Writing a Sitcom Script: Analyzing Seinfeld Scripts [FREE PDF]

SEINFELD SITCOM SCRIPTS PDF

What makes Seinfeld scripts timeless?

How do you make a timeless sitcom? Most of it starts with having a killer script. Some of the most successful shows in history used a multi-camera format, recorded in front of a “live television audience”.

In 1989, something very significant happened in the sitcom world.

This was the philosophy behind arguably the greatest show of all time, Seinfeld. 

Every working writer in Hollywood wants to create a show that runs for nine seasons, and 180 episodes. Building a net-worth of $870,000,000 isn’t too bad either.

Writing a sitcom that has this kind undeniable power has only been done a handful of times, which is why we set out to understand how Seinfeld connected with the viewer.

We’re going to take you through the science and structure behind Seinfeld scripts.

SEINFELD SCRIPTS

The Seinfeld script formula

What makes Seinfeld so unique as a show is that it has no real interest in change. This is somewhat common with sitcoms, but they took it to a whole new level that has since been replicated again and again. 

One of the first lessons a screenwriter will learn is that their characters need to go through significant change, so that the viewer can go on an emotional journey with the characters in the script.

But “in a world” of tired tropes and formulas, stand-up comic Jerry Seinfeld and writer-producer Larry David created the ultimate show about nothing

The Seinfeld writers had very little interest in moral behavior, but are completely focused on the group's depraved version of ethics.

That isn’t to say Seinfeld doesn’t have a formula, but the entire sitcom is built around resistance.

Resistance against the formulas that govern so many other shows.

THE SEINFELD SCRIPT FORMULA

1. Identify and label the problem.
2. Try to outsmart the problem.
3. The problem outsmarts you.

Jerry is the hero.

Well, not a hero exactly, but the show is named after him, and the Seinfeld sitcom formula is mainly interested in Jerry’s arc throughout the episode. The is what the Seinfeld writers focused on. 

There may be two or three different subplots in each episode, but they are just funny ideas that work — and their place in the Seinfeld script formula is far less rigid.

Let's see what Seinfeld writer Peter Mehlman has to say:

This statement shows that Seinfeld and David are not about forcing an agenda, but rather allowing the organic convergence of funny ideas. 

Sometimes it works better than others, but the jokes and the situations in the script are always funny, and often still hold up today.

Seinfeld CAST

The Seinfeld characters

Seinfeld characters each have their own unique ways of attacking problems in the script, so let's take a look:

SEINFELD SITCOM SCRIPTs: Act I

Act I (Pages 1 to 7)

We’re going to take you through the anatomy of the classic Seinfeld script "The Switch," and show you the formula in action.

Cold open

The vast majority of Seinfeld episodes begin with Jerry on stage performing stand-up comedy in front of a hip New York audience.

These openings can act as a quick little preview of the upcoming plot, or simply provide a joke that is related to some essential part of the episode. This only takes half a page, and is a great way to get laughs while keeping a nice pace.

The routine above tells us that the episode has to do with Tennis. This opening isn’t particularly prescient, but it is relevant enough to transition us to the first scene, which takes place in...

A tennis pro-shop.

INTRODUCE THE MAIN "PROBLEM"

The writers always label a problem for the main characters to “solve”.

In this episode, Jerry tells a funny joke, but his new “love interest” just nods. Elaine points out to Jerry, “Have you noticed she never laughs?”

Now we have established Jerry’s problem (the main problem):

Jerry is dating a “non-laugher”, which is ironic because he is a comedian.

SUBPLOT A "PROBLEM"

Seinfeld often has problems that involved Jerry’s friends. We call these subplots

For Subplot A: While at the tennis club, Elaine tells Jerry she needs to retrieve a tennis racket for her boss, which she then politely lends to a possible future-employer. 

Elaine makes the selfish decision to gamble with something that doesn’t belong to her, all in an effort to ingratiate herself with a more favorable employer.

SUBPLOT B "PROBLEM"

George and Kramer walk down the street, and discuss how George’s new fashion model girlfriend may be bulimic. 

Remember: These subplots have the ability to connect to the main story, and go though a similar arc, but the formula at work only needs to work with Jerry. He is our hero.

TRY AND FAIL

You need Jerry to Try and Fail before you can end Act I.

This first attempt is pretty low-stakes, and often is just a confirmation of suspicion rather than an actual remedy. This is where we get to see his selfish nature churn.

Jerry has no intention of asking her if she finds him funny. He has no interest in hashing out this problem in a mature manner. He just wants to confirm his suspicions.

In this episode, George has a very similar experience with his issue. Meanwhile Elaine attempts to get the tennis racquet back, but is too polite to retrieve it.

Each subplot has its own unique try and fail, but their place within the act structure isn’t as precise as it is with Jerry’s plot - the main plot.

COMMERCIAL BREAK #1

Seinfeld understands that no matter what, you need to cut to commercial with a big piece of information, and hopefully a big laugh.

In this episode, they cut to commercial after learning that Kramer’s first name is...

Cosmo.

It doesn’t need to fit into some little formulaic box beyond basic satisfaction. Just make us laugh, and make us come back for Act II.

If you can bring the joke back later... even better.

Seinfeld SITCOM Script: Act II

Act II (Page 8 to 15)

REMIND THE VIEWER

Seinfeld scripts do a great job of resetting the stage for the viewer, and reminding us of the problem Jerry faces. They would quickly explain where we were, how we got there, and where to go from here.

At this point in a Seinfeld script, we're reminded of Jerry’s problem, and all the separate problems in the various subplots.

At this point in "The Switch," George enters the apartment and publicly declares that he “heard a noise”. 

This is in reference to his girlfriend forcibly “refunding” in the ladies restroom.

THROW A WRENCH IN THE GEARS

In the middle section of the show, something will be introduced that ultimately derails the situation, and changes our view moving forward. 

In this episode, Jerry goes to pick up his love interest at her apartment, but is met by her ATTRACTIVE ROOMMATE only to find...

She has a great laugh!

Now we have a new development that has changed the landscape of the episode.

This is very similar to the South Park Formula:

This happens, but then this happens, therefore this happens.

It isn’t enough to string events together. There needs to be a causal relationship that breeds conflict, even if it is a simple as doubt or desire.

The subplots at this point are separate, and each character is off dealing with them in their own unique way. We don’t get bored or bogged down by a singular story or tone.

George is still cynical. Elaine is still too polite. Both are still funny.

FORM A NEW PLAN

Jerry has tried and failed once (testing the non-laugher) but now it is time to try again, and this time you need to raise the stakes. His selfish nature needs to stretch its legs, and the group needs to begin to gamble on something.

This is where our episode title, The Switch, comes into play:

Jerry and George spend the rest of Act II figuring out a way for Jerry to switch from his current love interest, to her roommate without incident.

It’s a selfish gamble, and if it pays off, it will allow Jerry to date without inconvenience.

COMMERCIAL BREAK #2

They follow the formula by cutting to commercial break with this moment:

As you can see, this is a big reveal, and it’s a really, really funny moment.

SEINFELD Sitcom SCRIPT: ACT III

Act III (Page 16 to 22)

FINAL PREPARATION

This is similar to the Remind the Viewer section of Act II, because we’ve come back from another commercial, and we need to remind our viewers of the old problems as well as the new developments.

In this episode, the writers have Jerry and George unfold their big plan:

They have set the stage for Jerry to gamble.

We know that what he really wants is to date the other roommate, and that is the goal.

Watch Seinfeld. You’ll will see that their goals are rarely achieved. It doesn't need to fit into a tiny box, or have a moral lesson...

It just needs to be funny.

LAST ATTEMPT

This is where Jerry attempts his final plan. This has to blow up in his face in some way, but that doesn’t always have to be a negative result; just a funny surprise.

The Switch:

COME FULL CIRCLE

How the show cleverly wraps up all of the seemingly unconnected stories into one big narrative is often what many people say is their favorite aspect of Seinfeld.

This is less scientific than many think, and much of this is nothing more than efficient television writing.

The characters often meet back at Jerry’s place to debrief.

They each discuss how their unique attempts to solve their problems have gotten the better of them. A subplot will connect with another, and then each will come to some form of resolution, staggered, like race cars crossing a finish line.

In The Switch, Jerry explains his attempt to trade roommates, but this has no bearing on George’s problem, or Elaine’s, or even Kramer’s.

The connecting stories are all subplots in this episode.

George tasks Babs (Kramer’s restroom-matron mother) to confirm his suspicions that his girlfriend is bulimic, but she quits (on behalf of Kramer’s request) without telling George, therefore setting him up for a humiliating public failure.

Elaine needs a stand-in tennis racquet for her boss, and Newman (Jerry’s neighbor) owns the same model racquet, which is somewhere in his apartment.

Kramer offers to let Elaine borrow the racquet...

As the group enter Newman’s apartment, this happens:

FINAL THOUGHTS on Seinfeld Scripts

Less is more in a sitcom script

Seinfeld scripts don't need to constantly raise the stakes. Often the show lowers the stakes. The smaller the problem, the better. 

Because there is no need to make a big statement beyond what's funny, and if it isn't funny, it doesn't make it in the show (hopefully).

Many other shows focus on being bigger, louder, and more severe.

Bigger stakes, more characters, more to be learned, more to be changed.

Seinfeld deals with less.

Fewer characters, smaller stakes, trivial pursuits.

The best golfer is often the person with the fewest clubs in their bag.

So it goes for sitcom scripts.