Good News, Bad News
Aired Wednesday, July 5, 1989 ยท 30 min

Jerry is excited that a woman he met on the road is coming to visit him in New York. However, he has a tough time discerning whether her intentions are romantic or platonic.
The morning after
No live reaction survived for this episode โ the archive begins in June 1992.
Over the years
Fans identify "Good News, Bad News" as the alternate title for the first episode "The Seinfeld Chronicles" from Season 1.
Fans discuss the premise of the series premiere, explaining that Jerry meets a woman from the road who visits New York, and he and George misinterpret her signals about whether she's available.
Fans discuss the pilot episode, noting how different the characters looked and acted compared to later seasons, with mixed reactions to the early standup material.
Viewers debate whether Jerry calls George "Art" in the pilot episode, with discussion about whether this was a naming inconsistency or confusion with later episodes featuring Art Vandelay.
Fans discuss Lee Garlington, the waitress in the pilot episode who never appears again, speculating she was originally intended as a regular character and sharing her other acting credits.
Fans discuss Kramer's original character name in the pilot episode, which was Kessler before being changed to Kramer based on a real person the character was inspired by.
Viewers ask about Elaine's presence in the pilot episode and when Kramer first appears, with replies clarifying that Elaine wasn't in the pilot and debuting in later early episodes.
Spam post offering a download link for the first episode, with replies questioning its functionality and requesting alternative hosting.
Australian fans celebrate the broadcast of Seinfeld's pilot episode, with viewers sharing positive reactions to the original 'Seinfeld Chronicles' title.
Fans discuss why Kramer's character was called Kessler in the pilot episode, learning it was due to uncertainty about using the real Kenny Kramer's name and test audience preference.
Viewers react to the pilot episode, noting it lacks polish but shows promise, with discussion of character development, appearances, and oddities like George's outfit and Kramer's hairstyle.
Fans discuss syndication schedule and debate whether the pilot episode "The Seinfeld Chronicles" is the worst episode, with some disagreeing and arguing "The Finale" is worse.