One of the most brilliant things about Seinfeld that changed sitcoms forever was its willingness to feature main characters who were actually terrible people. The four friends at the center of the show were guilty of a lot of bad behavior, including the star of the show Jerry Seinfeld.
However, even though Jerry was not always a nice guy, he does inspire some sympathy from time to time. On the other hand, sometimes he does things that feel pretty unforgivable and cement his reputation as a bad person. Here are some moments we felt bad for Jerry on Seinfeld and some of the times we hated him.
Felt Bad: Losing His Sitcom
Jerry always seemed to be a successful comedian on the show, but he had trouble reaching that next level of success. That opportunity finally came when he was offered his own sitcom on NBC. Jerry was even kind enough to bring George along with him to create the show.
After a bit of a bumpy ride, the show's pilot finally makes it to the air which is a big triumph for Jerry. But just as he is celebrating, he gets a call from the new president of NBC who abruptly cancels the show.
Hated Him: Digging Up A Dead Parrot
Jerry isn't much of a people person so it's perhaps understandable that he fails to recognize a man who lives in his building and refuses to let him in. As it turns out, the man lives just down the hall from Jerry which is much worse. But it manages to get a lot worse from there.
After a series of unfortunate events, Kramer's key to a lockbox is eaten by the neighbor's parrot and it dies. Wanting to retrieve his cufflinks from the lockbox, Jerry decides to dig up the dead parrot and cut it open to get the key.
Felt Bad: Abandoned By His Friends
Jerry and his friends do not treat each other especially well, but they also don't seem to have any other friends, so they stick together. Jerry is usually the leader of the group so it's a bit surprising that his friends all abandon him at one point.
Kramer is pretending to be working in an office, George has maneuvered his way into high society, and Elaine has met a more enlightened group of friends. Jerry is left all alone with no one to hang out with. It's a sad and lonely moment for the funny man.
Hated Him: Taking Back His Proposal
The show managed to avoid a lot of the trappings of a usual sitcom, including romances between the main characters. Though Jerry and Elaine shared a romantic past, the show keeps them as friends and even teases them becoming a couple numerous times only to immediately take it back.
When Jerry unexpectedly connects to his emotional side, he decides to propose to Elaine who is shocked by the gesture. But when she eventually comes around on the idea and agrees, Jerry is back to his old mean self and simply responds "You know, I don't see it happening."
Felt Bad: Getting Bumped From Career Day
Life is tough as a comedian. There is a lot of pressure to make people laugh every time you get on stage. The idea of bombing is terrifying enough, but the idea of getting bumped for a better act is even worse.
Unfortunately, this happens to Jerry as he visits his old school for Career Day. Thinking he will impress the youngsters with his fancy show business career, he is instead bumped for a guy who feeds bugs to lizards. It proves to be a career setback for him and even costs him a spot on David Letterman's show.
Hated Him: Mocking The Mugging Victim
The finale of Seinfeld remains a controversial one, but it does make sense that the four main characters' downfall comes from their own indifference. It is a moment that perfectly embodies how Jerry views the world and its people.
While visiting a small town, the four friends see an overweight man being mugged. Instead of helping out in any way, they decide to mock him and his misfortune. It is such a heartless act that is not too surprising coming from these people.
Felt Bad: Trying To Buy His Dad A Car
Jerry might not be a good friend or a good boyfriend, but he does seem to be a good son. When his parents come to town, he has them stay with him and takes them out on the town. But he really went above a beyond when Jerry decided to buy his dad a Cadillac.
Unfortunately, while trying to make the car a surprise, Jerry runs into a lot of complications. In the end, the Cadillac ends up in a swamp and one of Jerry's few selfless ideas turns into a total disaster.
Hated Him: Mugging Old Lady
Sometimes Jerry can be the most logical out of all his friends and sometimes he goes along with the insanity just like the rest of them. He finds himself pulled into bizarre schemes that tend to bring out the worst in him.
While trying to replace a loaf of bread in his in-laws' house, George asks Jerry to pick one up from the bakery. When they are sold out, Jerry decides to rob an old lady who bought the last one and even calls her an "old bag".
Felt Bad: Getting Dragged By A Car
While some of the antics he's involved in are his own fault, Jerry also has the bad luck of being associated with some unusual characters. After a brief health scare, Jerry's parents get him lessons with an old fitness pro. And he certainly is old.
The man's techniques are as ancient as he is including tying Jerry to his car and having him run behind him. After a mishap, the car speeds away, dragging Jerry behind him. Despite his many misdeeds, that's a harsh punishment.
Hated Him: Drugging Girlfriend
Jerry's immaturity and love of toys might be endearing at times, but it can also spill over into an unhealthy obsession. When dating a new girlfriend, he discovers that she has a massive toy collection, but she won't let him play with it.
Not satisfied to leave the issue alone, Jerry drugs the woman so she passes out and he can play all he wants with the toys. He even begins bringing his friends over to play after she passes out.