Hello Newman! Days after Netflix landed the global streaming rights to Seinfeld, currently available on Hulu, the NBC sitcom found its new home with Viacom. Viacom announced its acquisition of Seinfeld from Sony Pictures Television, in a deal that features the exclusive cable rights for all 180 episodes of the iconic sitcom series.
Beginning in October 2021, the entire library of Seinfeld episodes will air amongst Viacom’s entertainment brands, including Comedy Central, Paramount Network, and TV Land. Upon the completion of the CBS-Viacom merger, CBS-owned Pop TV is also expected to air Seinfeld reruns when they become available. Of course, catch-up episodes will be available through Viacom brands through authenticated streaming apps, including video-on-demand, websites, and apps.
The deal was closed by Barbara Zaneri, EVP of Viacom Global Program Acquisitions, and Flory Bramnick, EVP, US Distribution, for an undisclosed sum and a loaf of marble rye after a spirited Festivus feats of strength competition.
All the Soup For You!
Seinfeld is one of the most popular, most award-winning and longest-running comedy series of all time. Jerry Seinfeld stars as a stand-up comedian whose life in New York City is made even more chaotic by his quirky group of friends who join him in wrestling with life’s most perplexing, yet often trivial questions.
Often described as “a show about nothing,” Seinfeld mines the humor in life’s mundane situations like waiting in line, searching for a lost item, or the trials and tribulations of dating.
Co-starring are Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Jerry’s ex-girlfriend and current platonic pal, Elaine Benes; Jason Alexander as George Costanza, Jerry’s neurotic hard-luck best friend; and Michael Richards as Jerry’s eccentric neighbor, Kramer.
“We’re extremely proud to bring this little-known series to our viewers. With the right programming and promotion, we believe we’ll finally get Seinfeld the recognition it truly deserves, as merely the greatest sitcom of all-time,” said Kent Alterman, President of Comedy Central, Paramount Network, TV Land and Vandelay Industries.
“Seinfeld airing on Comedy Central and the Viacom networks brings together the greatest comedy of all time, with the best brands in cable,” said John Weiser, President, First Run Television for Sony Pictures Television.
“This was a tremendous team effort and we are delighted to be working with the first class executives at Viacom who are experts in programming and promotion. For a show about Nothing, this is really Something!”
This is yet another exciting announcement as the battle for TV-sitcoms continues. Landing Seinfeld puts Viacom in a strategic position to boost its on-air profile, airing alongside its newer offerings of Two and a Half Men and The Goldbergs.
