Giddyup! The first three seasons of the number one sitcom of all time (sez who? TV Guide?!) are on DVD. Yes, following those rather uncertain first two years (after which Jerry's fictional father underwent an extreme physical makeover) SEINFELD coalesced into the legendary sitcom we know and love. And this happened for three very important reasons: writing, writing, and, of course, writing.
It can't be emphasized enough. The miraculous ability of the staff writers- Jennifer Crittenden, Steve Koren, Spike Feresten, Tom Gambill & Max Pross, Larry David, Jerry Seinfeld, et al. -to devise and develop riotously funny material was key to the show's success (well, duh!). And the writing had real staying power: even in repeats the show still pulls in big ratings (just compare the syndication fate of FRIENDS, a cookie-cutter sitcom that was all too bland, uninspired, safe, and witless). To use an overworked phrase, SEINFELD pushed the envelope- with a show about nada (or yada yada yada).
Yet there was another element which contributed to SEINFELD's phenomenal popularity: the on-screen symbiosis of the cast. In the grand tradition of THE HONEYMOONERS, THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW, MARY TYLER MOORE, and ALL IN THE FAMILY, the cast of SEINFELD functioned like a well-oiled machine, balancing and strengthening each other as they strove for comedic excellence (and this empowering camaraderie extended to the steady stream of remarkably talented supporting actors who made brief but indelible appearances throughout the series).
If it matters at all, SEINFELD is already in the TV/sitcom pantheon, and deservedly so. Just how great was/is the writing? Is it possible for a single line or two of dialogue to evoke vivid memories (well it is after you've viewed an episode twenty times!)? Check out these bon mots: "Helloooo, Newman!" "Not that there's anything wrong with that." "So, is he sponge-worthy?" "Elaine, this shiksappeal is a myth." "Mulva?" "He took it out." "No soup for you!" "Oh my god, the queen is dead." "Serenity now./Hootchie mama." "I got hand!/And you're gonna need it!" Notice: SEINFELD had no affiliation with Vandelay Industries.
It can't be emphasized enough. The miraculous ability of the staff writers- Jennifer Crittenden, Steve Koren, Spike Feresten, Tom Gambill & Max Pross, Larry David, Jerry Seinfeld, et al. -to devise and develop riotously funny material was key to the show's success (well, duh!). And the writing had real staying power: even in repeats the show still pulls in big ratings (just compare the syndication fate of FRIENDS, a cookie-cutter sitcom that was all too bland, uninspired, safe, and witless). To use an overworked phrase, SEINFELD pushed the envelope- with a show about nada (or yada yada yada).
Yet there was another element which contributed to SEINFELD's phenomenal popularity: the on-screen symbiosis of the cast. In the grand tradition of THE HONEYMOONERS, THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW, MARY TYLER MOORE, and ALL IN THE FAMILY, the cast of SEINFELD functioned like a well-oiled machine, balancing and strengthening each other as they strove for comedic excellence (and this empowering camaraderie extended to the steady stream of remarkably talented supporting actors who made brief but indelible appearances throughout the series).
If it matters at all, SEINFELD is already in the TV/sitcom pantheon, and deservedly so. Just how great was/is the writing? Is it possible for a single line or two of dialogue to evoke vivid memories (well it is after you've viewed an episode twenty times!)? Check out these bon mots: "Helloooo, Newman!" "Not that there's anything wrong with that." "So, is he sponge-worthy?" "Elaine, this shiksappeal is a myth." "Mulva?" "He took it out." "No soup for you!" "Oh my god, the queen is dead." "Serenity now./Hootchie mama." "I got hand!/And you're gonna need it!" Notice: SEINFELD had no affiliation with Vandelay Industries.