On May 14, 1998, more than 76 million viewers across the U.S. tuned in to say goodbye to Jerry, Elaine, George and Kramer when the series finale of Seinfeld aired on NBC. But although it’s been 25 years since the last episode aired, in many ways the show never really went away. First, it was a syndicated smash, then it started a streaming bidding war—and now it’s a social media sensation, thanks to its meme-friendly humor. Seinfeld hasn’t just survived, it’s thrived. From TV to Twitter to Twitch, the show’s undeniable influence is everywhere. Chronicling Seinfeld’s most hilarious episodes (Who can forget “The Contest”?), quotable quips that found their way into pop culture history (“Yada yada yada”) and featuring jaw-dropping behind- the-scenes anecdotes from the cast and crew, this collector’s edition magazine is an absolute must for fans who want to know everything about the show about nothing, and it makes a great Festivus gift!
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SEINFELD
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
THE CREATION OF A CLASSIC • How a show about nothing became TV’s greatest comedy.
Before Jerry and George, There Was Bud and Lou
THE MAN BEHIND THE MAN • LARRY DAVID AND JERRY SEINFELD ARE THE LENNON AND MCCARTNEY OF COMEDY.
GEORGE, KRAMER AND ELAINE? • Chris Rock as George? Tony Shalhoub as Kramer? Mariska Hargitay as Elaine? Hollywood is filled with Seinfeld also-rans.
THE LEADING MAN • Jerry Seinfeld knows he can’t replicate the show’s success, so he has turned to other pursuits—including fatherhood, car collecting, and a caffeine-fueled talk show.
Jerry Loves Java • MONK’S CAFÉ ONLY EXISTS IN THE WORLD OF SEINFELD, BUT THE COMEDIAN HAS OTHER OPTIONS FOR HIS COFFEE OBSESSION.
LEAVING ELAINE FOR MORE TV FAME • What Seinfeld curse? Julia Louis-Dreyfus shed her TV alter ego with two more sitcom roles that Emmy voters ate up.
Her Record-Setting Emmy Award Haul • THE ACTRESS HAS BROKEN OR TIED MULTIPLE RECORDS AT THE EMMYS, AND—HER MODESTY ASIDE—IT’S NOT JUST “GOOD LUCK.”
THE BEST SIDEKICK EVER • Jason Alexander thought George’s actions on Seinfeld were “ludicrous” … until he came face-to-face with the character’s real-life inspiration.
A Broadway Star • THE ACTOR HAD ALREADY APPEARED ON THE GREAT WHITE WAY—AND WON A TONY AWARD—BY THE TIME SEINFELD PREMIERED.
“It Was a Selfish Response” • IN A CONVERSATION WITH JERRY SEINFELD YEARS AFTER HIS INFAMOUS SHOW, RICHARDS SAID THE LAUGH FACTORY INCIDENT STILL HAUNTED HIM.
FROM KRAMER TO CONTROVERSY • Michael Richards’ post-Seinfeld career was derailed by his racist rant at a comedy club in 2006, a viral moment that hounded him for years.
supporting CHARACTERS • Some of Seinfeld’s most frequent guest stars left their mark on the NBC sitcom, though they didn’t always mesh with the four core actors.
Meet the PARENTS • Hollywood veterans played Jerry, George, Elaine and Kramer’s moms and dads—and got along with the Seinfeld stars to varying degrees!
Hello, Uncle Leo! • AN HONORABLE MENTION GOES TO LEN LESSER, WHO STOLE SCENES AS JERRY’S UNCLE.
SHOOTING the PILOT • The premiere of The Seinfeld Chronicles didn’t exactly set the world on fire, with one NBC exec failing to see the appeal of the show.
THE FINAL PIECE OF THE PUZZLE • Julia Louis-Dreyfus joined the cast from the second episode, bringing the series some much-needed female energy.
The Top 3
LOCATION Location LOCATION • Fans can still visit some of their favorite spots from the show.
GAINING TRACTION AFTER AN UNEVEN START • The sitcom underwent a transformation that cemented its fan base.
The Top 3
FAMOUS Faces • From established talents to future TV legends, Seinfeld’s roster of celebrity guests is...