I’ve stumbled on Jerry Seinfeld’s show, “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee,” and I love it for so many reasons. I’ve always liked Seinfeld’s brand of comedy, but this show appeals to me for a whole different type of reason. It’s something I think artists can learn from.
First, this is a talk show that isn’t the traditional type of show. It isn’t the same old boring thing where the host sits behind a desk and asked pre-approved questions. This one is in a car. Then a coffee shop or diner. Some of the questions are asked while the host and guest walk on the street, to and from the car and coffee shop.
This show is about what the host is most passionate about: comedy. He interviews comedians about their craft, and asks questions but also lets the comedians yap about whatever they want. Since they aren’t in a traditional studio, they are both free to feel like themselves and drink coffee while they make funny observations about life.
This show works on a variety of levels. I like that Seinfeld has done his own thing when it comes to this talk show type of thing. What’s more, he’s combined his own personal loves (cars and coffee) and made them an equal part of the formula for the show. As each show begins, he highlights a different car, and sometimes the personality and style of this car coincides with the guest. I love this part.
And then, they get in the car, and talk. Seinfeld drives. The conversation is much like you’d have with your friends while you drove somewhere, but instead it is with comedians who are funny and view life with humor, as they are known to do.
All of it works on an artistic level. I think about the main point of the show, which is that Seinfeld has created something entirely new instead of just re-working what every comedian has done before. I find this very inspiring for artists. We need to think like this in order to make ourselves stand out. There are many artists out there, and with this show Seinfeld reminds us that only by being yourself can you truly deliver new art into the world.
