10 Seinfeld Episodes That Outshine Modern Sitcoms

Many classic Seinfeld episodes still hold up better than a lot of new sitcoms today. Even with great shows like Abbott Elementary, which is a funny and heartwarming look at teachers in Philadelphia, we often find ourselves going back to Seinfeld because it feels so relatable and is genuinely smart.

While the final two episodes of Seinfeld aren’t quite as strong as the rest of the show, many other storylines remain interesting and relatable, capturing experiences we’ve all likely shared.

What makes the sitcom so appealing is how it portrays hilariously chaotic situations – the kind that only Jerry, Kramer, George, and Elaine could find themselves in.

“The Parking Garage” (Season 3, Episode 6)

Many consider “The Parking Garage” to be the most memorable episode of Seinfeld. It centers around Jerry, Elaine, George, and Kramer desperately trying to locate Kramer’s car after losing it in a New Jersey mall parking lot.

Honestly, Elaine just steals every scene, as usual. I was completely hooked watching her try to get rides all over town – all because she’s desperately trying to find Kramer’s car, and she’s worried about keeping her goldfish safe during the whole ordeal. It’s classic Elaine – completely self-involved but somehow hilarious.

Creating this episode now would be difficult because malls aren’t as central to our lives as they once were, and the idea feels special to this show – it’s hard to picture it working anywhere else. Plus, it’s always enjoyable to watch Jerry and his friends get annoyed by everyday things and people.

“The Marine Biologist” (Season 5, Episode 14)

It’s hard to think about Seinfeld without remembering George’s hilarious lie about being a marine biologist. His over-the-top story about saving a whale, all to impress someone he liked, is truly memorable. This might be George’s most iconic storyline, as it reveals just how animated and excited he can become when he’s truly invested in something.

Normally, we wouldn’t root for a TV character who’s being dishonest, but George is so funny and relatable that we make an exception. This episode is incredibly exciting from beginning to end, and the suspense of whether or not George will actually follow through with his plan makes it much more engaging than many sitcoms today.

We always laugh when George says, “The sea was furious that day, like a grumpy old man refusing soup at a diner.”

“The Engagement” (Season 7, Episode 1)

Throughout Seinfeld, Jerry dates many women, but “The Engagement” is a surprisingly insightful episode about making big life decisions like getting married and committing to someone. It’s both funny and thoughtful, and remains one of the show’s best.

After George and Jerry decide they want to find partners, George gets engaged to Susan (played by Heidi Swedberg). However, this happy news is complicated by the fact that Kramer previously warned Jerry against marriage. While some aspects of how Susan’s character is handled don’t hold up well on rewatch, it’s still compelling to see these characters grapple with big questions about love, happiness, and what the future holds.

“The Subway” (Season 3, Episode 13)

If you’ve ever been stuck on a crowded train, you know how stressful it can be. Just trying to get to work with a coffee feels impossible when you’re packed in with strangers and have no idea how long the delay will last. That’s what makes “The Subway” so memorable, even today.

I always crack up when Elaine gets trapped – her claustrophobia is so relatable, and her panicked thoughts are just amazing. It’s hilarious to hear what’s going on in her head when she thinks she’s stuck forever! And what’s really cool about “The Subway” episode is how well it juggles everything – Kramer’s horse betting, Jerry talking to this totally bizarre guy who isn’t wearing any clothes, and everything else just comes together perfectly.

Lots of sitcoms feature life in New York City, but none capture the everyday struggles of getting around – and the funny, unexpected things that happen along the way – quite like this show.

“The Kiss Hello” (Season 6, Episode 17)

The best episodes of this ’90s sitcom often look at the unwritten rules of society and why we feel pressured to conform. The characters frequently get frustrated with having to be polite and agreeable, and that’s why the episode “The Kiss Hello” remains so powerful.

Throughout the episode, Jerry is annoyed that his physical therapist, Wendy, keeps expecting a kiss on the cheek – a habit stemming from a previous encounter. This creates a funny situation where George gets upset because Wendy is skiing with Elaine and has to cancel his appointment with him.

The show humorously highlights the fees doctors charge when appointments are canceled without 24 hours’ notice. This kind of specific, observational comedy is what made Seinfeld so unique, and it’s been hard for other sitcoms to match it since.

“The Stranded” (Season 3, Episode 10)

You can’t watch a party scene without thinking of “The Stranded,” a classic episode from Seinfeld‘s third season. It’s known for being incredibly relatable, and it really highlights the strong bond between Jerry and Elaine.

This Seinfeld episode realistically portrays the awkwardness of being stuck at a dull event with no ride home. True to classic Seinfeld, it builds to a surprisingly chaotic conclusion that cleverly connects back to earlier moments.

Jerry gets arrested after casually offering his apartment as a potential stop for the party host, while Elaine repeatedly protests against wearing fur. Though many sitcoms feature parties, this episode felt unique and original.

“The Mango” (Season 5, Episode 1)

It’s unusual for a modern TV show to dedicate so much screen time to a conversation about fruit. This episode centers around a mango, which surprisingly helps George become more secure in his relationship with Karen (Lisa Edelstein).

Another funny storyline, though less serious, is equally unforgettable. It’s always enjoyable to watch Kramer get thrown out of a store for trying to return a bad peach.

Although Jerry and Elaine’s previous relationship isn’t a frequent topic, the possibility of lingering feelings arises when Jerry discovers Elaine pretended to be more interested than she actually was during their time together.

“The Pen” (Season 3, Episode 3)

The Seinfeld episode “The Pen,” from season 3, is remarkably funny, capturing everything from the awkwardness of family visits to Elaine’s discomfort sleeping on a terrible sofa bed. What sets this ’90s show apart from modern sitcoms is its ability to take an ordinary, seemingly unimportant event and turn it into something exciting and captivating.

The main plot point centers around a pen given to Jerry by his parents’ neighbor, Jack Klompus. This gift causes everyone to accuse Jerry of being greedy for accepting it. Jerry shines when he’s bewildered by the people around him and just wants to be left alone.

You know, when Jack and Morty got into that massive argument, and Jerry’s parents started panicking about losing their place in the retirement community, it really hit home how quickly things can just fall apart on this show. It’s funny, but also a good reminder of the chaotic energy that makes it so great!

“The Contest” (Season 4, Episode 11)

Most fans of Seinfeld remember “The Contest,” the episode where the main characters compete to see who can go the longest without… well, you know. It’s famous for the line “master of my domain,” and many people recall watching it for the first time and wondering who would win the challenge.

This episode is lively and hilarious, and featuring John F. Kennedy Jr. makes it particularly unforgettable. It’s also a strong example of how well the show balanced its main characters – something many sitcoms struggle with, but Seinfeld did consistently well.

“The Chinese Restaurant” (Season 2, Episode 11)

Everyone loves the episode “The Chinese Restaurant,” and it’s fascinating to think about all the little details. On the surface, watching everyday TV characters just waiting for a table at a restaurant sounds boring, but this episode somehow makes it incredibly engaging.

Elaine arguably has the funniest storyline in “The Parking Garage.” She gets incredibly hungry and accepts a challenge to steal food from someone else’s plate. Even though she can’t actually do it, it’s hilarious watching her become increasingly anxious and frustrated as she tries.

What really makes this Seinfeld episode a classic for me is the ending. It’s just perfect timing – as soon as Jerry, Elaine, George, and Kramer leave the restaurant, the host immediately offers their table! It’s a simple joke, but it really highlights how brilliantly timed the comedy was on that show, and honestly, I don’t think many shows today can pull that off.

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2025-11-07 23:42