From 1989 to 1998, Seinfeld aired 180 unique episodes. While some weren’t as good as they could have been (ahem, finale, I’m looking at you), they were mostly comedic gold. But the reason so many people fell in love with the series — and can still watch reruns and laugh over and over again today — is because the writing touched on topics that we can all relate to. Sure, the show was technically about “nothing,” but they managed to find a whole lot of “something” in everyday moments and mundane topics.
At the risk of leaving out countless genius moments, below are arguably 10 of the best Seinfeld moments that totally nailed the trials and tribulations of everyday life. See if you agree.
10. Birthdays at the Office
Season 9, Episode 18: “The Frogger”
Doesn’t it seem like someone’s having a cake for something every single day at the office? How is anyone supposed to stay on top of New Year’s resolutions when a sheet cake shows up at 4:00 p.m. on the dot every afternoon? Sure, it’s nice to celebrate people’s birthdays, babies, retirements, and anniversaries, but maybe we can do that with an e-card or something?
9. It’s Not You, It’s Me
Season 5, Episode 6: “The Lip Reader”
Haven’t we all been there? Breakups are hard to do, especially if you don’t want to hurt the other person’s feelings. If you haven’t uttered the words “it’s not you, it’s me,” then maybe you’ve been on the receiving end of them. But how refreshing would it be if the person actually acknowledged that it IS them! Because it is, isn’t it?
8. Those Pesky Telemarketers
Season 4, Episode 3: “The Pitch”
In my household alone, we get a handful of calls from telemarketers on a daily basis. Despite our trying to get off of whatever lists have gotten our number, they call and call again. We should take a note from Jerry’s book on how to deal with these inconvenient callers.
7. Elaine’s Dance
Season 8, Episode 4: “The Little Kicks”
Ever hang out with a friend or coworker, only to learn that they are terrible at dancing? It’s even worse if they don’t know it. Awwwkwaaard. How are you supposed to be in a social situation with them ever again, knowing that they have two left feet, and aren’t afraid to use them?
6. The Low Talker
Season 5, Episode 2: “The Puffy Shirt”
Nothing is more annoying than having to strain to hear what a person is saying — especially if they’re directly in front of you. Doesn’t it just make you want to scream “LOUDER!!!!”? Besides, interacting with a low talker could result in you agreeing to something that you can’t hear — like wearing a puffy shirt…
5. The Close Talker
Season 5, Episode 18: “The Raincoats”
Ok, perhaps more annoying than a low talker is a close talker. When speaking to someone, it’s sufficient to hear their voice. It’s a tad too much when you can smell what they ate for lunch and get a spit shower in the process. Personal space is golden. Back it up, buddy.
4. The Kiss Hello
Season 6, Episode 17: “The Kiss Hello”
Ok, I’ve got nothing against kissing friends and family hello — especially at social gatherings, or after not having seen each other for a long time. But what is the protocol for people you see all the time? And what if they’re just acquaintances? Nevermind kissing — I don’t even think a handshake is necessary. A little wave, a nod, and a “hello” should suffice, no?
3. Cancellation Policy
Season 6, Episode 17: “The Kiss Hello”
Oh, we’ve all been here. You realize that you can’t make that appointment, but it’s in less than 24 hours. Do you move everything around to go? Or do you suck it up and eat the cancellation fee? Perhaps worse, though, is when the doctor / hair stylist / chiropractor / trainer cancels on you and there’s no recourse. There should be a policy going both ways, or nothing at all!
2. Yada Yada Yada
Season 8, Episode 19: “Yada Yada Yada”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6kRqnfsBE
Who really needs the details of every little thing? This episode proved that it’s totally ok to tell a story and ever-so-casually gloss over a few things. Incarceration? A dead fiancée? Bad sex? Eh. Yada yada indeed.
1. Twix Won’t Jump
Season 9, Episode 11: “The Dealership”
You’ve rummaged through your wallet and finally found a dollar bill that is crisp enough to even be accepted by a vending machine. You carefully hit the letter and number of your favorite snack and…IT GETS STUCK. In that moment you wish you had Herculean strength to tip over the stupid machine to get your hands on that much-needed bag of chips or candy bar. Why, oh why?!
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