Renowned comedian Jerry Seinfeld expressed his frustration with what he termed the “extreme Left” and political correctness (PC) during an interview with The New Yorker, published on Friday.
Appearing on David Remnick’s “The New Yorker Radio Hour,” Seinfeld discussed his experiences in the entertainment industry and his upcoming movie, “Unfrosted,” loosely based on the creation of Pop-Tarts toaster pastries. When asked about the impact of societal issues on his comedy, Seinfeld dismissed the notion, stating, “Nothing really affects comedy. People always need it, they need it so badly and they don’t get it.”
He lamented the absence of traditional comedy shows on television, attributing it to concerns about offending others and excessive PC culture. Seinfeld criticized the script-writing process, noting the interference of committees and groups, which he believes stifles comedic creativity.
Remnick pressed Seinfeld for examples from his sitcom in the 90s, suggesting that shows like “Curb Your Enthusiasm” still push boundaries. Seinfeld argued that Larry David, the creator of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” was exempt from contemporary restrictions due to his longstanding career. He highlighted the challenges of airing certain episodes from his own show in today’s climate, citing a storyline involving homeless individuals pulling rickshaws.
Seinfeld emphasized the importance of adaptability in navigating changing comedic norms, asserting that stand-up comedians have more freedom than those working in television or film.
In a separate interview with GQ, Seinfeld jokingly remarked on the state of the movie industry, suggesting that modern films are characterized by themes of “depression” and “malaise.”
“Unfrosted,” Seinfeld’s upcoming feature film, is set to premiere on Netflix on May 3, 2024.
