Larry David's Curb Your Enthusiasm Is Great, But It's No Seinfeld
After almost a decade of helping bring relatable concepts like close-talkers, double-dipping, and Festivus to life, "Seinfeld" co-creator Larry David returned to the comedy world in 2000 with "Curb Your Enthusiasm" on HBO. Over the past 20-plus years, the mostly-improvised show has run for 11 seasons and counting, which means it must be doing something right. However, some fans can't help but compare it to "Seinfeld," which many feel will always be David's superior project.
A major factor is the relatability of each show. Part of the "Seinfeld" charm is its ability to make the humdrum situations of everyday life — such as running out of toilet paper in a public restroom — humorous. On Reddit, u/lozdogz said, "...it deals with the unwritten, unregulated nuances of human interaction in society and how these pretty unremarkable people deal with them on a day to day basis."
As for "Curb Your Enthusiasm," David isn't just another unremarkable individual trying to make it in life. He portrays a heightened version of himself, an acclaimed TV writer and producer. This means that he has some well-known friends, not a quirky neighbor who lives in the tiny apartment across the hall. U/deargodimbored said, "I think the fact CYE's Larry is famous in the show takes away from it. There was a pathos in Seinfeld that made the characters more relatable."
Fans prefer the ensemble cast of Seinfeld
In addition to the relatability of the characters and plotlines on "Seinfeld," many enjoy the dynamic between Jerry Seinfeld, Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), George Costanza (Jason Alexander) and Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards). It's truly an ensemble show that almost never focuses exclusively on one comedian. As for "Curb Your Enthusiasm," each episode is largely about Larry David and whatever he's angry about on that particular day.
U/ChiBears_34 said, "You have with Seinfeld the 4 main characters, who are each hilarious and play off each other so well, so it works better than Curb. Curb is most about LD."
While David's on-screen persona has been compared to the neurotic character of George, who is known to be stingy and selfish, the Yankees employee isn't the focus of every single "Seinfeld" episode. Yet on "Curb Your Enthusiasm," audiences are treated to a weekly dose of Larry's cringy antics, from stealing flowers off a grave to wearing a MAGA cap to avoid conversations.
U/getchamediocrityhere said, "...I barely ever find Seinfeld a frustrating show to watch. Curb, while I do find it funny, I also find extremely frustrating. I know that's the point, but Seinfeld for me is always a pleasure. That's why it will always win in my books."