Seinfeld, is arguably the best sitcom of all-time. It was consistently good and funny for all nine seasons it was on the air. Despite that, there are still a few episodes, that are just bad.
Let’s get this out of the way though. “The Finale” isn’t on this list. While a disappointing ending at the time, over the years it’s become clear that it was a fitting end for the characters. And in this binge era, the return of old acquaintances whose lives the Gang ruined is now funnier and easier to follow.
5. Season 3, Episode 4 “the Dog”
The Gang getting into odd circumstances and being inconvenienced is a major part of Seinfeld, but the setup for this one is just too much of a stretch. Jerry is being driven crazy by a dog he has to take care off, just because he sat next to the pet owner’s on plane ride? Sure the owner had a medical emergency, but surely airlines don’t just assign pets to random passengers?
4. Season 9, Episode 8 “the Betrayal”
At the time the gimmick of the whole episode being run backward felt novel. But that’s old hat now, and there are many jokes that are just lazily using the concept of reverse storytelling. And as awful a group of friends as this group is, having Jerry sleep with George’s CURRENT girlfriend is just an unforgivable offense that’s never brought up again after this episode.
3. Season 9, Episode 1 “The Butter Shave”
As ridiculous as Seinfeld could get it was based in reality. Newman imagining Kramer as a giant chicken and wanting to eat him because he was using butter to shave is far too cartoony.
2. Season 9, Episode 21 “The Chronicle”
The second, that’s right second clip show episode in the Seinfeld run. This one at least did some interesting things with editing and giving themes to the clips.
1. Season 6, Episode 14 “Highlights of a Hundred”
The first clip show ran for the 100th episode. It’s just a clip show.