The Research Memo That Almost Aborted Seinfeld

aborted-seinfeld

It’s the biggest sitcom in history, but early research almost sank Seinfeld before it left the dock.

In 1989, NBC asked about 400 households by telephone and asked them to evaluate pilots aired over unused channels on local cable systems. A researcher then called to collect reactions. The results were later summarized in an NBC research department memo obtained by TV Guide Magazine.

Part of the memo read – “No segment of the audience was eager to watch the show again.” The show was also described as “only mildly realistic”, “disorienting” and “weak”.

The series was eventually saved by Warren Littlefield and other NBC execs who believed in the show. Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David didn’t hear about this memo until after it had become a hit. Copies of it hang in their respective bathrooms.

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