14 DAY TRIAL // Since the “Seinfeld” finale aired in 1998, Hollywood’s funniest funnyman, as he’s often dubbed in the media, has obstinately refused to commit to any other series. Until now, several sources in the industry are saying, as Jerry will be back with the network that made him a star, NBC, for a comedy reality show dealing with married couples and the celebrities that counsel them.
The idea is said to have come to Seinfeld after noticing, nine years into his marriage, that there was a lot of potential to married life, potential that was often not put to the best of uses. Therefore, he envisioned this project that he later pitched to NBC and, not at all surprisingly, the network fell in love with it, already ordering six one-hour episodes of it for a tentative fall release.
“Some of the greatest comedies in the history of television have been around marriages. The concept is so universal and accessible, and obviously it works so well when it comes from somebody with a point of view – and nobody has a stronger point of view on this subject than Seinfeld.” NBC co-chair Ben Silverman says of the upcoming release. Take Seinfeld’s always unique approach to every project and the fact that big time celebrities will be invited to counsel couples facing marital problems, and fans will certainly have one grand surprise coming their way this fall.
“Every single person in a relationship can completely relate to this show. We all have the same fights, and there’s a bottomless well of content.” Ellen Rakieten of “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” who teamed up with Seinfeld for the project, says. However, one thing should be clear from the start, Seinfeld explains: this will not be a reality show per se, but a comedy one. “This is not a therapy show, it’s a comedy show. After nine years of marriage, I have discovered that the comedic potential of this subject is quite rich.” the comedian adds.
“The Marriage Ref,” which is the working title for the project, will see Seinfeld mostly behind the camera as executive producer and creator. With all that, special cameo appearances, as well as voice commentaries are to be expected.