Jerry Seinfeld Criticizes “Extreme Left and P.C. Crap” Impact on Comedy
In a recent interview with The New Yorker while promoting his new Netflix comedy film Unfrosted, Jerry Seinfeld shared his views on the state of comedy, particularly on television, and criticized what he perceives as the negative influence of the “extreme left and P.C. crap.”
Seinfeld acknowledged the enduring need for humor in people’s lives but lamented the decline of comedy on TV. He reminisced about the days when popular sitcoms like Cheers, MASH, Mary Tyler Moore, and All in the Family provided reliable sources of laughter for viewers. According to Seinfeld, the scarcity of such content today is a result of concerns about political correctness and the fear of offending others.
Despite his criticism of TV comedy, Seinfeld expressed confidence in standup comedy, noting that comedians are accountable to their audience rather than external censorship. He also commented on the longevity of Curb Your Enthusiasm, suggesting that its continued success may be due to being “grandfathered in” and exempt from certain rules.
Seinfeld’s remarks come amidst a notable absence of new sitcoms on major broadcast networks, although the evolving landscape of television and streaming platforms may also contribute to this trend.
Unfrosted, Seinfeld’s feature directorial debut, premieres on Netflix on May 3. While addressing the changing dynamics of comedy, one wonders how these sentiments will impact the reception of his film.
In a lighthearted promo with documentarian Ken Burns, Seinfeld humorously pitched the idea of a film about his film, showcasing his trademark wit and comedic timing.