Exploring Seinfeld through the lens of economics

2024-12-25 21:20:10 source:lotradecoin exchange category:Contact

The 90s sit-com Seinfeld is often called "a show about nothing." Lauded for its observational humor, this quick-witted show focussed on four hapless New Yorkers navigating work, relationships...yada yada yada.

Jerry, George, Elaine & Kramer set themselves apart from the characters who populated shows like Friends or Cheers, by being the exact opposite of the characters audiences would normally root for. These four New Yorkers were overly analytical, calculating, and above all, selfish.

In other words, they had all the makings of a fascinating case study in economics.

Economics professors Linda Ghent and Alan Grant went so far as to write an entire book on the subject, Seinfeld & Economics. The book points readers to economic principles that appear throughout the show, ideas like economic utility, game theory, and the best way to allocate resources in the face of scarcity.

On today's show, we make the case that Seinfeld is, at its heart, not a show about nothing, but a show about economics. And that understanding Seinfeld can change the way you understand economics itself.

This episode was produced by Alyssa Jeong Perry with help from Emma Peaslee. It was edited by Keith Romer. It was mastered by Robert Rodriguez and fact-checked by Sierra Juarez. Jess Jiang is our acting executive producer.

Help support Planet Money and get bonus episodes by subscribing to Planet Money+ in Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org/planetmoney.

Always free at these links: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, NPR One or anywhere you get podcasts.

Find more Planet Money: Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Our weekly Newsletter.

Music: "Don't Fret," "Name Your Price," and "So What Else."

More:Contact

Recommend

A Malibu wildfire prompts evacuation orders and warnings for 20,000, including Dick Van Dyke, Cher

MALIBU, Calif. (AP) — Weather conditions were forecasted to improve this week in Southern California

NHL star's death shocks the US. He's one of hundreds of bicyclists killed by vehicles every year.

Hockey fans were stunned by the deaths of Columbus Blue Jackets star forward Johnny Gaudreau and his

1 teen killed, 4 others wounded in shooting near Ohio high school campus after game

EUCLID, Ohio (AP) — One teenager was killed and four others were wounded in a shooting near an Ohio