Jews offended by the popular Jewish comedian?
OK then.

Well, it's the stereotypical neurotic NY-Jew bit that pisses them off. They don't really need to celebrate every Jew in showbusiness, do they?

I find him to be un-stereotypical, but that's me.
And no, I don't think that Jewish people need to celebrate every Jewish person in show business. I mean, that is a lot of celebrating.

Yeah, no one should get to over analytical over this show. It's just 4 friends who sit in an apartment whining about the silly little minutiae that happens in everyday life.

"'Cuz all you see on TV now a days are 4 morons sitting around an apartment whining about their dates."
-George Costanza

I think you mean 'analytical' and 'minutiae'.

Otherwise, a fair point, I just don't get the humour at all. It is quite striking how it is so very, very popular in the States but I don't know anyone who likes it from anywhere else.

That is an odd one. I don't know why that is either

(I'll go edit right now, Thanks Glice)

I'm not non-American, but I'll throw my two cents in anyhow.

You have to find Seinfeld appealing because it throws into relief every minute facet of human interrelation. Even if you hadn't realized it before, you watch the seemingly obsessive, neurotic dilemmas of the characters in Seinfeld, and can completely identify. Their fixation on everyday etiquette and character traits is amusing because they're so banal and trivial. Who can't sympathize with Jerry's irritation with people who stand too close to you while talking, or his inner turmoil over toothbrush hygiene?

I don't know why Jews would be offended - while there are certainly Jewish references in the show, it's never a focal point. These neuroses are totally universal.

And, at least with the people I know, Seinfeld has quite a few UK fans. We used to watch it on Sky over there practically religiously.

Glice, I think you might just be weird.

*Edit: I shouldn't say "over there" - I mean specifically, Ireland. But I think Sky has the same programming there as well, does it not?

Yeah, it's not smart and sophisticated like Benny Hill, but we have to do what we can!

A lot of Americans don't get the humor of Black Adder, but they're just morons.

Which is not to say you are a moron, Glice. I'm just drawing a half-assed comparison that, upon reflection, even I don't entirely get.

I think the Jews are offended because Jerry hardly ever show's his religious background. & we all know how seriously the Jewish people take their religion.

Oh, come on, you can't just pick Benny Hill out of a hat and expect that to be a decent riposte. That's just being deliberately shit. FACT: both America and the UK have produced a tonne of shit - for every Simpsons/ Father Ted there's a million shit, made-to-order cable comedies. I'm just saying that Seinfeld doesn't make any sense to me. Perhaps I'm being awkward, but I have honestly never met another person, other than Americans, who wasn't entirely perplexed by its State-side success. And I would like to withdraw my Jewish comments, they're not really what I'm talking about.

I was only ribbing you about Benny Hill. Easy target, like about a million USA shows.
99% of all TV comedy from everywhere is godawful.

Withdrawal.....Granted.

I love Seinfeld.

I had to say that.

So, TheDom, Hows Del Boka Vista treating you these days? You like the people your around? 'Cuz Jerry sure doesn't.

i side somewhere between glice & the jews on the sinefield issue, i find that program to be offensively rubbish. i even have an american housemate who loves the program and she has been unable to sway my distaste for the abberation of comedy that is J. Sinefield.

I think there are two passions that unite all Americans
1. a love hanging the Stars and Stripes from your porch
2. a love of J. Sinefield

I have a porch, and have never owned or flown the flag off it in my whole damn life.

Can't say the same for some of my neighbors though.

I never thought Seinfeld was funny, the characters are so obnoxious. And I'm an American Jew, despite living in Ireland right now. Maybe it's because I didn't go to the northeast coast at all until I was 18, so I just couldn't relate to the lifestyle. So if any non-american doesn't think it's funny--you're not alone. That being said: late-nights in diners, hiking, reading, concerts, and roadtrips.

Ahd how do you find the old country, sher?

that doesn't mean you wouldn't love to fly the stars and stripes off it though, it just means you're lazy.