Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
It isn’t uncommon for sitcoms to get off on the wrong foot and eventually find their footing along the line, and similar was the case for Larry David’sSeinfeld. Often regarded as one of the greatest sitcoms of all time, during its original run on NBC, the sitcom didn’t begin on a high note, as its pilot was completely different from what the show would become later on.
Similar to some of NBC’s other hit shows, which were too off to a rough start, the reception toSeinfeld‘s pilot was brutal, but the network decided to stick with it nevertheless.
SeinfeldWas off to a Bad Start but NBC Stuck With Jerry Seinfeld’s Vision
NBC is no stranger to greenlighting shows that initially fumbled their beginning, with major examples beingThe OfficeandCheers. However, things were even rougher inSienfield‘s case, as the pilot was far from what the sitcom would eventually become, and the reviews from fans were mostly negative. While it’d have been optimal to cancel the show altogether, NBC stuck with it and would eventually secure funds to secure four more episodes by ditching one two-hour Bob Hope special.
“He’s a pain in the ass to work with”: Hugh Grant Left Jerry Seinfeld Frustrated While Filming ‘Unfrosted’
While after thatLarry Davidstressed that there were no more stories to tell, co-creator Jerry Seinfeld was hellbent on moving it forward, and 13 more episodes were ordered. Unfortunately, the show would get obliterated after going against Tim Allen’sHome Improvement.
Former NBC exec Warren Littlefield recalled (viaFox News):
“Larry David of course said, ‘I don’t have any more stories to tell, Jerry turn the order down,’ and Jerry said, ‘No we’ll do 13 more episodes’ and we put it up against ‘Home Improvement’ and it got slaughtered,”
But despite the less-than-stellar results, the creators weren’t deterred as they loved what they were doing, and the network too would continue to back them.
Jerry Seinfeld Was Offered Over $100M to Return for Another Season
Despite initial hurdles,Seinfeldwould eventually find its footing and go on to enjoy nine seasons, which fans keep on revisiting to this day. However, the execs at NBC wanted the series to continue past season 9 and offeredJerry Seinfeldover $100M to return for another season.
He explained:
“Over $100 million. We offered him $5 million an episode. We didn’t mess around. What we put on the table was unheard of. We went in there with a staggering sum and there was tremendous confidence that no one could walk away from it.”
But Littlefield recounted that the creator was initially tempted to accept the offer, but eventually walked away to focus on other aspects of life.
“I thought it was funny”: Curb Your Enthusiasm Director Claims Larry David’s Finale Was a ‘Middle Finger’ to Seinfeld Haters Despite Different Ending
Seinfeldis available to stream on Netflix.
Santanu Roy
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2539
Santanu Roy is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on movies, with over 2,000 articles under his belt. He has been pursuing a degree in Animation and possesses a deep love for the medium of animation. Having spent the better part of the last two years pumping out articles for FW, Santanu excels at covering movie analysis and news surrounding Pixar, DCU, DreamWorks, and Batman’s cinematic legacy.With psychological thrillers and intimate slice-of-life dramas ranking among his favorite genres, Santanu is a big admirer of Luca Guadagnino, Shane Black, Park Chan-wook, and Brad Bird.
More from Santanu Roy
Good Boy First Trailer: Will The Dog Survive in The Scariest Horror Movie of 2025?
Sydney Sweeney’s Great Jeans Can’t Save Americana From Weapons Box-Office Onslaught: Full Report
After “Kal-El, No!”, Gal Gadot Claims Snow White Failed Because of Her Israeli Roots
Recommended
NYT Wordle Hints and Solution for July 18, 2025
‘Blue Beetle’ Turns Two: James Gunn’s DCU Has Forgotten Him But These 4 DC Shows Did Him Proud
Transformers Star Is Absolutely Right on Why He Rejected ‘The Penguin’
How Many Episodes Are Left in One Piece Egghead Arc? Explained
The Summer I Turned Pretty Theory Proves Jenny Han’s Name Game Ruins Season 3 Finale
Brad Pitt Hits Maximum Paranoia: Real Reason He Wants to Turn $12 Million Home Into a “Fortress” (Report)
Jerry SeinfeldLarry DavidTim Allen
