No better show captured the zeitgeist of the ’90s quite like Seinfeld. After a few seasons of rocky ratings, but still ever-so-perfect ideas, the show about nothing touched the heart of millions through its absurd yet mundane observations, cynical and pessimistic views of life, and downright hilarious catchphrases that perfectly encapsulate certain traits many people seem to have. During its last five seasons, it remained a viewership juggernaut, reaching the top #3 every single year and leading in ratings in both its seventh and final season. It’s risky and controversial attitude has made many suggest a show of its style wouldn’t be allowed to air on network TV in today’s climate. However, it remains to this day a cultural phenomenon for its timeless humor and memorable characters. Here are the very best:
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7 George Steinbrenner
Columbia Pictures Television Distributions
A fictional version of the real-life owner of the New York Yankees, voiced by show co-creator Larry David, Steinbrenner is portrayed as an over-exaggerated caricature of an I-don’t-care-about-anything-because-I’m-super-rich businessman. The comedic routines between him and George are some of the best the show has produced. Every time George needs a favor or has to break bad news, he is greeted by Steinbrenner in his office to hilarious results. Most of the time, he flat-out ignores him, comes up with ideas that completely destroy George’s plans, or goes on long ramblings that lead to George slowly walking away. His presence is a constant reminder of Seinfeld’s hyper-reality world, where minute observations are turned into deep psychological truths of the world.
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6 Jerry Seinfeld
Columbia Pictures Television Distributions
The biggest irony of Seinfeld, and it is well duly noted by beloved fans, is that Jerry is the least funny of the foursome. It could be argued that it’s because he’s almost always the straight man; the one who has to fix everyone’s problems while his are tossed to the side. His quirks include breaking up with his partners for the pettiest reasons imaginable (eating her peas one at a time, too much coddling, etc.) and binding the core group together. His role diminishes the amount of humor we get from him in favor of the rest of the cast. Most of the time he is reacting to his friends exploits more than participating in them. It is his quick wit and retort that saves him from being relegated as a stand-in for the real comedy.
5 Frank Costanza
George’s father, played by the legendary Jerry Stiller, is the voice of pure and unhinged madness on the show. Loud, obnoxious, emotional, and conniving, Frank is the constant reminder of why George ended up the way he did. His outbursts and schemes, from berating George as if he’s still a child to selling bad-quality raincoats, are all a source of comedy for the show. He rivals Kramer in absurd ideas, such as the time he created his own Holiday to avoid buying Christmas presents or when he joined Kramer in the creation of a brassiere for men. Frank never relented, staying true to his convictions until the very end.
4 Elaine Benes
The only female member of the quartet, Elaine represents the yuppie-type culture that came to fruition during the late ’80s and early ’90s. Not much is known about her background, only that her father is a very intimidating presence, and she used to date Jerry for a brief period. Her snippy and hard-boiled attitude towards people makes a great fit with the rest of the gang, often contributing schemes and exploits which further her plans or that of others. She is the very embodiment of all that is spoiled or rotten about people who pretend to be of a higher status than what they actually are, vengeful and spiteful to the core, and competent enough to see her rivals lose (at times). Like most of the characters, these qualities are played for laughs, as it has become quite clear that they are not good people and actually serve as examples of what not to do in a given situation.
3 Newman
The closest Seinfeld ever came to having a genuine villain, Newman represents everything Jerry hates about people, and is meant to serve as his foil whenever the occasion presents itself. After starting off as just a minor character who is close friends with Kramer, Newman quickly took on the role as the show became more and more successful. They all share the same apartment floor and are in constant contact. Serving with distinction as a United States Postal Office worker, Newman fits right in with the main cast due to his own petty and mischievous nature. Lazy and obnoxious, he embodies the worst in people, from impulsiveness to gluttony. His only saving grace is the admiration he has for his job, but even this is giving him too much credit.
2 George Costanza
Larry David’s alter ego (and a sign of things to come) is a fascinating psychological study into the mind of a bumbling neurotic living life in the most pathetic way possible. Everything about George is funny, from his frustrating observations about the world, his reputation with women, his desire to be liked, cowardly demeanor in the face of trouble, and complete lack of empathy towards anybody, including his friends. His background is thoroughly explored, and by its 5th season you get a complete grasp at the man and his many faults. He acts before thinking, uses every relationship he has to further his own means, and has absolutely no redeeming qualities. His very existence is the butt of every joke, oftentimes well-deserved.
1 Cosmo Kramer
Jerry’s next door neighbor and overall thorn in his every-day life, Kramer is based on a real-life neighbor of Larry David who was known for barging into his house unannounced to discuss mundane topics to get-rich-quick schemes. All these qualities were incorporated into the fictionalized version of his character. His barrage of antics, schemes, expressions (both facial and physical), over-the-top reactions, and downright narcissistic exploits have made Kramer one of the most iconic characters in television history. He revolutionized the goofball character in sitcoms, turning him into an even bigger center of attention than previously seen. Everything him absurd and comical, and played to 11.
