Seinfeld - Review

"People on dates shouldn't even be allowed out in public" – A review of Seinfeld. 

I love a good sitcom, and Seinfeld is one that's truly left a mark on pop culture. First airing in 1989 and created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, the show is often referenced as "a show about nothing" – yet you can't deny its influence. This is a show that reshaped the landscape of comedy, and its legacy is still strong today.

Set in New York City, Seinfeld revolves around the everyday lives of four friends navigating mundane yet relatable situations. Its episodes rarely follow traditional story arcs, instead focusing on awkward social encounters and the difficulties of urban living. Something I like is the lack of dramatic cliffhangers, as the show instead goes for loosely connected storylines that frequently interact in unexpected ways. The show masterfully blends observational humour with sharp wit, setting Seinfeld apart from other sitcoms.

At the heart of the show are the four lead characters: Jerry Seinfeld (played by Jerry Seinfeld), a stand-up comedian whose apartment is where the group spend a lot of their time; George Costanza (Jason Alexander), neurotic and seemingly forever unlucky; Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), assertive and quick-witted; and Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards), eccentric and unpredictable. Each actor brings a truly unique energy to their role, creating memorable dynamics and comedic chemistry. The performances are consistently strong, with Alexander's physical comedy and Louis-Dreyfus's expressive delivery standing out, while Richards's portrayal of Kramer borders on slapstick – a form of comedy I'm not a huge fan of generally, but worked really well here.

Seinfeld's overarching theme is the absolute ridiculousness found in everyday life. The show often mocks social norms, mixing dry humour with observational comedy. Rather than offering resolutions, Seinfeld is often ambiguous and celebrates the everyday and trivial. This approach has led to the term "Seinfeldian", describing situations that are both mundane and absolutely hilarious.

I will say this isn't a perfect show. Character development and emotional depth can be lacking, with the protagonists' self-centred behaviour being frustrating and frankly alienating at times. As with several shows of the time, certain topics aren't handled as sensitively as they could be, either.

With that being said, Seinfeld is beloved for a reason. It's original, full of good performances and genuinely funny moments. Whilst I don't think it's for everyone – it's not overly for me – its influence is undeniable, and you can't ignore the influence it had on sitcoms that followed. For a show about nothing, it's certainly had a powerful impact on television history.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

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