Discussing
Why Seinfeld is the Worst Sitcom of All Time

Josh Larsen

Josh Larsen
September 27, 2021

Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer stood in for selfish humanity, making Seinfeld a comic confession on our behalf.

Craig
September 27, 2021

Well yeah that was the entire point of the show

Ken MacAlister
September 27, 2021

While these characters displayed the worst traits in sinful humanity the interesting thing is their schemes were never successful. The lesson is God doesn’t reward sinful behavior & we really look bad when we do things the way these characters did. What made it funny was the show was almost like real time Looney Tunes cartoons. While human beings these characters were a mix in behavior & actions to Looney Tunes characters & sinful human beings.

Josh Larsen
TC Staff
September 27, 2021

Love the Looney Tunes comparison, Ken. Thanks for chiming in.

Marc Clark
September 27, 2021

I don't agree with your assessment of Seinfeld. I think it's a stupid show and I don't understand ho Jerry makes a living as a stand up comic. Every time I see him do his schtick all I hear is someone whining.

Josh Larsen
TC Staff
September 27, 2021

He does have a whiny voice.

Claudia Gerwin
September 27, 2021

Thank you for this insightful article. Never thought of Seinfeld being an anti-lesson for what Christians are called to be - more a window into the world that we live in now, with self-absorbment being the attitude of the day, which I find so sad. And yes, the humor is fast, funny, and sometimes very sharp. I have squirmed when I've seen myself in it.

Josh Larsen
TC Staff
September 27, 2021

Thanks for reading, Claudia. "Self-absorbment" - that's a great term for describing the show.

Johnathan K
September 27, 2021

I wasn't sure I'd ever met anyone whose "guilty" love for this show is as fierce as mine. Pleased to meet you, Josh! And thanks for such an eloquent essay on the ironic appeal of this show, despite the fundamental despicability of its protagonist quartet.

I think what I love most about Jerry Seinfeld's (and, by extension, Larry David's) wry, observational comedy is the way it basically "gets out of the way" and let's the world's absurdities be seen for what they are. In a sense, some of Jerry's best classic bits (many of which frame the conceit for highly memorable episodes), are like what you might expect if you were to reimagine the book of Ecclesiastes as a stand-up routine. (Let's call Adam Driver and see if he wants to take that on next!)

Paul Vandersteen
September 28, 2021

It's just so cringe worthy. Like so many things we say or do and can only see when we step back and watch ourselves, our families, our relationships. Like shows about nothing, but they all mean something!!! Thanks for the great review, Josh!

Darren Sean Case
October 5, 2021

It never occurred to me to look at Seinfeld this way , I just enjoyed the humor in the preposterous plots! As a Jew , Jerry has YHWH's blessing to pursue his God given humor!

Anonymous Believer
May 26, 2022

Quite a strange remark to say that Jerry has God's blessing to pursue his "God given" humor. First, have you communicated with God and received this revelation? Furthermore, would God denounce adultery and fornication in your own holy book, and then praise a man which has no shame in his fornication? I curiously question, what is the punishment for fornication mentioned in the Torah? Furthermore to the Christians, do you really love God? If so would you so shamelessly make public a sin which God has concealed for you?
Take heed and reflect deeply, and this reminder is for myself firstly.

Phil
August 25, 2022

You make the point that it was a favorite show WHEN you were in high school with a high school mentality and maturity. I hope you are no longer at that level of personhood.

Add your comment to join the discussion!