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On May 14, 1998, the final original episode of Seinfeld aired. It was watched by more than 76 million viewers that evening-the third-highest figure for a series finale in the history of television. Only M*A*S*H (with 105.4 million viewers in 1983) and Cheers (80.4 million in 1993) attracted larger audiences.
The Seinfeld series conclusion was actually a two-part retrospective of the nine-year run of the show. Initially, most Seinfeld fans, including myself, were disappointed with the ending, as it did not provide anything "new." Most fans would have preferred something far cleverer like the other, now classic, episodes that aired that final season; for example, "The Wizard," "The Frogger," or the controversial "The Puerto Rican Day" episodes.
Nonetheless, Seinfeld lives on in syndication. Loyal Seinfeld fans still watch the show and they are joined by a new generation of young adults who are watching for the first time. It is safe to say that Seinfeld continues to entertain more Americans and Canadians today than the majority of lackluster shows aired on television today. No wonder TV Guide ranked Seinfeld as the number one show on its list of the "50 greatest TV shows of All-time."
Seinfeld is a sociological phenomenon and much of its success is due to the keen sociological imagination demonstrated by Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David (co-creators) and the often brilliant writing on the part of a wide variety of writers. The topics discussed on each episode deal with the everyday activities that many of us encounter.
Although the show was immortalized by the Smithsonian Institute when it entered the Seinfeld "puffy shirt" into the National Museum of American History in November, 2004; it is the famous catch-phrases that have had the greatest impact on American popular culture. Among the more celebrated phrases: "Not that there is anything wrong with that," "You double-dipped the chip," "Festivus, a festival for the rest of us," "Serenity now," and "Yada, yada, yada."
So, what have the four main characters been up to since the last Seinfeld episode aired? Well, Jerry has not done much beyond his Bee Movie, although there is talk that he may actually start another sitcom on NBC. However, such rumors have persisted for years. Jason Alexander tried two other sitcoms that were cancelled shortly after they began. Although I must admit, I actually liked the show Listen Up a spoof on ESPN's Pardon the Interruption. Michael Richards, unfortunately, has gained most of his post-Seinfeld fame for his racial tirade during a Laugh Factory standup performance in November, 2006. Julia Louis-Dreyfus has found the most success in her critically acclaimed The New Adventures of Old Christine.
Such is the life of actors who find unprecedented success on one show. It is nearly impossible for lightning to strike twice. Although, they say, statistically speaking, that people are more likely to get hit by lightning twice in their life than they are to win the lottery and some one does win the big lottery regularly. Consequently, who knows, maybe the Seinfeld characters will find success again.
Until that happens, I will join millions of others who still enjoy watching Seinfeld in syndication. I know all the plots by heart and can repeat nearly all the lines by memory, but let's face it, funny is funny. And Seinfeld is the funniest TV comedy of all-time...Not that there is anything wrong with that!
