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Entertainment • Television

Seinfeld

Seinfeld is an American television sitcom created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Seinfeld is an American television sitcom created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld. It aired on NBC from 1989 to 1998 and follows a fictionalized version of Jerry Seinfeld and his friends in New York City. The series is widely regarded as one of the most influential and acclaimed sitcoms of all time.

Premise

Seinfeld is a sitcom about a stand-up comedian and his friends navigating everyday life in New York City. The show is often described as a “show about nothing,” meaning it focuses on routine social interactions rather than broad plotlines.

Production and broadcast history

The series was created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld and premiered on NBC on July 5, 1989. It ended on May 14, 1998, after nine seasons and 180 episodes.

Cultural impact

Seinfeld became one of the best-known American sitcoms of the 1990s and is frequently cited as highly influential. Its dialogue, catchphrases, and character-driven humour have been widely discussed in popular culture.

Main characters

The core ensemble consists of Jerry Seinfeld, George Costanza, Elaine Benes, and Cosmo Kramer. The show’s stories are driven by their personal relationships, social awkwardness, and recurring misunderstandings.

Key facts

  • The series centers on the daily lives of Jerry Seinfeld and his close friends George Costanza, Elaine Benes, and Cosmo Kramer.
  • Jerry Seinfeld plays a fictionalized version of himself in the title role.
  • The show ran for nine seasons and 180 episodes on NBC.
  • It is known for observational humour and for turning ordinary social situations into comic plots.
  • The series is set mainly in and around Jerry’s apartment on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
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Canadian context

Seinfeld has been widely broadcast, syndicated, and discussed in Canada as part of North American popular culture, and Canadian viewers have had access through major television and streaming distribution in the Canadian market.

Frequently asked questions

What is Seinfeld?
Seinfeld is an American television sitcom about Jerry Seinfeld and his friends, set mainly in New York City.
Who created Seinfeld?
It was created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld.
When did Seinfeld air?
It originally aired on NBC from July 5, 1989, to May 14, 1998.
How many seasons and episodes does Seinfeld have?
The series has nine seasons and 180 episodes.
Who are the main characters?
The main characters are Jerry Seinfeld, George Costanza, Elaine Benes, and Cosmo Kramer.
Why is Seinfeld culturally significant?
It is widely regarded as one of the most influential sitcoms of the 1990s and is known for its observational humour and catchphrases.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seinfeld
    Supports: Series creator, cast, setting, original run, season and episode count.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Seinfeld
    Supports: Overview, broadcast years, popularity, and cultural significance.
  3. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/media/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/seinfeld
    Supports: Broadcast period, popularity, and premise.
  4. TBS / YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGhg-htVnJ0
    Supports: Main characters and series premise in promotional description.