Jerry Seinfeld: Why I turned down FOX guarantee for NBC

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld recalls the beginning of Seinfeld, turning down a 24-episode offer from newly-formed FOX in favor of a 4-episode offer with NBC, calling it a no-brainer. He reflects on Larry David’s involvement as well as how they got the network to take a step back with their involvement. Seinfeld also discusses the importance of timing in TV and movies, sharing how he would bring a stopwatch with him on stage.
#interview #comedy #television

Episode debuted nationwide in 2024.

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[chat]

Larry David quiting and then rejoining before every season of Seinfeld sounds like a Curb Your Enthusiasm arc.

[redwatch.]

This entire interview is comedy education gold.

[funforalgernon]

These are excellent, Graham. They remind me most of Later with Bob Costas…some of the best TV interviews ever done, and a style that is painfully lacking today.

[Justin-tufk]

What is most amazing, to me, is what Jerry knows. How he knows it. How he handled, Larry. A true born leader, I'd say, in my humble opinion.

[Ar_Dee]

Larry quitting very season is so him 😂

[grawakendream]

i love seinfeld's awareness, giving david enough creative space to get frustrated and quit without trying to exact some type of revenge or being punitive with him

[robhos]

I wish they took off a year after season 9 in the spring of 98 and come back in the spring/summer of 99 to make a half season for season 10 beginning when they get out of jail and ending on New Year's Eve at the Krewmanium party. Ending Seinfeld on the last day of the 90s not letting go into the 2000s lol

[themiceinbilliamsbackpack]

He said he physically killed himself making seinfeld. I find that hard to believe because he is still alive

[MSWSB]

I never watched Seinfeld when it was on air. Loved his comedy and tore through his book “Seinlanguage” in no time, and I deplore commercials. I didn’t know at the time that someday I could watch it properly uninterrupted on DVD and then streaming. It’s perfect, now.

[cuccamunga]

The Simpsons started on Fox when Seinfeld began on NBC and essentially built that network into what it is today. To me, they were the two comedy juggernaut sitcoms of the 90s.

[nexigram]

The thing about certain movies today clearly only having 20 minutes of actual content is so true. The filler is exhausting.

[jamesm.]

Back in the day, Home Improvement - Tooltime - was on at the same time and you had your cultural divide; people who watched Tim Allen, and people who watched Seinfeld. I still don’t think I’ve ever watched a full episode of Home Improvement, but I have memorized most of shows of Seinfeld. 😮

[rixxy]

I know Jerry hates doing interviews but I'm happy he spent the time to do this. His Comedy award speech is probably the best speech I've ever heard... like, EVER.

[threeformsofunity]

I love his credit to jason, Michael, and Julia

[peanutmansemporiumofrandom]

And this interview proves once again why Jerry Seinfeld the person is so successful. Seinfeld the series was successful but because it featured an amazing cast of talent in front of the camera and behind the scene’s accompanying Jerry.

[TamaHawkLive]

Jerry looks and sounds unreal good for nearly 70. He is so mentally sharp, it's uncanny.

[michelstronguin]

A 60 page script in 2 days. I mean my god. This was the biggest show at the time, and to write 60 pages of this kind of quality in 2 days. Miraculous.

[GetReal]

Jerry Seinfeld spends so much time talking about his good old days with his show. But then again, the interviewers keep asking and saying, tell us the story again Jerry. The show was absolute gold. I watched nearly every show. The ensemble was incredible. However, it seems it is now this many years later something like, "so Harrison Ford, tell us about the Millennium Falcon again, would ya - and how you and Carrie Fisher used to hang out. He's done other things in his life. And so has Jerry Seinfeld. Also, Graham Bensinger, you're among the best interviewers/talk facilitators out there. I really appreciate your work.

[tomislavperinovic]

Jerry senfield is a very good person !
I lost my whole family 3 years ago to murder suicide
I can always watch it when I’m feeling down his sitcom comedy it’s the best I can watch it over and over it again and I went to see Jerry senfield show when he was in Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺 2024 July this year
I like your show Jerry look after yourself and your family you’re doing a great job!family is always first!!
It’s nice to know that there is an incredible abundance of great people in this world like yourself who makes people happy and laugh!
Laughing and joking around is the best way to make your day !🤣🤣

[Bonzi_Buddy]

SNL ignores that last bit of advice that Seinfeld is right about.