Comedian Jerry Seinfeld has publicly credited the late director and actor Rob Reiner with being the pivotal force that saved the iconic television sitcom 'Seinfeld' from an early cancellation. The heartfelt tribute came following the tragic news of Reiner and his wife Michele being found deceased in their home.
A Career-Defining Intervention
In an Instagram post featuring a photo with Reiner and his father, legendary comedian Carl Reiner, Seinfeld expressed profound gratitude. He stated that Rob Reiner had the third-largest influence on his career, right after co-creator Larry David and talent manager George Shapiro. Seinfeld emphasized that the show, which aired from 1989 to 1998 and catapulted him to fame, would have never happened without Reiner's intervention.
"He saw something no one else could," Seinfeld wrote. "When nobody at the network liked the early episodes, he saved us from cancellation." Seinfeld also reflected on the personal significance, calling Reiner one of the kindest people in show business and admitting his own naivety at the time about how much Reiner's passion meant for the show's survival.
The Fight to Keep 'The Seinfeld Chronicles' on Air
Rob Reiner, who co-founded the Castle Rock production company that produced 'Seinfeld', had previously detailed the battle to save the show. In a 2016 interview with Howard Stern, Reiner recalled pleading with then-NBC executive Brandon Tartikoff. Network executives were baffled by the show's premise, famously complaining, "What is this show? It's just people sitting around talking."
Despite the criticism, Reiner was convinced of its potential. "I had a screaming, crazy thing with Brandon Tartikoff at the time and I begged him," Reiner told Stern. "I said, 'Please, I promise you there'll be stories. You can't take this show off the air. It's going to be one of the great shows you've ever had.'" His advocacy came just weeks before the premiere of his own classic romantic comedy, 'When Harry Met Sally'.
A Prophetic Vision and a Lasting Legacy
Reiner's faith in the series proved prophetic. 'Seinfeld' went on to become the defining comedy of the 1990s, earning 68 Emmy nominations and winning 10 awards. It cemented its place in television history and popular culture. In his tribute, Seinfeld also highlighted the personal example set by Rob and Michele Reiner, who married as 'Seinfeld' was launching. He described them as an imprint for how a relationship should work, "each one broadening the other."
Seinfeld concluded his homage on a somber note, reflecting on the couple's profound bond: "Their death, together, is impossibly sad." The story underscores how a single advocate's belief can alter the course of entertainment history, saving a show that seemed destined for the dustbin and allowing it to become a global phenomenon.
