Jerry Seinfeld on Why He Thinks He Couldn't Make The Same Jokes on 'Seinfeld' Today: 'P.C. Crap’

Jerry Seinfeld reflects on how the evolving cultural landscape has impacted comedy.

The 70-year-old ‘Seinfeld’ star opened up about the challenges faced by comedians in today's politically charged environment. Speaking to The New Yorker, Seinfeld expressed doubt that he could deliver the same jokes that defined his iconic NBC sitcom in today's climate.

According to Seinfeld, the current prevalence of political correctness has stifled creativity in television comedy. He lamented the lack of humourous content on TV, attributing it to an overemphasis on not offending others.

Also Read: Jerry Seinfeld Believes The “Movie Business is Over”

Seinfeld highlighted the autonomy enjoyed by stand-up comedians compared to scripted television, where jokes often undergo extensive revisions and scrutiny. He noted that stand-up comedians are held accountable directly by their audience, allowing for instant adjustments.

When questioned about his Seinfeld co-creator Larry David and his show ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’, Seinfeld suggested that David's status as a veteran of the industry afforded him more leeway in navigating comedic boundaries.

Reflecting on an episode of Seinfeld involving a storyline about homeless people pulling rickshaws, Seinfeld acknowledged that such humour might not be well-received today. He emphasized the need for comedians to adapt and find new ways to be funny while navigating sensitive topics.

Looking ahead, Seinfeld pondered the future of comedy in light of these challenges, noting a decline in the production of sitcoms across major networks. He questioned whether comedians should continue pushing boundaries at the risk of controversy or opt for safer, less comedic content.

– Farheen Ali