Key Takeaways:
• Seinfeld’s pilot was widely criticized but NBC decided to stick with the vision.
• NBC’s decision to stick with less-received shows in their early stages is consistent, with other examples being The Office and Cheers.
• Seinfeld’s tough competition with Tim Allen’s Home Improvement led to less-than-stellar results.
• Jerry Seinfeld was offered over $100 million to return for another season after show’s successful run.
• After initial stumbling, Seinfeld thrived for nine seasons and is currently available on Netflix.
Seinfeld’s Initial Slump and NBC’s Stalwart Support
Sitcoms often struggle in their initial stages, and Larry David’s ‘Seinfeld’ was no exception. The show, which is now regarded as one of the most iconic sitcoms, didn’t start off on a high. Its pilot episode was met with brutal reviews, differing vastly from what the show would eventually become. However, NBC saw potential in the vision and decided to persevere.
Petering Start Yet NBC’s Unyielding Faith
Seinfeld is not the only show that NBC supported despite an iffy start. Successful shows like The Office and Cheers also had turbulent beginnings. The criticism was considerably harsher for Seinfeld’s pilot episode, prompting many to call for its cancellation. However, demonstrating unwavering faith in what the sitcom could be, NBC dropped a two-hour Bob Hope special, securing funds to proceed with four more episodes.
The Ups and Downs of Seinfeld
Despite the initial hiccups, Seinfeld co-creator Jerry Seinfeld remained determined to see the show succeed. After initially securing 13 more episodes, the sitcom faced formidable competition from Tim Allen’s ‘Home Improvement’, which led to a temporary fall in its ratings. This situation is best summed up by former NBC exec Warren Littlefield who recalled how despite being “slaughtered”, Seinfeld stayed the course, and NBC continued to back them.
The Offering of An Unprecedented Return Deal
Seinfeld overcame its initial difficulties to enjoy nine successful seasons, with fans continuing to revisit the sitcom. Recognizing its success, NBC execs offered Jerry Seinfeld an unheard deal of over $100 million to return for another season. Showing the magnitude of the offer, Littlefield noted it was a “staggering sum and there was tremendous confidence that no one could walk away from it”. However, Seinfeld chose to focus on other aspects of his life, bidding adieu to the show.
Seinfeld’s Legacy
Despite its rough start and early competition, Seinfeld has indeed made history. Its lasting legacy, in fact, has a lot to do with NBC’s choice to support a show that initially received poor reviews. This steadfast belief and patience allowed Seinfeld to evolve, eventually cementing its status as one of the greatest sitcoms of all time. Today, it continues to entertain audiences on Netflix.
The story of Seinfeld underscores the significance of giving a creative idea the time and support it needs to find its footing. More importantly, it eloquently demonstrates that the echoes of early criticism can eventually be silenced by success. Thus, the Seinfeld journey stands as a testament to perseverance, may it be that of its creators or NBC.
Ultimately, ‘Seinfeld’ teaches the audience and the creative industry that patience and faith can indeed yield remarkable results. Whether it’s through re-runs or via streaming platforms, Seinfeld continues to enthrall audiences, embodying a victory over criticism and initial failure.
