“Seinfeld” had an 8.0 rating in its debut rating — making it the 14th highest-rated show of summer 1989. Today that rating would be enough to tie “Sunday Night Football” as the top show on TV.
George Bush — the first one — was the president when “Seinfeld” debuted. Another Bush served two “Seinfeld”-free terms and another is mulling a run in 2016.
One of the most famous “Seinfeld” episodes was called “The Contest.” In 1989, contests like the one on the show were easy because pictures of naked people were not a click away. Today, they are.
Handsome young actor Bryan Cranston appeared on “Seinfeld” as a dentist who converts to Judaism. Now he’s known for winning Emmys as a teacher who converts to meth-making.
In 1989, the average U.S. home had 27 channels. It has about five times as many now, including one dedicated wholly to golf.
Paula Abdul was the straight-up top musical act of 1989. As a judge on “American Idol,” she helped make Fox the top-rated network for nearly a decade.
If you missed “Seinfeld” in 1989, and forgot to set your VCR, tough. Today you can watch shows on your phone, tablet, and — pretty soon — your silly glasses.
On “Seinfeld,” Julia Louis-Dreyfus played a women whose worries mostly involved takeout delivery. Today she plays the president of the United States.
Jerry Seinfeld can do pretty much whatever he wants now, including playing a jerky version of himself on his friend Louis C.K.’s “Louie”
In 1989, “America’s Most Wanted” with John Walsh was the first show by the new Fox network to win a time period. Today Fox is in a close rivalry with the former Big 3 networks and Walsh has a new show on CNN.
In 1989, Jack Nicholson played The Joker in the original “Batman.” Two decades later, Heath Ledger offered a very different take on the role. Fox’s upcoming “Gotham” will offer another fresh take.
“Seinfeld” co-creator was a largely unknown comedian’s comedian in 1989. Today he is the star of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and a fazillionaire.
Everyone still loves diners.
