Seinfeld: Season 1

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 9 Critic Reviews

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Universal acclaim based on 217 Ratings

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9.0	User Score Universal acclaim based on 217 Ratings

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Seinfeld: Season 4

Now Playing: Seinfeld: Season 4

Season Details & Credits

NBC | Season Premiere Date: July 5, 1989

Starring: Michael Richards, Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Summary: This is a show about nothing; however, for a show about nothing, this show has many complex plots, sub-plots, is very well written and put together. So much so that until the public caught onto the series, the television critics were responsible for helping to keep it alive. The critics further went on and made the series victorious inThis is a show about nothing; however, for a show about nothing, this show has many complex plots, sub-plots, is very well written and put together. So much so that until the public caught onto the series, the television critics were responsible for helping to keep it alive. The critics further went on and made the series victorious in every category it was eligible for in the 1st Annual American Television Awards. Seinfeld has also won a few Emmy Awards, the George Foster Peabody Award for 1992 and many more. Many of the early episodes were based on the life experiences of series co-creator, Larry David. Stories such as The Stock Tip and The Jacket really happened, as did many others. Across the hall from Larry lived a man named Kenny Kramer, who aside from the physical comedy aspects, lives the life of TV Kramer. Find out all about him at the real Kramer's web site. Some aspects were based on Jerry's life. Jerry's real address in NYC when he was struggling comic was 129 W. 81 St., this is the address used for his building in the series. In the series, Jerry lives in apartment 5A, Kramer in 5B. Viewer Jason Dean Vaupel notes that in a couple of episodes of the second season, Jerry lives in apartment 3A. And Newman's apartment has usually been 5E, but viewer Jeff Holland notes that it sometimes is 5F and that 5E was rented out to someone else as already noted in the episode, The Conversion. Their building is called The Shelley according to viewer Kipp Teague whose discerned that from the awning on the building. However, that building is actually located in Los Angeles, the building at the real address in NYC is much different. Jeff Holland also notes that The Shelley has no visible fire escapes, but there is one outside of Jerry's window. Other aspects are composite of both lives. For example, Elaine's character is half based on Jerry's ex-girlfriend Carol Leifer. Carol joined the production staff in the 5th season. An ex-girlfriend of Larry David's, named Monica Yates, whose father was a noted writer in the other half of the Elaine equation. Larry David once wore a suede jacket that got wet while meeting her father. Another viewer, Bobby Bank, notes that a tribute to Jerry's father is seen in occasional episodes. Jerry's father, named Kal, worked in the sign business, so occasionally in the background you may see a sign that says Kal's Signs. Bobby stated in a trade magazine for the sign industry called Signs of the Times that he... Quote:
had the pleasure of meeting and working with Kal in the early 70s when we were producing Jewelite (Bobby's company) letters for him. I remember Kal saying, 'Bobby, you should meet my son Jerry. He's a real funny guy.'

Viewer Robert Buchanan also reminds me that it is ironic that Jerry's father's name is Kal, and Superman's real Kryptonian name is Kal-El.

Most every episode takes place in Jerry's apartment; however, there are (of course) a few exceptions: The Chinese Restaurant, The Pen, The Parking Garage, The Subway, The Limo, The Airport, The Movie, The Hamptons, The Merv Griffin Show & The Dealership. While no activity occurs there, an empty apartment is shown in The Puerto Rican Day.

First Telecast: July 5, 1989

Last Telecast: May 14, 1998

Episodes: 180 Color Episodes + 1 Special

Ratings History
Season 1= Not in the Top 30
Season 2= Not in the Top 30
Season 3= Not in the Top 30
Season 4= 25
Season 5= 3
Season 6= 1
Season 7= 2
Season 8= 2
Season 9= 1… Expand

Creator: Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David

Genre(s): Comedy

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Season 1 Episodes

tbd
S1:E5. The Stock Tip
Air Date: June 21, 1990
tbd
S1:E4. Male Unbonding
Air Date: June 14, 1990
tbd
S1:E3. The Robbery
Air Date: June 7, 1990

See all Seasons and Episodes

Metascore

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Critic Reviews

100

Howard Rosenberg

Feb 21, 2013

This is just the kind of amusingly off-center comedy now missing from NBC's lineup, one of those rare, delightful meshings of concept, cast and execution, with producer Tom Cherones providing inspired direction. Nothing is forced. [31 May 1990, p.F9]

Ken Tucker

Feb 21, 2013

The weakest aspect of Seinfeld is a wacky next-door neighbor played by Michael Richards. Richards is doing little more than an impersonation of Christopher Lloyd's Jim on Taxi, and he ought to cut it out. Read full review

Ben Kubasik

Feb 21, 2013

Seinfeld's gentle humor is easy to take. Unlike other current comedians, such as Andrew Dice Clay or Sam Kinison, Seinfeld isn't angry: He's more awed by the wonder of it all. [13 May 1990, p.13]

John Engstrom

Feb 21, 2013

The writing - so thankfully different from the hammering rhythm of most sitcoms - comes from Seinfeld and Larry David ("Saturday Night Live"). [31 May 1990, p.C5]

Tom Shales

Feb 21, 2013

One weak link is fellow stand-up comic Michael Richards as Seinfeld's wacky neighbor. He isn't wacky or neighborly enough; it just doesn't work. But he's in the minority where "Seinfeld" is concerned. You may not convulsively guffaw, but you're bound to convincingly smile. Here's one that worked out just right. Read full review

Jonathan Storm

Feb 21, 2013

Funny. The characters, even the hip comic star, become likable very quickly. Despite yourself, you'll be laughing before the first commercial. [31 May 1990, p.C11]

Matt Roush

Feb 21, 2013

Lacking much in the way of attitude, the show seems obsolete and irrelevant. What it boils down to is that Seinfeld, likable as he may be, is a mayonnaise clown in a world that requires a little horseradish. [31 May 1990, p.3D]

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User Score

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9.0

User Reviews

EdSeverson

Feb 12, 2013

This show is a classic. The comedy keeps working perfectly even after 20 years. The impact that this show has had in the popular culture is outstanding and the characters are just memorable. Seinfeld is unique and it has never been able to replicate as it happened with Friends and theThis show is a classic. The comedy keeps working perfectly even after 20 years. The impact that this show has had in the popular culture is outstanding and the characters are just memorable. Seinfeld is unique and it has never been able to replicate as it happened with Friends and the formula that a lot of shows started copying.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

tvbuff

Jan 12, 2011

Funniest show I've ever seen, bar none. I can still watch the re-runs over and over. I use a phrase or analogy from the show it seems like every day at work. I think an under-appreciated aspect of this show is all the star (or at the time soon to be star) cameos. Courtney Cox, James Spader,Funniest show I've ever seen, bar none. I can still watch the re-runs over and over. I use a phrase or analogy from the show it seems like every day at work. I think an under-appreciated aspect of this show is all the star (or at the time soon to be star) cameos. Courtney Cox, James Spader, Jane Leeves, Kathy Griffin and Teri Hatcher to name a few. Also hardly any cussing needed so can even watch with kids in the room without cringing too much. Most of the sexual humour while obvious was subtle at the same time.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

Le__Xenomorph

Jan 7, 2015

This is a review for seasons 1-9. I have seen 99% of the episodes at the least, and I am a huge fan. It is absurdly funny, quirky, and has a LOT of sarcasm, which is the type of humor I love. My favorite character has to be George because he is so selfish and is just an awful person, butThis is a review for seasons 1-9. I have seen 99% of the episodes at the least, and I am a huge fan. It is absurdly funny, quirky, and has a LOT of sarcasm, which is the type of humor I love. My favorite character has to be George because he is so selfish and is just an awful person, but that's what makes him so funny and Jason Alexander completely nails his role, as do the other actors. I can sum up the show in one word: Nothing! 10/10 (Masterpiece)… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

RedPrince

Mar 8, 2020

Шикарный ситком, цепляет с первых эпизодов и не отпускает до конца

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Weezle

Aug 16, 2011

This show is absolutely the best sitcom ever made, EVER! Larry David is a mastermind, as well as Jerry Seinfeld. These two men are possibly the two funniest men alive. Their jokes are rediculously funny and satirical, as we as the viewers can relate to the situations characters such asThis show is absolutely the best sitcom ever made, EVER! Larry David is a mastermind, as well as Jerry Seinfeld. These two men are possibly the two funniest men alive. Their jokes are rediculously funny and satirical, as we as the viewers can relate to the situations characters such as George Costanza find themselves in, because it is about "nothing" and just extremely trivial things, that keep you laughing and laughing until you pass out. It is so funny because it takes everyday situations and uses characters such as George to make fun of these funny and interconnected situations of everyday life. As well as throwing in Jerry's smart jokes, Elaine's sexy personality, as well as Kramer and his classic door entrances and extremely rediculous ideas, you have yourself an excellent television show which is definitely the best show I've ever seen and will probably ever watch on television. Anyone who does not love this show should be ashamed at their lack of sense of humour.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

Onlyclassicvg1

Aug 13, 2022

This is a show about nothing; however, for a show about nothing, this show has many complex plots, sub-plots, is very well written and put together. So much so that until the public caught onto the series, the television critics were responsible for helping to keep it alive. The criticsThis is a show about nothing; however, for a show about nothing, this show has many complex plots, sub-plots, is very well written and put together. So much so that until the public caught onto the series, the television critics were responsible for helping to keep it alive. The critics further went on and made the series… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

heromoder

Apr 27, 2015

Early episodes had the characters finding their feet. Funny, but not to the extent that it became. Kramer's development between here and later seasons is particularly clever.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

SEE ALL 24 REVIEWS

Seasons & Episodes

84

Series Overview
Season 9

tbd
- Season 9 Overview
  Air Date: September 25, 1997
Season 8

tbd
- Season 8 Overview
  Air Date: September 19, 1996
Season 7

tbd
- Season 7 Overview
  Air Date: September 21, 1995
Season 6

tbd
- Season 6 Overview
  Air Date: September 22, 1994
Season 5

tbd
- Season 5 Overview
  Air Date: September 16, 1993
Season 4

tbd
- Season 4 Overview
  Air Date: August 19, 1992
Season 3

tbd
- Season 3 Overview
  Air Date: September 18, 1991
Season 2

tbd
- Season 2 Overview
  Air Date: January 23, 1991
Season 1

79
- Season 1 Overview
  Air Date: July 5, 1989
- tbd
  S1:E5. The Stock Tip
  Air Date: June 21, 1990
- tbd
  S1:E4. Male Unbonding
  Air Date: June 14, 1990
- tbd
  S1:E3. The Robbery
  Air Date: June 7, 1990
- tbd
  S1:E2. The Stakeout
  Air Date: May 31, 1990
- 6.8
  S1:E1. The Seinfeld Chronicles
  Air Date: July 5, 1989