by jim brennan

Created on: December 13, 2009

 Seinfeld: A Legend

What makes a sitcom work; talented comedians, brilliant writers, a strong cast? Countless sitcoms spanning generations all have had these characteristics, to some degree. However, like an NFL franchise that has the ingredients of a great football team but never attains dynasty status, it is the intangible qualities that elevate a sitcom from a great show to a legend. Such qualities are difficult to quantify by conventional means, chemistry is a good example, but they are the ones that separate merely good shows from those that endure for generations.

Chemistry is an intangible characteristic that elevates the product far beyond the sum of its individual parts. It is a difficult quality to describe and usually requires making comparisons. Rather than attempting to define the behavioral synergy of Jerry, Kramer, Elaine and George it is easier to comprehend comparing to Ralph, Alice, Norton and Trixie from the Honeymooners or Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel from I Love Lucy.

A legendary show has at its core a uniquely talented personality that functions as a fulcrum from which the other characters revolve and intertwine. It is not simply a personality considered the best contemporary comedian, but rather the embodiment of the savviest comedic talent, charisma and symmetry of a particular era. If it were the philharmonic it would be a master like Leonard Bernstein, one who comes along every so many generations. Similarly, Jerry does not merely orchestrate an ensemble of cast members as much as extract the essence from each character’s talents. He is masterful in every scene whether conducting from his podium or playing background, his presence just as profound in either role.

A barometer that separates a legendary show from also-rans that are a figment of distant memory is the ability of the dialogue to stand on its own in the absence of video. If you were to listen to a show blindfolded and are captivated by the script, tone, timing and trajectory, chances you are listening to show that is enduring. Laurel and Hardy’s, “Who’s on First”, is as fresh and hysterical today as it was over sixty years ago. It is as though the dialogue has a life of its own.

As the generations slip by only the very best of sitcoms endure. The Honeymooners, I Love Lucy, All in the Family and MASH earned a place in Americana and institutions such as Hollywood Boulevard and the Smithsonian. The baby boomer generation was fortunate to be in their prime to watch the Seinfeld pilot in 1989 and also host a final episode party in 1998. The next legendary sitcom has yet to take its place.

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