Why Jerry Seinfeld Still Believes He Ended Seinfeld At The Perfect Time

Jerry Jerry Seinfeld Seinfeld NBC

Jerry Seinfeld wanted to end Seinfeld while it was still on top, and to this day he has never publicly admitted any regrets about doing so. The comedian recently reaffirmed his stance on ending the series, despite the fact that NBC was willing to offer him an unprecedented $5 million an episode for just one more season. Here's what Seinfeld has to say about his decision:

It was the perfect moment, and the proof that it was the right moment is the number of questions you're still asking me about it. The most important word in art is 'proportion.' How much? How long is this joke going to be? How many words? How many minutes? And getting that right is what makes it art or what makes it mediocre.

Jerry Seinfeld said he's still happy with his decision to end Seinfeld, despite the fact he turned down a potential $100 million plus for another. For Seinfeld, it doesn't seem as though it was ever about the money, and luckily, he's not missing that money at the age of 64. The comedian explained that time has only solidified his decision, as the show's continued relevance and near-universal acclaim in pop culture continue to prove he made the right call.

Jerry Seinfeld's recent answer is a bit different than past responses regarding why he left Seinfeld, which he has equated at times to something one may only understand if they're in show business. Although the public wanted more, he walked away and has shrugged off any honest attempts at a Seinfeld reunion ever since. It may have sounded crazy at the time, but the fact that the comedian is fielding questions from The New York Times about the show and hosting a successful Netflix series rooted in his passion over 20 years later shows he knew what he was talking about.

Still, fans have to wonder if one more season of Seinfeld would've really affected the overall legacy of the sitcom all that much. After all, it was a "show about nothing," and it's hard to believe Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld didn't have at least 20 or so more ideas up their sleeve for potential episodes. Whether or not they did didn't matter much to Seinfeld apparently, and this latest statement makes us feel more certain those ideas will never see the light of day unless they appear on some sort of Seinfeld revival, reunion, or reboot. Maybe Seinfeld could at least return to Curb Your Enthusiasm will his former costars!

Seinfeld fans can find the program airing frequently on TBS, as well as on-demand on Hulu. For a look at what's happening with new television shows with actors that would likely never pass up the money Jerry Seinfeld was offered for an additional season of his show, visit our summer and fall premiere guides.

Mick Joest
Content Producer

Mick Joest is a Content Producer for CinemaBlend with his hand in an eclectic mix of television goodness. Star Trek is his main jam, but he also regularly reports on happenings in the world of Star Trek, WWE, Doctor Who, 90 Day Fiancé, Quantum Leap, and Big Brother. He graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Radio and Television. He's great at hosting panels and appearing on podcasts if given the chance as well.