Every Time Jerry Seinfeld Has Defended ‘Seinfeld’ Against Criticism: ‘Do You Know Who I Am?’
"Seinfeld" remains one of the most highly regarded sitcoms ever, maintaining its influence long after it ended. This iconic "show about nothing" was co-created by Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David. It starred Seinfeld along with Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander, and Michael Richards, airing from 1989 to 1998. Throughout the years, Seinfeld has vocally defended the show from criticism.
Response to WFAN Radio Show, November 2024
In November 2024, Seinfeld defended his show during a call-in on the WFAN radio show. The host, Chris McMonigle, humorously claimed the series only had a "few good" episodes. Unbeknownst to McMonigle, Seinfeld was listening.
On air, Seinfeld responded calmly, stating, "I’m not arrogant enough to think everyone should like what I do. It doesn’t bother me. One out of two is fine for me." He added, poking fun at the New York Giants, "We made 180 episodes. Three good ones. We’re like the Giants."
The New Yorker Interview, April 2024
In April 2024, Seinfeld made controversial remarks in an interview with The New Yorker. He noted that the comedy standards of the 90s wouldn’t hold up today due to shifts in political correctness.
He recounted a specific episode with Kramer where homeless people were seen pulling rickshaws. Seinfeld expressed, "Do you think I could get that episode on air today? We’d write a different joke now. We wouldn’t pursue that joke anymore."
Reddit AMA, 2014
During a Reddit AMA in 2014, Seinfeld addressed the divisive ending of his show. Many viewers held strong opinions about how the series concluded. Seinfeld stated he was pleased with the finale, saying, "We wanted to thank the people who made the show work. I don’t believe in trying to change the past, and I’m very happy with it."
The Larry King Show, 2007
In a 2007 visit to The Larry King Show, Seinfeld was surprised by King’s suggestion that his show had been canceled. King asked, "You gave it up, right? They didn’t cancel you?"
Astonished, Seinfeld affirmed, "You think I got canceled? I thought that was well documented." He clarified, stating, "When I went off the air, I was the No. 1 show on television, Larry." He emphasized this with, "Do you know who I am? Seventy-five million viewers for the last episode."
Earlier, SSP wrote that Timothee Chalamet said he was asked to gain weight for 2 roles.