Exploring Seinfeld Through an Economic Perspective: Planet Money : NPR

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Seinfeld cast (Photo by David Turnley/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images)

Photo credit: David Turnley/Corbis/VCG, Getty Images

The ’90s sitcom Seinfeld is often referred to as “the one show that does nothing.” Praised for its sharp observational humor, the witty series focused on four down-on-their-luck New Yorkers as they dealt with work, relationships… and so much more.

Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer are very different from the characters in the show, e.g. Friends or cheersthe exact opposite of the characters that audiences usually root for. These four New Yorkers are overly analytical, calculating, and most of all, selfish.

In other words, they have all the makings of a fascinating case study in economics.

Economics professors Linda Ghent and Alan Grant even wrote a book on the subject. Seinfeld and Economics. This book introduces readers to the economic principles, economic utility, game theory and other ideas that run throughout the play, as well as the best way to allocate resources when resources are scarce.

On today’s show, we point out that Seinfeld isn’t essentially a show about nothing, it’s a show about economics. And understanding Seinfeld can change your understanding of economics itself.

This episode was produced by Alyssa Jeong Perry, with assistance from Emma Peaslee. Keith Romer edited it. Robert Rodriguez mastered it, and Sierra Juarez fact-checked it. Jess Jiang is our acting executive producer.