Overview

This book traces the history of Seinfeld’s path onto NBC’s schedule and rise up the Nielsen ratings, offering a fresh look at the episodes themselves. It pays close attention to the writers and writing of the show, carefully analyzing individual episodes to articulate exactly what was so groundbreaking and assessing its broader cultural impact. Since coming to an end at the pinnacle of its popularity, Seinfeld’s story continues. The show’s enduring appeal has helped earn its creators billions of dollars and counting. Many of the most popular and acclaimed comedy series of the twenty-first century are direct descendants of Seinfeld’s style. And the show’s ideas are now woven into the ways people think and behave. Seinfeld remains a living part of American culture. Yet, by all the traditional rules of television, Seinfeld never should have made it to the air. The greatest sitcom of the final years of the broadcast era, Seinfeld broke the rules, sustained another decade of NBC’s dominance, and changed both television and America forever. Seinfeld: A Cultural History explores the show’s past with an engaging look at the show’s legendary co-creators, its supporters (and skeptics) at NBC, and its award-winning cast. It includes an extensive discussion of both the very first and very last episodes of the series, as well as many memorable moments in between. This book also dissects the show’s main quartet and the other memorable characters that foursome interacted with over the show’s eight seasons. With deep perception and good humor, this book considers what the adventures of Jerry, George, Kramer, and Elaine reveal about the nineties and what messages they pass along to twenty-first century viewers. Seinfeld: A Cultural History will lead any fan of the show back to the series to re-watch old episodes with new insights and observations. Readable and illuminating, the book’s well-researched discussion of the show’s background and legacy is an essential handbook for Seinfeld viewers and scholars alike. Most of all, Seinfeld: A Cultural History is an enjoyable way to engage (or reengage) with one of the funniest shows of all time.

Full Product Details

9781538126875

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Reviews

Seinfeld's (1989-98) history is well documented. . . . [Arras] takes a fresh approach, demonstrating how Seinfeld reflects the culture of its time and analyzing how well it holds up today. Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer each say something about facets of 1990s American experience: delayed adulthood, yuppiedom, and relationship and career dissatisfaction. The author also points out the American experiences the show missed in its focus on (mostly male) white urban heterosexuals. Although he thoughtfully critiques the show, Arras demonstrates his enthusiasm for the subject, and his personal ranking of all 168 episodes is a fan's labor of love. Lively writing, extensive research, and thoughtful analysis combine to make Arras's book a must for those interested in taking a deeper dive into a show about nothing.--Library Journal

Author Information

Paul Arras, received his Ph.D. in American cultural history from Syracuse University. He is the author of The Lonely Nineties: Visions of Community in Contemporary US Television (2018).

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