The 15 Most Iconic Seinfeld Characters, Ranked
Here’s a surprising bit of TV trivia that might blow your mind: the very first episode of "Seinfeld" didn’t exactly win over viewers. It tested poorly, leading to a shortened initial season and lackluster ratings during the first two years. But NBC’s faith in the show paid off, and a few years later, "Seinfeld" exploded into a cultural sensation that still resonates today.
Created by Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, this groundbreaking 1990s sitcom centers on four New Yorkers — Jerry (played by Jerry Seinfeld), George (Jason Alexander), Kramer (Michael Richards), and Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) — as they navigate the quirks and chaos of everyday life, surrounded by a parade of unforgettable supporting characters. Unlike traditional sitcoms that often focus on moral lessons or character growth, "Seinfeld" thrived by spotlighting the mundane struggles we all face — like hunting for your car in a massive parking garage, waiting endlessly for a movie to start, or holding out for a table at a crowded Chinese restaurant. This unique approach struck a chord with audiences and cemented the show as a timeless cultural touchstone long after its finale in the late '90s.
To celebrate this comedic masterpiece, we’ve ranked its eccentric cast of characters. So, pour yourself a bowl of cereal, kick back on the couch, and yada yada yada...
15. Jackie Chiles
Phil Morris’s portrayal of Jackie Chiles, the fast-talking lawyer, is a gem that requires some context. Inspired by the flamboyant O.J. Simpson attorney Johnnie Cochran, Morris strikes a perfect balance between homage and parody — a performance that earned both praise and a caution from Jerry Seinfeld himself. Though Jackie only appears in five episodes, his exaggerated, rapid-fire delivery and quirky legal antics make him unforgettable. Whether you find his over-the-top style hilarious or grating, there’s no denying his impact on key storylines like the coffee burn lawsuit, the Marlboro Man case, and the series finale trial. His exasperated reactions to Kramer’s antics and his endless rhymes and analogies (“outrageous, egregious, preposterous!”) add a unique flavor to the show, even if he’s more of a one-trick pony than a fully developed character.
14. Babu Bhatt
Babu Bhatt, played by Brian George, made a memorable entrance in season 3’s "The Cafe." This kind-hearted Pakistani immigrant opens a restaurant near Jerry’s apartment, but his bland menu fails to attract customers. Jerry suggests switching to authentic Pakistani cuisine, which Babu eagerly tries — only to fail spectacularly and lose everything. The gang feels a fleeting pang of guilt before moving on, offering an early glimpse into how the main characters often inadvertently disrupt others’ lives. Babu’s humor largely comes from his accent and the way the main cast pronounces his name, along with his famous line, "You are a very bad man, Jerry! Very, very bad man!" Though he reappears in "The Visa" and the series finale, these episodes don’t quite capture the charm of his debut. Babu is funny and memorable but remains a minor, one-dimensional figure in the grand scheme.
13. Mr. Pitt
Elaine’s eccentric boss, Mr. Pitt (Ian Abercrombie), was on track to becoming a fan favorite before disappearing halfway through season 6. In his brief run, his snobbish, aristocratic manner perfectly contrasted with Elaine’s exasperation. His odd habits — like eating a Snickers bar with a knife and fork or making Elaine sift through endless socks to find the perfect pair — highlight how "Seinfeld" turned everyday trivialities into comedic gold. While not as widely remembered outside hardcore fans, Mr. Pitt had standout moments, such as in "The Gymnast," where his obsession with "Magic Eye" 3-D paintings culminates in a hilariously bizarre, Hitler-esque presentation about a corporate merger. It’s a shame he left the show so soon.
12. J. Peterman
John O’Hurley’s J. Peterman feels larger than life despite appearing in only about 22 episodes starting in season 6. Elaine’s dramatic, eccentric boss is known for his booming narrations reminiscent of 19th-century explorers and his unpredictable behavior. Peterman steals every scene he’s in, with memorable storylines involving JFK’s golf clubs, "The Muffin Tops," buying Kramer’s life story, and a surreal trip to Burma where he reenacts a famous "Apocalypse Now" monologue. However, his limited screen time and late introduction keep him from ranking higher. He’s more of a glorified bit player than a central figure, but his quirky charm is undeniable.
11. The Seinfelds
Jerry’s parents, Morty (Phil Bruns, later Barney Martin) and Helen (Liz Sheridan), bring a refreshing change of pace whenever they appear. Living in the Florida retirement community Del Boca Vista, their visits often disrupt Jerry’s orderly life. Episodes featuring them include hilarious scenarios like dealing with back-breaking mattresses, no air conditioning, and a subplot about an astronaut pen threatening Morty’s reputation. They perfectly capture the loving yet overbearing dynamic many adults experience with their aging parents. However, like real-life visits, their appearances sometimes overstay their welcome, with some episodes dragging despite classic lines like, "You made out during 'Schindler’s List'?"
10. Susan Ross
Now, let’s venture into darker "Seinfeld" territory. Susan Ross (Heidi Swedberg) remains one of the most controversial characters, mainly because the show killed her off — a shocking twist that still sparks debate. George’s long-time girlfriend and eventual fiancée was a bit controlling, but her death due to licking toxic cheap wedding invitation envelopes was both tragic and darkly comedic. George’s blasé reaction — "Let’s get some coffee" — epitomizes the show’s unique blend of humor and cynicism. Susan also had other notable moments, like greenlighting George and Jerry’s "show about nothing" and briefly dating another woman. Despite the controversy, Susan firmly belongs in the Top 10.
9. Frank and Estelle Costanza
George’s parents, Frank (Jerry Stiller) and Estelle (Estelle Harris), are the polar opposite of the Seinfelds. Where Morty and Helen are neurotic but loving, the Costanzas are loud, combative, and often downright awful — once even pretending to cut George out of their lives. Their constant bickering and dysfunction provide some of the show’s funniest moments and make George’s character more relatable. Frank’s wild schemes, like inventing "The Bro" with Kramer or moving to Florida just to spite the Seinfelds, create chaos that spills over into the main characters’ lives. Estelle’s perpetual irritation perfectly balances Frank’s explosive outbursts. Together, they fit seamlessly into the "Seinfeld" universe, making every appearance a highlight.
8. George Steinbrenner
Larry David lent his voice to the role of George Steinbrenner, the eccentric owner of the New York Yankees and George Costanza’s boss. Though we only see Steinbrenner from behind (played physically by Lee Bear), his rambling, off-topic monologues and wild hand gestures paint a picture of a clueless, detached manager more interested in calzones than baseball. Steinbrenner features in several classic episodes, like "The Wink," where he misinterprets George’s involuntary winking as secretive communication, and "The Caddy," where he mistakenly believes George has died. The only downside? He never interacts with the other main characters, which limits his presence despite his comedic brilliance.
7. David Puddy
Sometimes, a character’s charm comes down to a distinctive voice and impeccable timing — that’s exactly why David Puddy (Patrick Warburton) ranks so high. Elaine’s on-again, off-again boyfriend is known for his deadpan humor, bluntness, and utter indifference to others’ feelings — traits that both attract and frustrate Elaine. Their tumultuous relationship, marked by frequent breakups and reunions, boils down to Puddy’s remarkable ability to not care about anything, including Elaine’s opinions or their relationship status. This carefree attitude makes him a perfect fit for the "Seinfeld" world, where not giving a damn is often the key to survival.
6. The Soup Nazi
"No soup for you!" These four words introduced one of television’s most unforgettable supporting characters. The Soup Nazi (Larry Thomas) runs a popular soup stand with a strict, no-nonsense attitude and zero tolerance for questions or missteps. His character brilliantly reveals different facets of the main cast: Jerry ends a relationship over soup, Elaine rebels and sparks a rivalry, George loses privileges for asking for bread, and only Kramer manages to befriend him — though this friendship complicates Elaine’s relationship with the Soup Nazi. This character perfectly exemplifies how "Seinfeld" uses supporting roles to highlight the leads’ personalities, making the Soup Nazi a timeless classic.
5. Newman
Jerry’s longtime nemesis, Newman (Wayne Knight), is a complex character who defies simple categorization. He’s villainous, sly, hilarious, and sometimes oddly endearing, depending on the episode. Classic moments like the "spitting incident," where Newman, Jerry, and Kramer reenact a scene from "JFK," showcase his comedic brilliance. Newman’s sporadic appearances — sometimes absent for several episodes, then suddenly popping up for a key role or a quick quip — make him an indispensable wildcard. His partnership with Kramer in "The Bottle Deposit" and his iconic greeting, "Hello, Newman," delivered with Jerry’s trademark disdain, cement his status as a fan favorite.
4. Jerry Seinfeld
Now we reach the top four, starting with the man himself, Jerry Seinfeld. It might seem odd that the show’s title character doesn’t rank higher, but Jerry serves as the straight man — the grounded, successful observer amidst the chaos. While he dates an astonishing 73 women and has quirks like narcissism, germophobia, and a love for Superman, Jerry’s relatively stable life and even-keeled personality provide the foundation for the show’s humor. His sharp wit and observational humor often target his friends’ antics, making him the anchor rather than the fireworks. And honestly, that’s exactly what the show needs.
3. Cosmo Kramer
Our first instinct might be to crown Cosmo Kramer as the top character, thanks to Michael Richards’ iconic, scene-stealing performance. Based partly on Larry David’s real-life eccentric neighbor, Kramer is the show’s primary source of physical comedy and wild schemes. From cockfights to bizarre business ventures like "The Bro" and beach-scented cologne, Kramer’s antics are endlessly entertaining. However, his character lacks significant development and remains largely unchanged throughout the series, with his biggest growth moment being a brief move to Los Angeles. Despite this, Kramer’s lovable craziness makes him a classic TV character and a beloved part of the "Seinfeld" legacy.
2. Elaine Benes
Choosing between Elaine and George is tough because both bring so much to the show. We give Elaine the edge because, well, she’s just a bit less pathetic. On the surface, Elaine seems normal — she dates regularly, works hard, and enjoys social outings. But look closer, and she’s a neurotic mess with a disastrous love life, a habit of job-hopping, and a stubborn streak that often lands her in trouble. She’s also a terrible dancer and famously the only person who didn’t like "The English Patient." Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s portrayal infuses Elaine with wit, charm, and depth, elevating her beyond a typical sitcom character. Whether debating "sponge-worthiness," coining "yada yada yada," or delivering her emphatic "Get out!" Elaine consistently steals the spotlight and stands as one of the greatest sitcom characters ever created.
1. George Costanza
Finally, the crown goes to George Costanza — the man, the myth, the legend. George is undeniably the funniest character on the show. His meltdowns, lies, and penny-pinching antics create some of the most iconic moments in television history. Who could forget "shrinkage," his marine biologist ruse, or the time he ate a donut from the top of a trash bin? George is lazy, petty, dishonest, insecure, jealous, and utterly pathetic — yet we root for him to succeed. Even Jason Alexander was surprised by how much audiences connected with George’s flawed humanity.
Why do we love him? Because George is relatable. He’s an ordinary person who knows the world is against him and does whatever he can to get by. Sure, he goes overboard sometimes — who hasn’t tried to nap under their desk at work? And who wouldn’t break off an engagement to date a younger, more glamorous woman? George is the heart of "Seinfeld," and his blend of anxiety, self-pity, and shamelessness ties the entire series together.
So, what do you think? Do you agree with this ranking, or do you have a different favorite? Is George really the funniest, or does Kramer deserve the top spot? And what about the controversial choice to kill off Susan Ross — was that a stroke of dark genius or a step too far? Share your thoughts and let’s get the conversation started!
