Seinfeld: 10 Best Side Character Storylines, Ranked

Fans of Seinfeld look forward to Jerry Seinfeld’s upcoming movie Unfrosted about Pop-Tarts, which, according to Deadline, is based on one of his stand-up jokes. It’s fitting that Seinfeld is telling a story about a popular junk food, as his famous ’90s sitcom is known for dissecting various topics. There are many episodes that have hilarious plotlines, and many of these feature side characters who aren’t part of the main cast.

These characters become involved in storylines that range from light-hearted to more serious, and their lives are definitely changed by Jerry and his friends, who are known for behaving badly in many instances.

Sara Is Fed Up With Jerry’s Disrespect Of Her Job

In the season 9 episode “The Slicer,” Jerry’s girlfriend Sara becomes upset with Jerry’s belief that her job isn’t all that important. Jerry doesn’t like that Sara talks about saving people’s lives, as she’s a dermatologist and Jerry doesn’t think it’s such a big deal.

Jerry realizes that he’s wrong because a patient tells Sara that she really did save him, but by this point, Sara is definitely tired of Jerry’s judgment and commentary. This is a meaningful storyline as the focus is often on Jerry breaking up with people for confusing reasons, but this time, Jerry’s harsh behavior is apparent.

Joel Is Upset That Jerry Doesn’t Want To Be Friends

In the season 1 episode “Male Unbonding,” Jerry doesn’t want to be friends with Joel Horneck anymore, someone who he knew when he was younger. Jerry tries to end the friendship and when he tells Joel at Monk’s, Joel starts crying. Jerry backtracks and says that they can stay pals.

While Joel is a Seinfeld character only appearing in one episode, he definitely makes a big impression, showing that Jerry needs to think more carefully about being more caring and compassionate.

Susan And Elaine Go To An Art Show

Although Susan Ross isn’t a very popular character, it’s compelling watching Susan and Elaine become friendlier in the season 7 episode “The Pool Guy.” The two characters go to an art show and Elaine has fun because she’s interested in making more friends.

While this storyline might not be quite as impactful as some others, it’s still interesting that Susan wants to connect with one of George’s friends, showing that she puts more effort and care into the relationship than George does.

Mr. Pitt Eats Snickers With A Fork And Knife

When Elaine’s boss Mr. Pitt eats a Snickers bar in his own unique way, using a fork and knife to cut it up in the season 6 “The Pledge Drive,” many people begin doing this too. It’s hilarious to see that Mr. Pitt has inspired people to eat candy the same way.

This is the kind of quirky and offbeat storyline that Seinfeld is known for, and it’s also a realistic storyline as it’s easy to imagine people seeing someone eat a chocolate bar this way and agreeing that it’s a good idea.

Enzo Gets Mad When Jerry Stops Getting His Hair Cut

While there are some filler episodes of Seinfeld, season 5’s “The Barber” features a funny storyline about Enzo, Jerry’s barber. Jerry isn’t thrilled with the way that Enzo cuts his hair and tries to see Enzo’s nephew Gino in secret.

This episode becomes wild and chaotic, with Enzo going to Jerry’s apartment and learning the truth, and Jerry blaming Newman for the entire situation and shaving his head. Enzo’s story stands out as this proves that Jerry’s self-centered behavior sometimes hurts people’s feelings.

Elaine’s Father Scares Jerry, Elaine, And George

Elaine’s dad Alton Benes makes a memorable appearance in the season 2 episode “The Jacket” when Elaine asks Jerry and George to meet them at a restaurant.

While Jerry’s fancy new jacket is a focal point here, Alton also shines, as he’s so scary and intimidating that Jerry and George hate being alone with him. It’s funny seeing Jerry in this state as he’s often so self-assured thanks to his successful comedy career.

George’s Girlfriend Noel Feels She’s A Terrible Musician

The season 3 episode “The Pez Dispenser” has another great side character plotline, with George’s girlfriend Noel playing piano at a concert. When Jerry makes Elaine giggle with a pez dispenser, Noel becomes so nervous and upset that she thinks that she has lost her musical talent.

While this is a funny Jerry and Elaine Seinfeld scene, it also showcases Noel, who plays a key role in showing viewers that sometimes, Elaine, Jerry, George, and Kramer behave in ways that affect other people negatively.

Mr. Lippman Opens A Muffin Top Shop

Mr. Lippman steals Elaine’s idea for a shop that has muffin tops only in season 8, but the store “Top of the Muffin to You!” does badly. Elaine tries to help out, as Lippman says he’ll give her 30% of the money made, and Elaine thinks that a homeless shelter could take the rest of the muffin. That doesn’t work out, either.

This is one of the most important storylines featuring a side character on the show since Lippman proves that Elaine doesn’t always have the best or most practical ideas. When Lippman asks for Elaine’s help, she proves that she often makes a situation even worse, as her solution offends those who run the shelter.

Jane Won’t Give Elaine Toilet Paper

One of Elaine’s best Seinfeld episodes is season 5’s “The Stall” and it’s also where side character Jane shines. When Elaine asks for toilet paper, Jane says, “No, I don’t have a square to spare. I can’t spare a square.”

Jane’s selfish behavior has become one of the most classic scenes on the show, with fans quoting this line all the time. Jane’s time on the show is so important because she shows Elaine how it feels when strangers don’t help each other out or treat others well. Jerry and his friends are always focusing on themselves rather than others.

Kenny Bania Wants Jerry To Pay For A Meal

The greatest side character plotline is when Kenny Baina wants Jerry to buy him a meal in the season 6 episode “The Soup.” This sums up so much about Seinfeld: the main characters finding themselves in an awkward situation that they would do anything to get out of.

The way that Bania stretches out this promise and tells Jerry that soup doesn’t count is brilliant, unforgettable, and proves that he’s a master at scheming.