The show about nothing is about to land directly in your Netflix queue. Seinfeld, the iconic sitcom from the 90s, will be available on the streaming giant starting in 2021 when its current lease with Hulu comes to an end, according to the Los Angeles Times. That's perfect timing, considering that Netflix is also set to lose a couple of its biggest titles the same year. The Office will be moving to NBC's upcoming streaming service, while Friends will be heading to HBOMax. So, for the record: Netflix is really replacing Friends with Seinfeld. This is not some sort of Seinfeld2000 fantasy tweet.
The deal was finalized between Netflix and Sony, with the streamer beating out all the other bidders. The non-adventures of Jerry, George, Elaine, and Cosmo are a perfect fit for Netflix, considering how much Jerry Seinfeld is already on the platform. Seinfeld signed a comedy deal with Netflix in 2017 that included the streaming rights to Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, as well as his most recent stand up special, "Jerry Before Seinfeld."
Though the switch won't happen for a couple years, it's a big move for Netflix considering how many streaming services are entering the field. In a statement to the Los Angeles Times, Sony Pictures Television Chairman Mike Hopkins said, "Thirty years after its premiere, Seinfeld remains center stage. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Netflix to bring this beloved series to current fans and new audiences around the globe."
For Friends die-hards, this should at least make the transition a little bit easier. Let go of "Pivot!" and transition to "Shrinkage!" because there's a new sleep show to binge. And maybe the renewed interest on Netflix will finally give us some Justice For Susan.
Justin Kirkland is a Brooklyn-based writer who covers culture, food, and the South. Along with Esquire, his work has appeared in NYLON, Vulture, and USA Today.
