Monday January 19 11:40 AM EST 'Seinfeld' Spinoff Unlikely By Ray Richmond
HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - Those anticipating a Kramer or Elaine spinoff from "Seinfeld" once the NBC comedy signs off for good in May likely will wind up disappointed.
The network has discussed the possibilities with series co-stars Michael Richards, Jason Alexander and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, but encountered little enthusiasm, said NBC Entertainment president Warren Littlefield.
"We've put feelers out there," Littlefield said at the Television Critics Assn. meeting in Pasadena. "Generally, the response has been, 'That's not what we want to do."'
He then went further, calling the chances of a Seinfeld spinoff "in at least the foreseeable future doubtful" and "a very long shot" based on the initial inquiries.
The assembled critics also peppered Littlefield with questions about "Seinfeld's" successor in the Thursday 9 p.m. timeslot. Littlefield named five shows on his short list: "Frasier," "3rd Rock From the Sun," the highly touted rookie "Just Shoot Me," "Friends" and "Mad About You" (if it returns at all).
But Littlefield tried hard to play up the notion that Jerry Seinfeld's decision to fold his show will not leave NBC in nearly as severe a lurch as did Ted Danson when he decided it was time to close up "Cheers" six years ago.
"There seems to be a difference between now and where we were then -- and we actually do have choices," Littlefield said. "We feel good about that."
Regarding the situation with "Mad About You" and whether stars Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt will agree to return for a seventh season, Littlefield remains cautiously optimistic.
"I feel that creatively, there are a lot more stories for them to tell on the show," Littlefield said. "I hope that they are as in touch with, and feel the same way we do, that it's not over -- and then we need to make a deal."
While the fate of "Mad About You" remains up in the air, however, "Homicide: Life on the Street" no longer is. Littlefield announced Saturday that the acclaimed drama -- which trots out its 100th episode on May 8 -- has been renewed for the 1998-99 campaign.
Littlefield announced that NBC will be rerun the original two-hour "ER" pilot on Feb. 12, broadcasting it on Thursday night for the first time. He also divulged that NBC has extended its relationship with National Geographic to continue airing documentary specials through 1999.
Reuters/Variety