by season two has found its stride and then has a consistent run through the rest of its nine seasons. It’s probably best to watch the first season just to get a feel for the show, but give this series at least into the second season before judging whether or not you want to watch the rest.
What Fans Say:
Fans of Seinfeld often praise its groundbreaking approach to comedy, describing it as a sitcom that perfected observational humor. Unlike traditional sitcoms that rely on dramatic moments or heartfelt resolutions, Seinfeld thrives on its “no hugging, no learning” philosophy, where characters remain unchanged despite their absurd experiences. The writing is sharp, witty, and fast-paced, making everyday situations hilarious through the perspectives of its self-centered yet endearing characters. Fans celebrate the show’s ability to turn mundane topics—waiting for a table at a restaurant, losing a car in a parking garage, or regifting—into legendary comedic moments. Jerry Seinfeld’s deadpan delivery, George Costanza’s neurotic antics, Elaine Benes’ bold personality, and Cosmo Kramer’s physical comedy create an ensemble that remains one of the best in television history. Catchphrases like “No soup for you!” and “Yada, yada, yada” have become cultural staples, and episodes like “The Contest” and “The Soup Nazi” are frequently cited among the best sitcom episodes of all time.
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What Haters Say:
While Seinfeld has legions of devoted fans, it is not without its critics. Some viewers find the show’s humor too dry or lacking in emotional depth. The series’ focus on the petty grievances of self-absorbed New Yorkers can come off as cynical or even mean-spirited. Others find the characters unlikable, especially as the show progresses and they become even more morally indifferent. Additionally, the lack of serialized storytelling or character growth might not appeal to those who prefer a more structured narrative with meaningful development. The series finale, which sees the main characters on trial for their collective selfishness, was divisive, with many arguing that it was an unsatisfying send-off that punished the characters rather than celebrating their quirks.
Does the Show Fall Off in Quality at Any Point?
Most fans agree that Seinfeld remained strong throughout its nine-season run, though there are differing opinions on when—if at all—the quality declined. Some argue that after co-creator Larry David left at the end of Season 7, the show’s humor became broader and more exaggerated, with an increased reliance on absurdist humor. Seasons 8 and 9 featured more cartoonish versions of the characters and outlandish plots, such as Kramer adopting a highway and Elaine being chased by the van from The English Patient. However, these seasons still contain fan-favorite episodes and moments, and the show’s ratings remained high until the very end.
Aggregated Critic Commentary:
Critics have consistently praised Seinfeld for its originality, smart writing, and cultural impact. It redefined sitcom storytelling by breaking away from conventional narratives and embracing a more observational, character-driven approach. The show was a ratings powerhouse and continues to be one of the most beloved sitcoms in television history.
| Season | Rotten Tomatoes Score | IMDb Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 79% | 7.7/10 |
| 2 | 85% | 8.0/10 |
| 3 | 94% | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | 100% | 8.8/10 |
| 5 | 100% | 8.9/10 |
| 6 | 100% | 8.8/10 |
| 7 | 100% | 8.8/10 |
| 8 | 90% | 8.7/10 |
| 9 | 83% | 8.6/10 |
Overview of the Show:
Seinfeld is a sitcom that aired on NBC from 1989 to 1998, running for nine seasons and 180 episodes. Created by Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, the show follows stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his three close friends—George Costanza (Jason Alexander), Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), and Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards)—as they navigate the absurdities of daily life in New York City.
The series is known for its focus on minutiae, finding humor in the everyday frustrations of life. Unlike many sitcoms of the era, Seinfeld avoided sentimentality and traditional story arcs, instead opting for a unique structure where multiple plotlines intersected in unexpected ways. The characters are unapologetically flawed, leading to hilariously self-inflicted dilemmas. The show’s cultural impact is immeasurable, influencing countless sitcoms that followed and remaining one of the most rewatchable series in television history.
Season-by-Season Highlights:
Season 1: The short five-episode debut season establishes the characters and the show’s observational humor. “The Stakeout” introduces Jerry’s awkward dating life, while “The Robbery” highlights George’s cheapness.
Season 2: The show expands its world with classic episodes like “The Chinese Restaurant,” where Jerry, Elaine, and George spend the entire episode waiting for a table. This season also deepens Elaine’s role in the group dynamic.
Season 3: Seinfeld finds its stride with episodes like “The Parking Garage,” where the gang gets lost in a parking structure, and “The Boyfriend,” featuring Keith Hernandez.
Season 4: Often considered the best season, it includes the meta-arc of Jerry and George pitching their own sitcom. “The Contest” cements Seinfeld as a TV legend.
Season 5: More iconic moments arise, including “The Puffy Shirt” and “The Marine Biologist.” George’s life continues to spiral hilariously out of control.
Season 6: Kramer’s wild schemes take center stage, including his short-lived stint as a department store Santa. Elaine’s job at J. Peterman creates new comedic opportunities.
Season 7: Larry David’s final season introduces Susan’s death, a darkly comedic twist. “The Soup Nazi” and “The Rye” are among the season’s highlights.
Season 8: With Larry David gone, the show embraces more surreal humor, such as “The Bizarro Jerry,” featuring alternative versions of the characters.
Season 9: The final season delivers classic episodes like “The Merv Griffin Show” and “The Betrayal” (a backward episode). The controversial finale sees the gang jailed for their selfishness.
Similar Shows:
- Curb Your Enthusiasm – Created by Larry David, this show carries the same awkward, observational humor with an even greater focus on social faux pas.
- Friends – While more sentimental, it shares Seinfeld’s focus on the misadventures of a tight-knit friend group in New York.
- Arrested Development – Features similar absurd humor and characters who rarely learn from their mistakes.
- It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia – A darker, more exaggerated take on self-centered protagonists.
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine – A more structured sitcom with fast-paced humor and quirky characters.
If You Liked These, You’ll Like Seinfeld:
- The Office (U.S.) – Shares an appreciation for awkward humor and flawed characters.
- Frasier – Another intelligent comedy that focuses on witty dialogue and character-driven humor.
- The Simpsons (classic seasons) – A similarly sharp, observational approach to comedy.
- Parks and Recreation – Though more optimistic, it captures the same absurdity of daily life.