Seinfeld
Season 8
DVD cover
Country of originUnited States
No. of episodes22
Release
Original networkNBC
Original releaseSeptember 19, 1996 (1996-09-19) –
May 15, 1997 (1997-05-15)
Season chronology
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Season 7
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Season 9
List of episodes

The eighth season of Seinfeld, an American comedy television series began airing on September 19, 1996, and concluded on May 15, 1997, on NBC.

The eighth season marked a turning point in the series. It is the first season where Seinfeld himself took creative control of the show after co-creator Larry David left. It is also the first season where the episodes no longer start with Jerry's stand-up routines. Seinfeld states that this is because he was too busy writing episodes to create additional stand-up material.[1] As a result, the show began to remove itself from the 'show about nothing' format it had begun life as, and took a far more absurdist, surreal stylistic turn.

Production

Seinfeld was produced by Castle Rock Entertainment and distributed by Columbia Pictures Television and Columbia TriStar Television (now Sony Pictures Television) and aired on NBC in the United States. The executive producers were Jerry Seinfeld, George Shapiro, and Howard West with Tom Gammill and Max Pross as supervising producers. Bruce Kirschbaum was the executive consultant.[2] This season was directed by Andy Ackerman.

The series was set predominantly in an apartment block on New York City's Upper West Side; however, the eighth season was shot and mostly filmed in CBS Studio Center in Studio City, California.[3] The show features Jerry Seinfeld as himself, and a host of Jerry's friends and acquaintances, which include George Costanza, Elaine Benes, and Cosmo Kramer, portrayed by Jason Alexander, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Michael Richards, respectively.[4]

Due to Julia Louis-Dreyfus's off-screen pregnancy, her character had to spend the latter half of this season hiding her belly behind furniture and laundry baskets.

Episodes

See also: List of Seinfeld episodes
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date [5]Prod.
code [6]		US viewers
(millions)
1351"The Foundation"Andy AckermanAlec Berg & Jeff SchafferSeptember 19, 1996 (1996-09-19)80133.72[7]
While George would rather forget his fiancee Susan's tragic demise, Susan's parents want to keep her memory alive by creating a foundation. Jerry reunites with Dolores (aka "Mulva") from "The Junior Mint". J. Peterman has a nervous breakdown and leaves Elaine in charge, and Kramer takes up martial arts.
1362"The Soul Mate"Andy AckermanPeter MehlmanSeptember 26, 1996 (1996-09-26)80233.24[8]
Kramer falls for Jerry's girlfriend and goes to Newman for advice. Elaine tells her friends she does not want a baby after her woman friends convince her to. George thinks the foundation lawyer assumes that he killed Susan.
1373"The Bizarro Jerry"Andy AckermanDavid MandelOctober 3, 1996 (1996-10-03)80331.62[9]
Elaine has new friends who are opposites of Jerry, George and Kramer. Jerry dates a woman who has "man hands." George uses a picture of Jerry's date to meet attractive women. Kramer uses a bathroom in an office building and begins working there.
1384"The Little Kicks"Andy AckermanSpike FerestenOctober 10, 1996 (1996-10-10)80432.24[10]
Elaine holds a party for her co-workers where she loses respect when they see her dance. Jerry and Kramer go to the movies with a friend who makes bootleg tapes.
1395"The Package"Andy AckermanJennifer CrittendenOctober 17, 1996 (1996-10-17)80530.13[11]
George finds out that the woman at a photo store is looking at his pictures. He tries to impress her by getting Kramer to take seductive pictures of him. Jerry refuses delivery of a package with no return address. Elaine tries to retrieve her medical records when she begins having problems with her doctor due to her attitude.
1406"The Fatigues"Andy AckermanGregg Kavet & Andy RobinOctober 31, 1996 (1996-10-31)80630.33[12]
Jerry is interested when he learns that his girlfriend has a mentor. George prepares to give a speech on risk management. Elaine prepares to fire co-worker Eddie Sherman (Ned Bellamy) but instead promotes him when she approaches him.
1417"The Checks"Andy AckermanSteve O'Donnell and Tom Gammill & Max ProssNovember 7, 1996 (1996-11-07)80732.01[13]
Elaine learns her new boyfriend has some obsessive behaviors. Jerry keeps receiving checks from a guest appearance on Japanese television. Kramer warns George that his carpet cleaners are part of a religious cult.
1428"The Chicken Roaster"Andy AckermanAlec Berg & Jeff SchafferNovember 14, 1996 (1996-11-14)80834.09[14]
A Kenny Rogers Chicken restaurant opens across from Jerry's apartment with very bright neon lights. Kramer cannot sleep because of the light and seeks solace at Jerry's where he becomes addicted to the chicken by Newman. Elaine begins using the J. Peterman expense account. George tries to score a second date with a saleswoman by leaving a large hat at her house.
1439"The Abstinence"Andy AckermanSteve KorenNovember 21, 1996 (1996-11-21)80934.35[15]
George's girlfriend has infectious mononucleosis, so they will not be able to have sex for at least 6 weeks. Jerry agrees to make an appearance at his former junior high's career day. Elaine meets a doctor who does not have a license yet. Kramer smokes in the coffee shop and is asked to leave.
14410"The Andrea Doria"Andy AckermanSpike FerestenDecember 19, 1996 (1996-12-19)81029.65[16]
Jerry takes Kramer to his self storage space where they learn Newman has been hoarding mail. George becomes excited about a new apartment he is about to move into. Elaine is set up on a blind date who has a hard time breaking up with people.
14511"The Little Jerry"Andy AckermanJennifer CrittendenJanuary 9, 1997 (1997-01-09)81134.48[17]
Kramer gets a pet rooster he names "Little Jerry Seinfeld". George visits a woman's prison where he does not see what he had expected. Elaine discovers her boyfriend once had a full head of hair and convinces him to grow it back. A store owner exposes Jerry's bad check currently on display which raises much discussion.
14612"The Money"Andy AckermanPeter MehlmanJanuary 16, 1997 (1997-01-16)81337.34[18]
Jerry's parents sell their Cadillac to a neighbor in order to give Jerry some money. Jerry quickly buys back the car but remains stuck in Florida when he does not have money to return home. George's parents announce they are moving to Florida which the Seinfelds object to. Elaine returns to her old position at work.
14713"The Comeback"David Owen TrainorGregg Kavet & Andy RobinJanuary 30, 1997 (1997-01-30)81233.50[19]
George has trouble thinking of a retort to one of his co-workers. Jerry buys a tennis racket believed to be used by a pro. Elaine and Kramer discuss employee picks at the video store. Kramer creates a living will.
14814"The Van Buren Boys"Andy AckermanDarin HenryFebruary 6, 1997 (1997-02-06)81433.82[20]
Everyone seems to have a problem with Jerry's new girlfriend (Christine Taylor) whom he sees as "perfect". George interviews students for the foundation's first academic scholarship. Elaine is asked to ghostwrite the autobiography of J. Peterman. Kramer has a run-in with the infamous "Van Buren boys".
14915"The Susie"Andy AckermanDavid MandelFebruary 13, 1997 (1997-02-13)81532.00[21]
Elaine creates an alter ego named "Susie" who co-workers believe is actually real. Jerry's friend who once considered him a "phony" becomes a bookie. George avoids his girlfriend by screening his phone calls.
15016"The Pothole"Andy AckermanSteve O'Donnell and Dan O'KeefeFebruary 20, 1997 (1997-02-20)81633.83[22]
Kramer adopts a piece of a highway after he complains about a very large pothole. Jerry's girlfriend (Kristin Davis) uses a toothbrush that was once dropped in the toilet. George brags about a new key ring given to him by George Steinbrenner.
15117"The English Patient"Andy AckermanSteve KorenMarch 13, 1997 (1997-03-13)81731.27[23]
Elaine hates a movie that everyone else seems to love. Jerry is challenged by one of his father's neighbors to a series of physical tests sending the old man, his father and his son to the hospital. A woman mistakes George for her boyfriend. Kramer imports some Cuban cigar rollers.
15218"The Nap"Andy AckermanGregg Kavet & Andy RobinApril 10, 1997 (1997-04-10)81832.22[24]
George creates a desk he can sleep in at work after having trouble sleeping. Jerry has his kitchen remodeled. Elaine's boyfriend worries about her back and buys her a mattress. Kramer begins swimming in the East River after becoming restricted at a community pool.
15319"The Yada Yada"Andy AckermanPeter Mehlman and Jill FranklynApril 24, 1997 (1997-04-24)81931.64[25]
George's girlfriend uses a particular phrase constantly. Jerry is suspicious that his dentist has converted to Judaism to get away with telling Jewish jokes.
15420"The Millennium"Andy AckermanJennifer CrittendenMay 1, 1997 (1997-05-01)82029.30[26]
Kramer makes plans for New Year's 2000 and wonders what the future may be like. Elaine gets bad service at a store and begins shopping at a similar store. George tries to get himself fired from the Yankees. Jerry learns he is on his girlfriend's speed dial.
15521"The Muffin Tops"Andy AckermanSpike FerestenMay 8, 1997 (1997-05-08)82131.09[27]
Elaine tells Kramer that stories he sold to Peterman were published in his autobiography. Elaine's old boss, Mr. Lippman, steals her idea for a muffin shop. Kramer then decides to create a "Peterman Reality Tour." Jerry starts shaving his chest hair for his new girlfriend. George pretends to be a tourist in order to go out with a woman.
15622"The Summer of George"Andy AckermanAlec Berg & Jeff SchafferMay 15, 1997 (1997-05-15)82229.80[28]
George decides to take the summer off when he learns he can receive severance pay. Jerry and Kramer attend the Tony Awards where Jerry brings a date who he fears has a boyfriend at home. Kramer fills seats at the awards and pretends to accept an award with a cast ensemble.

Reception

The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported an 86% approval rating with an average rating of 9/10, based on 7 critic reviews.[29]

References

  1. ^ "Selected Topics | Seinfeld Show Season 8". Archived from the original on September 27, 2011. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
  2. ^ "The Seinfeld Crew and Credits at Seinfeld Official Site". Sony Pictures. Archived from the original on July 23, 2009. Retrieved April 30, 2008.
  3. ^ "The Stock Tip episode at Seinfeld Official Site". Sony Pictures. Archived from the original on May 13, 2008. Retrieved April 29, 2008.
  4. ^ "Seinfeld and nihilism". December 3, 1999. Archived from the original on December 17, 2007. Retrieved April 29, 2008.
  5. ^ "Seinfeld Episodes | TVGuide.com". TV Guide. Archived from the original on May 5, 2008. Retrieved March 20, 2008.
  6. ^ "Seinfeld Prod. Codes for all seasons". epguide.com. Archived from the original on March 23, 2008. Retrieved March 23, 2008.
  7. ^ "Top Ranked Programs in Primetime for the Week of 9/16-9/23 as ranked by Nielsen Media Research". UltimateTV. Archived from the original on October 11, 1999. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  8. ^ "Top Ranked Programs in Primetime for the Week of 9/23-9/29 as ranked by Nielsen Media Research". UltimateTV. Archived from the original on October 11, 1999. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  9. ^ "Top Ranked Programs in Primetime for the Week of 9/30-10/6 as ranked by Nielsen Media Research". UltimateTV. Archived from the original on October 13, 1999. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  10. ^ "Top Ranked Programs in Primetime for the Week of 10/7-10/13 as ranked by Nielsen Media Research". UltimateTV. Archived from the original on October 13, 1999. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  11. ^ "Top Ranked Programs in Primetime for the Week of 10/14-10/20 as ranked by Nielsen Media Research". UltimateTV. Archived from the original on November 17, 1999. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  12. ^ "Top Ranked Programs in Primetime for the Week of 10/28-11/3 as ranked by Nielsen Media Research". UltimateTV. Archived from the original on October 13, 1999. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  13. ^ "Top Ranked Programs in Primetime for the Week of 11/4-11/10 as ranked by Nielsen Media Research". UltimateTV. Archived from the original on October 13, 1999. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  14. ^ "Top Ranked Programs in Primetime for the Week of 11/11-11/17 as ranked by Nielsen Media Research". UltimateTV. Archived from the original on October 13, 1999. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  15. ^ "Top Ranked Programs in Primetime for the Week of 11/18-11/24 as ranked by Nielsen Media Research". UltimateTV. Archived from the original on October 14, 1999. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  16. ^ "Top Ranked Programs in Primetime for the Week of 12/16-12/22 as ranked by Nielsen Media Research". UltimateTV. Archived from the original on October 14, 1999. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  17. ^ "National Nielsen Viewership (Jan. 6–12)". The Los Angeles Times. January 15, 1997. Archived from the original on January 15, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.Free access icon
  18. ^ "National Nielsen Viewership (Jan. 13–19)". The Los Angeles Times. January 22, 1997. Archived from the original on January 14, 2021. Retrieved April 9, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.Free access icon
  19. ^ "National Nielsen Viewership (Jan. 27–Feb. 2)". The Los Angeles Times. February 3, 1997. Archived from the original on November 18, 2020. Retrieved April 9, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.Free access icon
  20. ^ "National Nielsen Viewership (Feb. 3–9)". The Los Angeles Times. February 12, 1997. Archived from the original on January 15, 2021. Retrieved April 10, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.Free access icon
  21. ^ "National Nielsen Viewership (Feb. 10–16)". The Los Angeles Times. February 20, 1997. Archived from the original on April 11, 2021. Retrieved April 9, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.Free access icon
  22. ^ "National Nielsen Viewership (Feb. 17–23)". The Los Angeles Times. February 26, 1997. Archived from the original on January 14, 2021. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.Free access icon
  23. ^ "National Nielsen Viewership (March 10–16)". The Los Angeles Times. March 19, 1997. Archived from the original on February 5, 2021. Retrieved April 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.Free access icon
  24. ^ "National Nielsen Viewership (April 7–13)". The Los Angeles Times. April 16, 1997. Archived from the original on April 10, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.Free access icon
  25. ^ "National Nielsen Viewership (April 21–27)". The Los Angeles Times. April 30, 1997. Archived from the original on January 15, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.Free access icon
  26. ^ "National Nielsen Viewership (April 28–May 4)". The Los Angeles Times. May 7, 1997. Archived from the original on January 14, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.Free access icon
  27. ^ "National Nielsen Viewership (May 5–11)". The Los Angeles Times. May 14, 1997. Archived from the original on January 16, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.Free access icon
  28. ^ "National Nielsen Viewership (May 12–18)". The Los Angeles Times. May 21, 1997. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved April 15, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.Free access icon
  29. ^ "Seinfeld: Season 8". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved May 19, 2022.

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