How 'Seinfeld' got New York life so right
What's the story
Nineties sitcom Seinfeld is often lauded for its hilarious take on the mundane. However, as a New Yorker, you probably already know that the show covers the whole spectrum of living in New York City. From jostling through the crowded streets to putting up with weird neighbors, Seinfeld gives you a taste of what urban living is really like. Here's what it gets right.
Apartment search
The art of apartment hunting
Finding an apartment in New York City is a task. In Seinfeld, the characters often spoke about their homes, which is a reflection of the real-life struggle so many face while looking for affordable and convenient places to stay. The show touches on issues like high rent prices, limited space, which are things city dwellers often have to deal with.
Public transit
Navigating public transportation
Public transportation is an integral part of living in New York City. Naturally, Seinfeld had to include scenes with subways and buses, highlighting the good, the bad, and the ugly of commuting. The show's portrayal of packed trains and unforeseen delays hits home for anyone who has depended on public transport to navigate the city.
Eating out
Dining out adventures
New Yorkers are also known for eating out a lot, thanks to their busy lives and the variety of cuisines available. In Seinfeld, characters are often seen meeting at diners or restaurants, which captures this part of living in the city. The show highlights how eating out becomes as much of a social activity as it is a necessity for many.
Neighbor relations
Dealing with eccentric neighbors
Living in close quarters also means that you will have to interact with your neighbors more often than you'd like. However, sometimes these interactions can lead to the most interesting encounters. How can we forget Seinfeld and characters like Kramer, who took the eccentric neighbor archetype to the next level? This is probably what our unpredictable neighborly relations are like in daily life in New York City.
Cultural mix
Embracing cultural diversity
New York City's cultural diversity is one of its defining characteristics. In Seinfeld, various episodes touch upon different cultures through food choices or character backgrounds without making it central to any plotline, but rather an accepted norm within their world, mirroring real-life multiculturalism found throughout NYC neighborhoods today.