Oct. 24, 2023

Seinfeld starring Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Michael Richards

Seinfeld starring Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Michael Richards

from its humble beginnings as the Seinfeld Chronicles to its meteoric rise as a ratings juggernaut. Listen in as we reminisce about memorable episodes like The Contest, The Soup Nazi, The Marine Biologist, The Yada Yada, and The Junior Mint, and...

from its humble beginnings as the Seinfeld Chronicles to its meteoric rise as a ratings juggernaut. Listen in as we reminisce about memorable episodes like The Contest, The Soup Nazi, The Marine Biologist, The Yada Yada, and The Junior Mint, and appreciate the show's timeless humor and relatable characters that have made it a beloved staple in pop culture. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the unique style and distinct humor that defined Seinfeld. Join us as we applaud the unforgettable cast, including Jerry Seinfeld, George Costanza, Elaine Benes, and Cosmo Kramer, and their undeniable chemistry that contributed to the show's immense success. Explore Seinfeld's lasting legacy, from its iconic catchphrases to its profound influence on modern sitcoms.

Pull up a chair, grab some Junior Mints, and let's take a hilarious trip back to the '90s!

This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5967110/advertisement

WEBVTT

1
00:00:02.240 --> 00:00:06.120
Seinfeld, the iconic sitcom that needs
no introduction, has etched its place in

2
00:00:06.160 --> 00:00:10.560
television history as one of the greatest
shows of all time. Hi, I'm

3
00:00:10.640 --> 00:00:14.320
Journey, Joe Mitchell, and I'm
watching TV in the Basement. Created by

4
00:00:14.359 --> 00:00:18.519
Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, the
series aired from nineteen eighty nine to nineteen

5
00:00:18.559 --> 00:00:24.399
ninety eight and continues to captivate audiences
with its timeless humor. Set in New

6
00:00:24.480 --> 00:00:29.320
York City, Seinfeld revolves around the
lives of four quirky friends, Jerry Seinfeld,

7
00:00:29.640 --> 00:00:33.920
George Costanza, Elaine Bennis, and
Cosmo Kramer. As we embark on

8
00:00:33.960 --> 00:00:38.799
this hilarious journey through the best episodes
and memorable moments of Seinfeld, let's delve

9
00:00:38.799 --> 00:00:43.799
into the history cast and the birth
of this legendary show. Seinfeld's success story

10
00:00:43.840 --> 00:00:50.240
began with its humble beginnings as a
pilot episode called The Seinfeld Chronicles. Initially

11
00:00:50.280 --> 00:00:54.960
met with mixed reviews, the show
gradually gained a dedicated following. It wasn't

12
00:00:55.000 --> 00:00:59.799
until its fourth season that Seinfeld truly
found its stride and became a ratings juggernaut.

13
00:01:00.280 --> 00:01:04.000
The blend of observational humor, witty
dialogue, and relatable characters struck a

14
00:01:04.079 --> 00:01:08.920
chord with audiences worldwide. The show's
unique format, often referred to as the

15
00:01:10.280 --> 00:01:15.519
Show About Nothing, was a departure
from traditional sitcoms. Instead of relying on

16
00:01:15.560 --> 00:01:19.879
a central plot line, Seinfeld focused
on everyday situations and the character's amusing interactions.

17
00:01:21.480 --> 00:01:26.239
This unconventional approach not only resonated with
viewers, but also paved the way

18
00:01:26.239 --> 00:01:30.879
for a new era of sitcoms.
Jerry Seinfeld, playing a fictionalized version of

19
00:01:30.959 --> 00:01:36.560
himself, portrayed the witty and sarcastic
comedian who often found himself in bizarre situations.

20
00:01:37.319 --> 00:01:42.040
Jason Alexander's portrayal of George Costanza,
Jerry's best friend, added a neurotic

21
00:01:42.120 --> 00:01:47.640
and hilarious dynamic to the show.
Julia Louis Dreyfus shined as Jerry's ex girlfriend

22
00:01:47.640 --> 00:01:53.239
and close friend with her impeccable comedic
timing and charismatic personality. Last, but

23
00:01:53.359 --> 00:01:57.760
not least, Michael Richards delivered comedic
gold as Cosmo Kramer, the eccentric neighbor

24
00:01:57.840 --> 00:02:02.599
known for his wild entrance and physical
comedy. The chemistry between the cast members

25
00:02:02.680 --> 00:02:08.520
was undeniable, contributing to the show's
immense success. The Seinfeld chronicles marked the

26
00:02:08.520 --> 00:02:13.960
beginning of a television phenomenon. Aired
on July fifth, nineteen eighty nine,

27
00:02:14.280 --> 00:02:19.599
the pilot episode introduced audiences to the
distinct humor and unique style that would define

28
00:02:19.680 --> 00:02:24.000
Seinfeld. The episode revolved around Jerry's
interactions with his friends George and Kramer,

29
00:02:24.400 --> 00:02:30.039
and his attempt to analyze his romantic
relationships. Though Elaine was absent from the

30
00:02:30.080 --> 00:02:34.599
initial episode, another female character was
featured, Claire, a waitress at the

31
00:02:34.599 --> 00:02:38.360
eatery regularly visited by Jerry and George. Reports suggest that the reason why Elaine

32
00:02:38.439 --> 00:02:44.280
was created was due to the initial
episode being deemed too male centric. Several

33
00:02:44.280 --> 00:02:47.520
performers, including Rosy O'Donnell, Patricia
Heaton, and Megan Malayley were considered for

34
00:02:47.560 --> 00:02:53.439
the part, although Louis Dreyfus's prior
experience with David during their Saturday Night Live

35
00:02:53.520 --> 00:02:57.759
Stint gave her the role. Upon
reading the Seinfeld script, Louis Dreyfus was

36
00:02:57.879 --> 00:03:02.400
instantly captivated, as it was unlike
anything on television at the time. While

37
00:03:02.400 --> 00:03:07.719
the pilot received mixed reviews, it
laid the foundation for the show's future success.

38
00:03:08.439 --> 00:03:14.120
The characters quirks, Jerry's stand up
segments, and The seamless blend of

39
00:03:14.280 --> 00:03:21.400
multiple storylines became hallmarks of Seinfeld's trademark
style. This episode also showcased the chemistry

40
00:03:21.439 --> 00:03:25.199
between the main cast, setting the
stage for nine seasons of laughter and entertainment.

41
00:03:27.080 --> 00:03:30.759
Seinfeld boasted a plethora of memorable episodes
throughout its nine season run. These

42
00:03:30.800 --> 00:03:36.360
episodes have consistently topped fan polls and
are widely regarded as some of the series's

43
00:03:36.400 --> 00:03:42.639
finest moments. The Contest. This
groundbreaking episode revolves around a contest where the

44
00:03:42.719 --> 00:03:46.280
characters bet on who can abstain from
self pleasure the longest. Its clever writing

45
00:03:46.360 --> 00:03:52.039
and daring subject matter earned it critical
acclaim in a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding

46
00:03:52.039 --> 00:03:55.680
Writing in a Comedy Series. The
Soup Nazi. In this episode, the

47
00:03:55.719 --> 00:04:00.680
gang encounters a soup vendor known for
his strict rules and delicious The phrase no

48
00:04:00.759 --> 00:04:05.360
soup for You became an instant catchphrase, and the episode remains a fan favorite

49
00:04:05.439 --> 00:04:12.280
due to its memorable guest star and
hilarious storyline. The marine biologist Jerry pretends

50
00:04:12.280 --> 00:04:16.480
to be a marine biologist, Elaine
juggles multiple relationships, and George finds himself

51
00:04:16.480 --> 00:04:21.319
in an unexpected situation. Involving a
whale. This episode is a prime example

52
00:04:21.360 --> 00:04:28.199
of Seinfeld's ability to weave together multiple
storylines and deliver a satisfying punchline. The

53
00:04:28.319 --> 00:04:32.360
YadA YadA. In this episode,
Jerry's new girlfriend says YadA YadA to skip

54
00:04:32.399 --> 00:04:38.519
over the details of her stories,
leading to hilarious misunderstandings and unforgettable moments.

55
00:04:39.120 --> 00:04:43.920
The Junior Mint. In this episode, Jerry and Kramer accidentally drop a junior

56
00:04:43.959 --> 00:04:46.920
Mint candy into an open surgical patient
during their visit to the hospital. The

57
00:04:47.079 --> 00:04:51.160
ensuing hilarity and the catchphrase Who's going
to turn down a Junior Mint? Have

58
00:04:51.279 --> 00:04:58.519
become fan favorites. Seinfeld is replete
with memorable moments that have become ingrained in

59
00:04:58.560 --> 00:05:03.199
pop culture. One of the most
iconic moments from the show was fest Festivus,

60
00:05:03.720 --> 00:05:09.399
the non commercial holiday celebrated by George's
father, Frank Costanza, has become

61
00:05:09.519 --> 00:05:14.680
a cultural phenomenon. Festivus traditions like
the airing of grievances and the feats of

62
00:05:14.680 --> 00:05:21.160
strength have been embraced by fans worldwide. In the fourth season of the show,

63
00:05:21.360 --> 00:05:27.160
the narrative contains a plot in which
Kramer insists on playing himself. This

64
00:05:27.360 --> 00:05:30.879
idea was in fact taken from a
real life situation that Seinfeld encountered at the

65
00:05:30.879 --> 00:05:34.600
beginning of the show. It has
been documented that this was the case.

66
00:05:35.399 --> 00:05:41.000
The comedian had used his real neighbor
Kenny Kramer to create a comically absurd character,

67
00:05:41.480 --> 00:05:45.680
and they had agreed that Richard's character
would be referred to as Kessler in

68
00:05:45.720 --> 00:05:50.399
the pilot episode unless Kramer was paid
one thousand dollars. After the payment was

69
00:05:50.439 --> 00:05:56.639
made, the name was then changed
to Kramer. For the first seven years,

70
00:05:56.759 --> 00:06:00.360
every episode of Seinfeld started with Jerry
doing his standard routine. Those with

71
00:06:00.600 --> 00:06:05.240
very attentive ears will recognize that the
theme song was tailored to fit the monologues.

72
00:06:05.920 --> 00:06:10.959
This resulted in each episode having a
slightly altered version of the song.

73
00:06:11.839 --> 00:06:16.879
Composer Jonathan Wolfe utilized instruments like the
bass and additionally his mouth and hands to

74
00:06:16.959 --> 00:06:23.480
craft the melody that would easily fit
Jerry's comedic timing. Elaine's curly hair was

75
00:06:23.519 --> 00:06:28.519
one of her most recognizable features,
and Louis Dreyfus had taken inspiration from an

76
00:06:28.600 --> 00:06:31.959
unlikely place. Helena Bonham Carter in
the movie A Room with a View.

77
00:06:33.279 --> 00:06:38.439
I thought it was gorgeous Louis Dreyfus
commented, so I decided to style my

78
00:06:38.519 --> 00:06:42.720
hair in a similar way, and
it kept growing bigger and bigger. Much

79
00:06:42.720 --> 00:06:46.040
of George's persona is affected by his
parents, portrayed by Estelle Harris and Jerry

80
00:06:46.040 --> 00:06:51.000
Stiller. However, Stiller wasn't the
original actor for the role. Veteran TV,

81
00:06:51.160 --> 00:06:56.439
film and theater actor John Randolph made
an appearance as the elder Costanza in

82
00:06:56.519 --> 00:07:00.720
season four. Jason Alexander expressed his
admiration for Randolph, yet mentioned that John

83
00:07:00.839 --> 00:07:05.120
actually resembled my grandfather more than my
father. Jerry Stiller took over the role.

84
00:07:05.879 --> 00:07:10.319
He's my favorite character on the show, Alexander said, he doesn't even

85
00:07:10.319 --> 00:07:15.199
know how good he is. He
further remarked that Stiller had trouble remembering his

86
00:07:15.279 --> 00:07:18.120
lines, but it ended up being
a benefit. The lines would come back

87
00:07:18.160 --> 00:07:21.120
to him in little stutter steps,
so they would come out in little stutter

88
00:07:21.160 --> 00:07:26.120
steps. What you were witnessing was
his own growing anxiety and annoyance with his

89
00:07:26.160 --> 00:07:30.480
own memory, which was translated into
Frank Costanza's contempt for the world. Stories

90
00:07:30.480 --> 00:07:34.720
from everyday life frequently appear in popular
culture, such as the case of the

91
00:07:34.759 --> 00:07:40.360
Soup Nazi, who insisted that customers
had to order in a particular fashion or

92
00:07:40.399 --> 00:07:45.600
else risk being refused any soup.
Spike Ferriston, the script writer of the

93
00:07:45.639 --> 00:07:49.360
episode, had previously been to al
Jegen's shop now known as the Original Soupman

94
00:07:49.560 --> 00:07:55.439
on fifty fifth Street in New York
City and experienced the severe service firsthand.

95
00:07:56.439 --> 00:08:01.000
Ferriston recalled he was a rather unpleasant
person, yet on that day he declared

96
00:08:01.399 --> 00:08:05.759
no soup for you. I was
completely taken aback, thinking what I don't

97
00:08:05.839 --> 00:08:09.800
understand. I have money, why
won't you take it? This situation was

98
00:08:09.920 --> 00:08:15.279
great for humorous material. Jegan It
was not pleased with the portrayal, expressing

99
00:08:15.319 --> 00:08:18.600
to CNN that the term was a
dishonour to the human race. In the

100
00:08:18.759 --> 00:08:24.720
end, he employed the sitcom's popularity
to bring customers to his eatey, even

101
00:08:24.759 --> 00:08:30.759
including the hashtag and the Eatey's Instagram
profile. The most unforgettable wardrobe piece from

102
00:08:30.759 --> 00:08:33.840
the sitcom has to be the ruffled
shirt that Jerry decided to wear for a

103
00:08:33.840 --> 00:08:41.240
Today Show appearance that Kramer proclaimed looks
more attractive than anything you own. The

104
00:08:41.279 --> 00:08:46.240
Smithsonian National Museum of American History collection
now includes the iconic item, although it

105
00:08:46.279 --> 00:08:50.919
was not the original choice. Museum
curator Dwight Blocker Bowers commented the production team

106
00:08:52.039 --> 00:08:56.240
initially proposed that they donate Jerry's fridge
laden with magnets, which was too cumbersome

107
00:08:56.279 --> 00:09:01.320
of an item for the museum to
accept. However, we thought the puffy

108
00:09:01.360 --> 00:09:05.279
shirt was the ideal item to represent
the show and its lead character. At

109
00:09:05.279 --> 00:09:09.120
the start of the series, Jerry
was seen in a coffee shop pointing out

110
00:09:09.120 --> 00:09:13.080
to George that the second button on
his shirt was not in the right place,

111
00:09:13.559 --> 00:09:18.200
and that it was a crucial part
of the shirt as it determined whether

112
00:09:18.240 --> 00:09:22.120
it would look good or bad.
In the final scene of the finale,

113
00:09:22.200 --> 00:09:26.559
when the characters were in a jail
cell, Jerry alluded to the same thing

114
00:09:26.600 --> 00:09:28.799
again by saying that the second button
was the key to the shirt and it

115
00:09:28.840 --> 00:09:33.039
could make or break the look.
As the camera moves away, George enquires

116
00:09:33.360 --> 00:09:37.240
have we not had this discussion before, to which Jerry wraps up the show

117
00:09:37.279 --> 00:09:43.559
with its possible we have. In
conclusion, Seinfeld's legacy is one of the

118
00:09:43.600 --> 00:09:48.799
greatest sitcoms of all time is well
deserved. The show's unparalleled humor, relatable

119
00:09:48.879 --> 00:09:52.720
characters, and memorable moments have insured
its place in television history. Whether you're

120
00:09:52.720 --> 00:09:58.399
a longtime fan or new to the
series, Seinfeld continues to provide laughter and

121
00:09:58.559 --> 00:10:03.000
entertainment for generations to go. Until
next time, I'm Journey Joe Mitchell,

122
00:10:03.000 --> 00:10:03.960
and I'll be watching TV in the
basement.