The Best of Nothing: A Top 10 Ranking of the Greatest Seinfeld Episodes
by For nine seasons, Seinfeld taught us to find humor in the most mundane aspects of life. It was a show about nothing, and in that "nothing," it found everything: the absurdity of social etiquette, the pettiness of human nature, and the tangled web of misunderstandings that defines modern life. While almost every episode is a masterclass in comedy, a select few rise above the rest, becoming cultural touchstones and exemplifying the show’s genius.
Based on a consensus from critics and fans, here are the top 10 Seinfeld episodes that have earned their place in television history.
"Jerry, just remember, it's not a lie if you believe it,”
#10: "The Contest" (Season 4, Episode 11)
Widely considered one of the greatest sitcom episodes of all time, "The Contest" is a high-wire act of comedic brilliance. After George is caught by his mother, the gang makes a bet to see who can go the longest as "master of their domain." The episode's genius lies in its bold, taboo subject matter, which is never once mentioned by name. The escalating stakes and the characters' increasingly desperate struggles—from Kramer's immediate failure to Elaine's temptation by John F. Kennedy Jr.—make for a hilarious and unforgettable half-hour.
#9: "The Soup Nazi" (Season 7, Episode 6)
"No soup for you!" became one of the most famous catchphrases in television history thanks to this episode. The gang discovers a soup stand owner whose delicious soups are only accessible to those who follow his strict, authoritarian rules. Elaine's defiance leads to her being blacklisted, while George's desperate pleas for a bowl perfectly capture his pathetic nature. The episode is a brilliant commentary on the power dynamics of urban life and the obsession with something as simple as soup.
#8: "The Marine Biologist" (Season 5, Episode 14)
This episode is a perfect storm of converging storylines, all culminating in one of the most iconic monologues in television history. After Jerry tells a woman that George is a marine biologist to impress her, George is forced to maintain the lie. His predicament collides with Kramer's plot of hitting golf balls into the ocean, leading to a beached whale and a heroic (and hilarious) rescue. Jason Alexander's delivery of the final monologue, written at the last minute by Larry David, solidifies this as a classic.
#7: "The Opposite" (Season 5, Episode 22)
Exasperated with his life of failures, George decides to do the exact opposite of what his instincts tell him. This simple experiment leads to a complete reversal of his fortunes: he gets a job with the New York Yankees, finds a beautiful girlfriend, and moves out of his parents' house. As George's life soars, Elaine's crumbles, providing a brilliant narrative foil. The episode explores the themes of luck and fate, proving that sometimes, the best strategy is to be the opposite of yourself.
#6: "The Chinese Restaurant" (Season 2, Episode 11)
A true "show about nothing" episode, "The Chinese Restaurant" revolves entirely around the gang waiting for a table at a restaurant before seeing a movie. The entire episode takes place in a single location in real time, a bold creative choice that was unprecedented for a sitcom. It beautifully highlights the characters' neuroticism and impatience, proving that great comedy can be found in the most mundane, relatable situations.
#5: "The Puffy Shirt" (Season 5, Episode 2)
This episode is a masterclass in visual comedy and humiliation. When Jerry unwittingly agrees to wear a ridiculous "puffy shirt" on the Today Show, he becomes the laughingstock of New York. Meanwhile, Kramer's "low-talker" girlfriend is at the center of the ordeal. The puffy shirt itself became an iconic symbol of the show's ability to turn a simple idea into a hilarious, memorable plot.
#4: "The Boyfriend" (Season 3, Episodes 17-18)
This two-part episode is a fan favorite, largely due to its guest star: former New York Mets first baseman Keith Hernandez. Jerry and Keith strike up a friendship, much to the jealousy of George and Kramer. The episode parodies Oliver Stone’s film JFK, with Jerry and Kramer re-enacting the "magic bullet" theory to explain an incident involving Keith. It's a perfect blend of celebrity cameo, character jealousy, and meticulous comedic writing.
#3: "The Outing" (Season 4, Episode 17)
This episode masterfully tackles a sensitive subject with a light touch. Jerry and George are mistakenly "outed" as a gay couple by a student journalist, leading to their now-famous catchphrase: "Not that there's anything wrong with that." The episode's humor comes from the duo's awkward attempts to correct the misconception without offending anyone, all while navigating a series of escalating misunderstandings.
#2: "The Hamptons" (Season 5, Episode 21)
"The Hamptons" is a showcase for George's incredible knack for humiliation. While visiting a couple's beach house, Jerry's girlfriend inadvertently witnesses George in a state of post-swimming "shrinkage." The episode's premise is so simple, yet it's elevated by George's attempts to make things even, along with a memorable scene involving a naked woman. The episode's unapologetic focus on physical and emotional embarrassment is pure Seinfeld.
#1: "The Merv Griffin Show" (Season 9, Episode 6)
This episode is a prime example of the show's embrace of surrealism in its later years. Kramer finds the discarded set of "The Merv Griffin Show" and rebuilds it in his apartment, forcing his friends to appear as guests. Meanwhile, Jerry's new girlfriend has a collection of vintage toys he wants to play with, and George's storyline involves a hilarious rivalry with a squirrel. The absurdity of Kramer's talk show premise, combined with the chaotic storylines, makes for a truly memorable episode.
