6 Surprising Insights from the Set of 'Seinfeld'

"Seinfeld," a show famously about nothing, created some of the most memorable moments in television history. But what went on behind the scenes? This article peels back the curtain to reveal some little-known facts that even the most dedicated fans might not know.

1. Casting Coincidences

Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld's quest for the perfect cast led them to some surprising coincidences. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, before being cast as Elaine, had previously worked with Larry David on "Saturday Night Live," although her time on the show didn't overlap with David's.

• Prior Connection: Julia and Larry both worked on SNL in the early 1980s.
• Audition Numbers: Over 50 actresses were considered before Julia was cast.

2. Kramer’s Inspiration

The character of Kramer, played by Michael Richards, was based on Larry David’s real-life neighbor. The idiosyncrasies and eccentricities that made Kramer a household name were inspired by true events and characteristics of David’s neighbor.

• Real-Life Kramer: David's neighbor lived across the hall in Manhattan.
• Character Traits: Many of Kramer's quirks were direct lifts from his real-life counterpart.

3. The Puffy Shirt’s Origin

One of the most iconic episodes involves Jerry unwittingly agreeing to wear a "puffy" pirate shirt on a TV show. This storyline was born from a real incident involving a puffy shirt that writer Larry David saw and found amusing.

• Episode Air Date: The "Puffy Shirt" episode first aired in 1993.
• Inspiration Source: Larry David's real encounter with a similar shirt in a vintage store.

4. No Hugging, No Learning

Larry David instituted a rule for the show: no hugging, no learning. This was to keep the show from veering into typical sitcom sentimentalities, focusing instead on the humorous and often selfish antics of the characters.

• Show Philosophy: The rule was strictly followed throughout the series.
• Impact: It set "Seinfeld" apart from more traditional, moralistic sitcoms.

5. Real Locations for Authenticity

Though set in New York City, most of "Seinfeld" was filmed in Los Angeles. However, exterior shots were often taken in New York to maintain the authenticity of its setting, including the exterior of Tom’s Restaurant as the gang's hangout.

• Main Exterior: Tom’s Restaurant, located in Manhattan, served as the external view of Monk’s Café.
• Filming Base: The majority of the show was filmed on a studio lot in LA.

6. The Finale Frenzy

The series finale of "Seinfeld" was one of the most anticipated television events of the 1990s. Security around the final script was exceptionally tight to prevent leaks, with the cast even having to sign nondisclosure agreements.

• Viewership: Over 76 million viewers tuned in for the finale.
• Script Security: Cast members received scripts with watermarked pages to prevent leaks.

Exploring these behind-the-scenes stories adds layers to the "Seinfeld" legacy, showcasing the blend of reality and creativity that fueled its success.

(Image via NBC)