How Exactly Did Seinfeld Get So Popular?

When you think about sitcoms that completely changed the way we watch TV, Seinfeld is one of the first that comes to mind.

There are plenty of other iconic shows, like Friends or How I Met Your Mother, but these programs wouldn’t exist if Seinfeld didn’t pave the way. Of course, for a show that claimed to “be about nothing,” Seinfeld ended up being one of the most successful shows on television. From the observational humor that made Jerry Seinfeld popular to introducing the story of single people living in NYC, Seinfeld changed television for good.

Here are some of the ways the show about nothing turned into the something everyone had to watch:

It Challenged The Existing Story Structure

Before Seinfeld hit the air in 1989, sitcoms had a predictable story structure. Most shows would run with the main story and a secondary story. These plots would use a joke that ran through the episode. The end result was a loose story and not much else.

Seinfeld took a different approach to the scripts of the 70s and 80s. In most episodes, each character has their own storyline that weaves in and out of the other storylines. In the end, everything comes together to make something more pronounced than any single story. With so many storylines moving back and forth, Seinfeld episodes almost felt like plot-heavy dramas, but with hilarious punchlines.

The Heroes Are Imperfect

Most TV shows have main characters that we love to watch: Walker Texas Ranger remains honorable, Mr. Belvidere always cares for the children, etc. The main roles in Seinfeld are often self-centered and narcissistic. We don’t see Jerry grow as a person, George turns from his selfish ways, or Elaine goes out of her way for someone else.

The self-centered main characters actually drew audiences into the show. Writers often even made fun of each person’s quirks. We love when the characters succeed but take even more joy when they fail.

The Rise of A Powerful Female Lead

While Elaine Benes isn’t everyone’s favorite character, she was one of the first powerful female leads in a sitcom. She was who she wanted to be, and she never apologized for it. Contemporary shows like Murphy Brown and Anything But Love also featured female leads, but the storylines often revolved around romantic interests and relationships.

Elaine dealt with a myriad of real problems that worked right alongside the storylines of her male counterparts. Elaine took on the Soup Nazi, wowed the world with her “dance” moves, and didn’t have a square to spare, all of which made her a critical part of the gang.

A Part of History

Even younger generations that may not understand a number of the jokes still love Seinfeld. The show helps explain and explore the many wondrous people and situations in the world. That’s why, even when offered as reruns, this iconic show is still one of the most-watched TV shows around.