Seinfeld remains one of the most treasured, highest-rated sitcoms of all time. It transcended expectations of the genre with sharp, clever writing about the painstaking minutiae of life. So much so, that even its relationship humor is memorable. The show is sustained by its perfect cast and Larry David’s equally crucial genius, resulting in iconic pop culture. Even those unfamiliar can recognize Elaine’s dance, and probably even the Soup Nazi.

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But the established fandom itself is often quite vehement and proud, even touring New York for Seinfeld alone. The series simply had the comedic, witty clout for such an impact. So, here’s how IMDb users ranked the momentous premieres, resolving ties by vote count.

Season 1: Pilot (Good News, Bad News) - 7.6

An image of George and Jerry standing together in Seinfeld

Like many shows, it often takes a sophomore outing to really find a solid footing. The first season is unusually short, certainly for a sitcom. Although, AMC later borrowed the taste-test formula for hits like Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead. Either way, the characters hadn’t yet become cemented as the sitcom staples we know today. And naturally, other core ingredients are simply missing. Thus, the pilot ends up lowest on the list.

However, it establishes many sensibilities that would define subsequent seasons throughout the full run. Jerry’s observational stand-up is superb, delivering on the meta conceit that Jerry’s life inspires his comedy. But most importantly, the pilot draws out the concerns of troublesome social norms, with a conversational attitude. Ultimately, it feels more like a sharply written play than a typical sitcom. The trivial had never been so hilarious.

Season 2: The Ex-Girlfriend - 7.7

marlene on seinfeld

Coming off the divisive inaugural season, this episode effortlessly tidies up the character definition and chemistry. It is clear they’ve been further refined, and their conflicts of social rules are deftly handled. George and Jerry spend an entire episode concerned with breaking off a relationship, only for Marlene to turn the tables.

Her character enables the writing to reimagine genuine intrigue into everyday problems, from neverending phone calls to obligatory declarations of love. Meanwhile, Kramer’s love of fruit comes up, and his friendship with Jerry is better illustrated. And Elaine feels more like one of the gang than ever, even with such a small aside about losing neighborly pleasantries.

Season 6: The Chaperone - 8.1

By this point, there was a dramatic shift in tone, although the middle seasons are often considered the crowning achievement. This episode really leans into the unexpected, wacky antics, practically across the board. Somehow, George ends up with the most plausible storyline, and any social commentary is hardly incorporated here. Still, the entire business with the Miss America contestant works out, enabling Kramer’s funniest tendencies. His strange devotions are so adamant, intense. And Elaine’s escalating job with Mr. Pitt is fantastic, paying off the initially promising job prospect.

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It was always plenty of fun to swap Elaine’s success with George. Ultimately, it’s an episode with some playful surprises—just bizarre enough to tickle, without compromising plausibility altogether.

Season 8: The Foundation - 8.3

Following perhaps one of the most unexpected deaths in a sitcom, George’s awkward lack of care is disturbing. But it also offers up copious opportunities for comedy and discusses the appeal of storied commitment. George’s confrontations with Susan’s parents are especially unsettling and amusing. Meanwhile, Elaine’s new position at the company really allows Julia Louis-Dreyfus to wield yet another facet of comedic brilliance.

She slips into unfettered confidence with ease, though she more genuinely fits the role in subsequent episodes. The only truly silly plot is Kramer’s martial arts class with children. If Michael Richards didn’t already feel like a big kid, and craft such an unusual character, the implausibility would be crushing. Still, the story does fit snugly because of Kramer’s newfound philosophies.

Season 4: The Trip: Part 1 - 8.3

This season begins with a bold new two-parter, which greatly reimagines the overall attitude of the series. Here, the show began to connect its episodes far more frequently, and entertain more outlandish ideas. Arguably, one of the main reasons episodes like “The Bubble Boy” are so remembered from this season, is the contrast of plausibility. The grounded foundation of the show ultimately allowed such oddities to stand out, pardoning them even later on.

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This foray into Los Angeles proves to be surprisingly effective. The cheesy detective is nigh unbearable, and Kramer’s stint in show business makes for knowing comedy. The self-aware humor throughout really ties into the spirit of the show. Best of all, Jerry and George are playing some riff on Planes, Trains & Automobiles.

Season 3: The Note - 8.3

Jerry’s provocative small talk feels like unvarnished Larry David and consequently delivers the laughs through unabashedly morose observations. It’s a great setup for the episode, which mostly revolves around physical therapy. Jerry’s suspicious masseuse really invokes the realism of Seinfeld’s earlier seasons, where such discussion might actually alarm people. Kramer’s storyline isn’t especially interesting this time around, but George’s is an absolute highlight of the show.

His uncomfortable struggle with sexuality delivers from beginning to end. Jason Alexander plays every scenario perfectly, particularly during the massage itself. His discomfort radiates from the screen, and the ensuing doubt is invoked by very clever situations.

Season 9: The Butter Shave - 8.6

It’s telling of the audience, and their times, how highly rated this utterly ludicrous episode became. The ninth season was always a lighthearted surplus, badly missing Larry David, yet intentionally disregarding verisimilitude altogether. Yet the deliberately playful purpose of these episodes really delivered for longtime fans, allowing familiar characters to let loose. The season begins with mustached characters, perhaps a winking Star Trek reference that promises the show will be behaving quite differently onward.

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Newman wants to eat Kramer, and the turkey-image of the latter is forever ingrained in fans’ minds. George misuses an assumption of handicap, and Elaine’s yo-yo relationship with Puddy is always entertaining. Goofy across the board, the only necessity is acquiring the correct mindset to enjoy this season.

Season 7: The Engagement - 8.7

Heidi Swedberg as Susan Ross on Seinfeld

This superior episode is a perfect introduction to the season, quickly indulging a smart, self-aware turn for Jerry and George. The episode outright recognizes just how often the protagonists get hung up and undone by the entertaining minutiae itself. The “deal” opens up an entirely new horizon, pairing George with Susan for the longest-running relationship on the show. After Jerry goes back on the commitment, George’s is perfectly positioned for prime comedy gold.

The ramifications of his evolved relationship invoke loads of unprecedented material. And Elaine’s trouble with a neighbor’s dog is a grounded conceit, smartly contrasted with the outlandish inclusion of Newman’s “services”. Any opportunity to wield Wayne Knight is always welcome.

Season 5: The Mango - 8.7

This stunning premiere gets away with the brazen approach to sexuality through intelligent comedy. Sheer boldness wouldn’t be enough—if the jokes weren’t so slick, the frankness could feel like a gimmick. Kramer’s interest in fruit returns in the background, ultimately tying in for one of the strangest, funniest twists of the show. Jerry’s past relationship with Elaine has never been so useful for the comedy. Jerry invited Elaine’s wrath when he prods her with a crude illustration of her typical date.

And the ensuing friction between them is absolutely palpable since the cast is so well glued by this point. Elaine’s sincere upper hand results in a magnetic performance, and Jerry’s frustrated determination is a realistic, hilarious concern. This premiere absolutely deserves its ranking and its place in sitcom history.

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