The Making of Seinfeld: Comparison with Dobie Gillis and Insights into Seinfeld’s Character Inspiration

Seinfeld, the iconic 1990s television show, shares unexpected parallels with the earlier series Dobie Gillis. Both sitcoms feature comedic families with father figures who often exhibit a similar intensity and vocal nature when things don't go their way. For example, Jerry Seinfeld's character, George, whose father is portrayed by Jerry Stiller, often screams when things don't unfold as he planned. Similarly, in Dobie Gillis, Herbert T. Gillis (played by Frank Faylen), bellowed at his wife Zelda over trivial matters. These similarities highlight the underlying themes of family dynamics and comedic exaggeration.

Character Development and Focus

While Dobie Gillis might not have been deep in character development, it focused on a core group, much like Seinfeld. Both series concentrated on the interactions and adventures of a tightly-knit group of characters. However, Dobie Gillis lacked the depth and complexity of Seinfeld in terms of character progression and storytelling. In Seinfeld, the characters evolve and grow, making it a more introspective and humorous series. For instance, Seinfeld often revolves around the mundane aspects of life, such as food, work, and relationships, which adds layers to the story.

Comedic Observations and Dialogue

A major difference between the two series is the handling of dialogue. Seinfeld is known for its natural and often silent conversational humor. Most characters, especially Kramer (Bob Higginson), frequently make scathing observations, while others remain mum. In contrast, Dobie Gillis often resorts to excessive dialogue without a clear justification, which can become monotonous. This approach in Seinfeld, however, allows for a more authentic and subtle form of comedy. The show's founders, Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, initially pitched the idea at a Korean deli, where they discussed strange-looking foods and made observations, which perfectly encapsulated the show's essence.

The Roots of Seinfeld

The origins of Seinfeld trace back to the streets of New York City. Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld had a unique approach to comedy, focusing on the everyday life and observations of their surroundings. They began with Larry pitching the idea to Jerry about a show based on observations of their lives in New York. The first four episodes of Seinfeld were based on anecdotes from Larry David's life and cleverly crafted humor. For example, the episode where Maynard G. Krebs (Bob Denver) repeatedly describes a giant crane knocking down buildings is a prime example of this method. These initial episodes laid the foundation for the show's unique style.

Character Inspiration and Backgrounds

The characters in Seinfeld are richly portrayed and draw inspiration from various real-life individuals. The character of Jerry Seinfeld himself is a direct reflection of the creator, Jerry Seinfeld. Larry David's character, George Costanza (Jerry Stiller), is often depicted in a funny yet frustrating manner, mirroring the real-life realistic character Larry David had in mind. Additionally, Kramer (Michael Richards) is a whimsical and often humorous figure, based on a man who lived across the hall from Larry David, whose name was Kenny Kramer.

Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), another pivotal character, has a complex background. Initially, speculation grew that Elaine was based on Carol Leifer, a writer and comedian who had dated Jerry Seinfeld. However, Leifer later denied this and revealed that only a few elements of the character's backstory related to her. She stated that some elements of Elaine, such as her intelligence and humor, were inspired by Julia Louis-Dreyfus herself.

Another interesting element was the character of Elaine, who was partially based on Susan McNabb, a friend and comic who was dating Seinfeld when the character was created. Eventually, the character was named after fellow comic Elayne Boosler. The character was also influenced by Monica Yates, the daughter of novelist Richard Yates, whom Larry David once dated. Even after their relationship ended, they remained friends, contributing to the character's development.

Overall, Seinfeld is a masterclass in character-driven comedy, drawing inspiration from real-life observations and relationships. Its unique blend of humor, relatable characters, and quotidian situations has made it stand the test of time and continue to resonate with audiences.