Seinfeldia explores how 'a show about nothing' changed TV
Sometimes it's easy to forget that Seinfeld went off the air almost 20 years ago. Why comedian Jerry Seinfeld's classic show remains "spongeworthy."
CBC Radio ·
Michael Richards, Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Jason Alexander are seen with behind-the-scenes collaborator Larry David. The Seinfeld writing team required the approval of "Larry and Jerry," says Seinfeldia author Jennifer Keishin Armstrong. (Doug Hyun/The Associated Press)
Social Sharing
Q20:42Seinfeldia explores how the show about nothing changed TV
Sometimes it's easy to forget that Seinfeld went off the air almost 20 years ago. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld's classic sit-com is still a "spongeworthy" show for many experienced TV lovers, with re-runs, references and memes keeping it relevant decades after its final episode in 1998.
Taking note of this longevity, Jennifer Keishin Armstrong has taken a retroactive look at the shot in her new book Seinfeldia: How a Show About Nothing Changed Everything. In it, she explores how the show went from underestimated pilot ("too New York, too Jewish") to smash hit television sensation.
Keishin also reveals several fascinating behind-the-scenes facts — like how Larry David worked face to face with Seinfeld, only letting through Larry and Jerry-approved gems. And why the forced addition of Elaine was an accidental boon for the whole cast.
7 things you probably didn't know about Seinfeld. (Ben Shannon/CBC)
