BETWEEN THE LINES: `SEINFELD' PROVES KEY TO SUCCESS -- MAKE SOMETHING FROM NOTHING

In college, I took a course in television programming that required me to watch a set number of programs each week. I liked the class (although my father is still amazed I got credit for such work) but I don't think I learned as much in that semester as I did last week when Jerry Seinfeld announced the final season of his hit sitcom.

Television programming is a risky business. Sometimes you can create hits out of the most inconsequential shows, while others that should top the ratings never quite make it.

NBC found a hit in "Seinfeld," a show created from absolutely nothing. Maybe that's why American viewers liked it so much.

When "Seinfeld" goes off the air in May, it will end another era in American television, comparable to "The Cosby Show," and "All in the Family."

Jerry Seinfeld's announcement was probably the most talked about news item of the week and continues to make news. It's the cover story of Time magazine.

Despite the speculation, Seinfeld said the decision wasn't about money. Rumors abound saying he was offered $5 million per episode to continue the sitcom.

"I'm not the kind of person who could do a show and think, 'Well, we've run out of gas here, but the money's great and the ratings are still good, so let's keep grinding them out.' It would break my heart," Seinfeld said in an interview with Time.

I can't say I blame him, but I'll sure miss the program. For nearly 10 years, the "Seinfeld" characters -- Elaine, George, Kramer and Jerry -- have been invited into American households each week.

They are sort of like everybody's friends -- crazy, outlandish and sometimes obnoxious, but friends nonetheless.

Who else would have taught our society about double dipping, regifting or popularized the phrase "yada, yada, yada?"

I think I first realized the show's influential power when it became the center of a Milwaukee sexual harassment lawsuit.

A female brewery worker asked her male co-worker about a Seinfeld episode and then sued them and the company when he explained.

How could a show about nothing create such a controversy?

"Seinfeld"'s creators still say the show is about nothing; critics say it's about greed, selfishness and mindless chatter (yada, yada, yada).

I disagree -- "Seinfeld" offers a lesson in friendship, love and loyalty.

Elaine, George, Kramer and Jerry are friends who can't explain their relationship, but understand its importance. I have the same feeling about some of my friends. We aren't really compatible, but I don't know what I'd do if they weren't part of my life.

I must confess that I was upset to learn that Seinfeld was ending his long-running sitcom. I had just gotten used to having the cast around, and now they're leaving.

Although I wasn't an original fan of the show, I started watching when it hit syndication. I hate having to find new shows to watch each season, so I wait for the really good ones to go into syndication. It makes things easier.

When I do watch new programming, invariably, the shows I like the most never make it past the midseason slump. It's really depressing and discouraging, so I've given up on most prime-time television.

With "Seinfeld" nearing it's end, I'll have to find a new set of television friends.

Thank goodness for reruns.

~Laura Johnston is a copy editor for the Southeast Missourian.