Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee shows that Jerry Seinfeld has much more to do about nothing

Jerry Seinfeld is one of the greatest comedians to walk the planet! As the co-creator and star of the popular and influential New York sitcom Seinfeld, he never has to work again. Although as a stand-up comedian, he’d probably argue that he never has … backed up by his immortal jacket, collared shirt, jeans and sneakers “work suit”.

Starting as a YouTube web series, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee ramped to Netflix, where you can find all six collections. His legendary “show about nothing” is probably the inspiration behind this project because the name says it all. Jerry collects his famous comedian guest in a specially selected vehicle and takes them out for coffee… that’s basically it!

This simple format works remarkably well, giving viewers a fly-on-the-dashboard perspective of Seinfeld showboating a new car, interacting with funny friends, immersing us in new places and imbibing the magic bean.

Compact and happy to break the rules, this popular “reality” talk show series is light, funny, entertaining and serves as an undercover master class for budding comedians. Shifting his weight as host and star, Seinfeld imparts his comedy wisdom and doesn’t shy away from challenging his famous friends.

Never mess with a winning recipe

Six years in, it’s a good thing they didn’t extend the title to include a new item for each subsequent series. Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, Candy, Cakes, Cabbage, Coffins and Champagne would just be too crazy.

In fact, almost without exception, nothing about the formula has changed, and the show has remained short, sharp and mostly sweet, a refreshing slice-of-celebrity-life that’s entertaining, funny and easy to watch. Having racked up more than 70 episodes, it’s becoming a challenge to find celebrity guests who double as comedians.

Essentially a buddy-road-trip movie rolled into 15-minute interviews, the series sees Seinfeld talking to the biggest, the best and even two of his closest companions.

From Eddie Murphy in a Porsche to Ferris Bueller in a Lamborghini

The latest series features an extended opening episode with Eddie Murphy in a silver Porsche Carrera G7. Rolling up in a Dodge Royal Monaco ’76, a cop car favourite, Seinfeld meets a nervy yet insightful Seth Rogen in a cap. Then Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee regular, Ricky Gervais, gets a double shot episode in a convertible Rolls Royce Dawn.

Ironically, it’s a loud green Lamborghini Hurricane for the understated and brotherly Matthew Broderick as the interview breaks from coffee shops to live their childhood dream of being Mets baseball players. For Oscar-winning actor and comedian Jamie Foxx, it’s a 1969 Maserati Mistral, and for the jack-in-a-box veteran, Martin Short, a green 1983 Mercedes station wagon.

Don’t overthink it – it’s all about having fun

It’s great to get a behind-the-scenes with famous faces, but some of the best shows are when Seinfeld breaks formula with lesser-known personalities, different vehicles, and alternative venues – riding Vespa scooters, going to a barber, visiting a food museum and eating Twinkies.

Jerry swings from dogmatic to being an absolute sweetheart and gentleman, keeping the conversation spontaneous and upbeat. Just like his guests, the cars are quirky, peculiar or sleek, adding intrigue for car enthusiasts with an emphasis on having fun. If Seinfeld’s having a good time with good company, coffee and cars… chances are, we are too!