Jerry Seinfeld’s claim that the “extreme left” ruined the state of comedy on television roiled critics Monday and drew praise from the likes of Elon Musk, who posted an excerpt of Seinfeld’s controversial interview with the comment “Make comedy legal again.”
Seinfeld said the “extreme left” is to blame for the lack of sitcoms in an interview with the New Yorker. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images)
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Key Takeaways
- Seinfeld told journalist David Remnick on “The New Yorker Radio Hour” that “the extreme left and P.C. crap” and “people worrying so much about offending other people” has extinguished comedy on television, alleging networks have decided: “We’re not going to do comedies anymore.”
- Seinfeld said viewers once had the ability to turn on the television at night and find a funny show, like “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” or “All In The Family,” but asked: “Where is it?”
- Stand-up comics are the only comedic outlets left that aren’t “policed by anyone,” Seinfeld claimed, slamming the multiple groups and committees television scripts likely have to go through before they can be aired.
- Seinfeld said that “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” an edgier comedy show created by “Seinfeld” co-creator Larry David, only survived its 12-season run on HBO because David is an older industry veteran who was working in comedy television before the “P.C.” rules were written.
Chief Critics
Seinfeld’s comments attracted significant social media attention, with some countering his remarks by pointing out that several sitcoms perceived to be less politically correct have thrived in recent years.
One post on X, liked more than 10,000 times, noted David had a successful 24-year-run (with several multi-year breaks) with “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” while Julia Louis-Dreyfus starred in “Veep” (2012-2019) and won six Emmy Awards for her portrayal of a non-politically correct politician.
The post also pointed to several provocative animated shows, like the long-running “Family Guy” and “American Dad,” as non-politically correct shows on television. Other comments noted “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia,” the FX sitcom known for its provocative brand of humor, has aired since 2005.
The Guardian film and television writer Stuart Heritage slammed Seinfeld’s comments as unreflective of his comedic career, writing that Seinfeld has positioned himself as a “deliberately inoffensive” stand-up comic who has previously stated he stays away from swearing and sexual content during stand-up routines, calling those topics the “easiest laughs.”
The Independent editor Adam White suggested Seinfeld’s comments were misguided in a column, instead suggesting “modern-day viewing habits” are to blame.
“If you’re Netflix, why bother investing money in a potentially unpopular new sitcom when millions are happy to watch old episodes of ‘Friends,’ ‘The Office’ and, oh look, ‘Seinfeld’ instead?” White wrote.
Contra
Billionaire Elon Musk, the second-richest man in the world, posted an excerpt of Seinfeld’s interview in which he lamented the lack of comedy on television. “Make comedy legal again,” Musk wrote.
Right-wing political commentator Benny Johnson praised Seinfeld’s “powerful” statement on the “Left’s destruction of comedy” in a post on X. “Good for him,” Musk wrote in response.
Former investment banker known for creating the satirical “Goldman Sachs Elevator” X account John LeFevre praised Seinfeld’s “thoughtful take,” stating: “If you need a diversity committee to determine what’s funny, or have to placate the lowest common denominator, your culture is doomed.”
Tangent
Seinfeld said the movie business is “over” in an interview with GQ Magazine last week. “Film doesn’t occupy the pinnacle in the social, cultural hierarchy that it did for most of our lives. When a movie came out, if it was good, we all went to see it,” Seinfeld said. Seinfeld is set to release his first film as a director, “Unfrosted,” on May 3 on Netflix.
