Seinfeld and Economics by Linda S. Ghent

JERRY SEINFELD: (As Jerry Seinfeld) What do you think? JULIA LOUIS-DREYFUS: (As Elaine Benes) Cash? So 'Seinfeld' was famously called a show about nothing because it's about comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his three friends, George, Elaine and Kramer - they're just living in New York City, dealing with the dilemmas of everyday life - like what gift to give your friend.

KESLER: There is a case to be made that the very popular '90s sitcom was actually full of economics. (SOUNDBITE OF JONATHAN WOLFF'S 'SEINFELD THEME') GHENT: 'Seinfeld.' Absolutely, 'Seinfeld.' MALONE: And do you know what show that scenario would be right at home on? I can think of one. And I've never done it because I'm just always worried about what reaction I would get even as - even though, as an economist, I know it's the right way to deal with that situation. GHENT: But I'm always worried to make that offer because they might look at me like I'm absolutely crazy. KESLER: Linda teaches economics at Eastern Illinois University. LINDA GHENT: I always joke with my students about wanting to pay the person who sits in front of me on an airplane to not lean back their seat if I want to work on my computer. And then, there is the side that is an economist. There is the side that worries about social norms. There are two sides to professor Linda Ghent. Just a heads up for parents - part of this episode talks, quite mathematically, about contraception.

SYLVIE DOUGLIS, BYLINE: This is PLANET MONEY from NPR. Help support Planet Money and get bonus episodes by subscribing to Planet Money+ in Apple Podcasts or at /planetmoney. Jess Jiang is our acting executive producer. It was mastered by Robert Rodriguez and fact-checked by Sierra Juarez. This episode was produced by Alyssa Jeong Perry with help from Emma Peaslee. And that understanding Seinfeld can change the way you understand economics itself. On today's show, we make the case that Seinfeld is, at its heart, not a show about nothing, but a show about economics.

The book points readers to economic principles that appear throughout the show, ideas like economic utility, game theory, and the best way to allocate resources in the face of scarcity. Economics professors Linda Ghent and Alan Grant went so far as to write an entire book on the subject, Seinfeld & Economics.

In other words, they had all the makings of a fascinating case study in economics. These four New Yorkers were overly analytical, calculating, and above all, selfish. Jerry, George, Elaine & Kramer set themselves apart from the characters who populated shows like Friends or Cheers, by being the exact opposite of the characters audiences would normally root for. Exploring Seinfeld through the lens of economics : Planet Money The 90s sit-com Seinfeld is often called 'a show about nothing.' Lauded for its observational humor, this quick-witted show focussed on four hapless New Yorkers navigating work, relationships.yada yada yada.

Seinfeld and Economics by Linda S. Ghent