Although I may not be from the same era as “Seinfeld,” there was no way to escape its constant weeknight re-run marathons. Even as a 10-year-old, the wit of convulsive dinner party dancing and the gentleman’s puffy-sleeved blouse taught me the idiosyncrasies of good humor writing. How could I forget those ruby pantsuits, denim slacks and crazy-eyed tenants that would, much like in the dorms, bust neighbors’ doors open without even knocking?
Therefore, when I stumbled across a New York Times article on series co-creator Jerry Seinfeld, I couldn’t help but be interested in the writer, actor and comedian’s newest endeavor.
“Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee,” a commercial-free online show created and hosted by Seinfeld himself, is as simple as its title suggests. In its second season, according to the New York Times, the suspected 24 webisodes are unscripted, and at times seemingly unedited.
Each of the series’ 15-minute episodes gives viewers a taste of comedians ranging from recent RIT guest Alec Baldwin to three-time Golden Globe host Ricky Gervais. Shown in an obscure NYC café booth, their interactions with Seinfeld and true personalities are both inviting and charismatic.
“Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” exposes the natural jocularity that radiates from the professional “funny talkers.” From the way Carl Weiner asks for his bacon extra-crispy to Michael Richard’s obsession with challenging the homeless to chess matches, the show is better seen than told. It makes you laugh, keeps your interest and drives you to think.
However down-to-earth the comedians come off, nothing is more obvious than Seinfeld’s somewhat flamboyantly showcased wealth. It was apparent that both he and his comedic constituents were by no means facing hard times. Congrats, gentlemen, on reaching stardom, driving Porsches, and parking your cars in garages as big as my house — just don’t flaunt it as explicitly as you do here. It creates a stilt between you and viewers.
With the ramming engine of a Rolls Royce and a cup of fresh-brewed coffee, Seinfeld’s newest endeavor reveals the natural talents possessed by comedians both young and old. Yet the show doesn’t fail to unmask the true ingenious ability that Seinfeld himself has for creating entertainment with value.
Despite his oblivious tendencies to forget the common man, one thing is for sure: Seinfeld’s artistic potential continues to expand. Whether chatting it up with Larry David under the hatch of an old Volkswagen bug or beneath the New York City skyline, he continues to make a name for himself.
Check out “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” online at http://comediansincarsgettingcoffee.com.
