‘Seinfeld’ has Earned Over $3 Billion Since Final Episode

Jerry Seinfeld’s decision to end his famous sit-com during its peak may have been the best choice he’s made to date.

In 1998, Seinfeld was offered $5 million an episode to continue the show, but he insisted it was time for the comedy “about nothing” to end it’s run.

Now, 15 years later, the 180 episodes (filmed over 9 seasons from 1989-1998) have generated unbelievable revenues through syndication deals for repeat showings on US television channels. Negotiations for a fifth round of syndication deals have just pushed the total earnings over the $3 billion mark.

According to industry estimates, Seinfeld and Larry David will earn up to $400 million each.

Since ‘Seinfeld’ is still generating immense viewership through syndication, its creators are reluctant to sell episodes through Apple iTunes. Through syndication alone, each 30-minute episode has generated more than $17 million. This figure does not include the income from DVD’s or international sales and commercial airlines in-flight entertainment.

‘Seinfeld’ co-stars Jason Alexander, Michael Richards, and Julia Louis-Dreyfuss missed out on syndication rights, but they still make money off ‘Seinfeld’ DVD sales.