What’s the deal with drinking games? They make everything better—especially sitcoms! If you’re a fan of Seinfeld, the legendary “show about nothing,” we’ve got the ultimate drinking game for you. From Kramer’s chaotic entrances to Elaine’s cringe-worthy dancing, every hilarious trope is your excuse to drink. Grab your friends, stock up on your beverage of choice, and let’s turn Seinfeld into a laugh-out-loud drinking extravaganza.
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What Is Seinfeld?
Seinfeld is the legendary “show about nothing” that redefined sitcoms. Created by Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, it aired from 1989 to 1998, chronicling the hilarious lives of comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his quirky friends—George Costanza, Elaine Benes, and Cosmo Kramer—in New York City.
The show turned everyday situations, like waiting for a table or breaking up, into laugh-out-loud comedy. With iconic catchphrases (“No soup for you!”), unforgettable moments (Elaine’s awkward dancing), and timeless humor, Seinfeld remains one of the greatest TV shows ever. It’s a perfect choice for reliving hilarious memories—especially with a drinking game!
Seinfeld Drinking Game Rules: Classic Edition
Here are the tried-and-true rules for your first round of the Seinfeld drinking game:
Kramer Moments
- Drink whenever Kramer bursts into Jerry’s apartment.
- Take two sips if he raids Jerry’s fridge or pantry.
- Chug if he attempts a business idea like the coffee table book.
Jerry’s Quirks
- Sip whenever Jerry raises his voice or says, “What’s the deal with…?”
- Take a drink if Jerry’s date breaks up with him for a petty reason (like eating peas one at a time).
Elaine’s Iconic Moves
- Take a shot when Elaine does her awkward dance.
- Drink every time she says, “Get out!” while shoving someone.
George’s Rants
- Sip whenever George complains about his job or parents.
- Finish your drink if George fakes an illness or injury to get out of something.
Best Episodes to Play the Seinfeld Drinking Game
Not all episodes are created equal when it comes to drinking games. Here are the crème de la crème for Seinfeld:
- “The Contest”: Watch the gang squirm as they try to win the unmentionable challenge. Drink every time someone alludes to the contest without saying what it is.
- “The Puffy Shirt”: You can’t go wrong with Jerry’s embarrassment over the pirate shirt. Take a sip every time someone comments on it.
- “The Soup Nazi”: Shout “No soup for you!” and drink every time a character mentions soup.
- “The Opposite”: Celebrate George’s transformation by drinking every time he does the exact opposite of what he’d normally do.
- “The Marine Biologist”: Finish your drink when George delivers his unforgettable monologue about the whale.
Creative Variations for the Seinfeld Drinking Game
Take your Seinfeld drinking game to the next level with these hilarious and unexpected twists. These variations go beyond the typical rules and turn your game night into an unforgettable Seinfeld-inspired party.
1. The “No Soup for You!” Challenge
- Every time someone yells, “No soup for you!” in the episode, players must trade drinks with the person on their left.
- If you forget to yell “No soup for you!” back at the screen, take two sips as a penalty.
- Bonus: Serve soup at your party to keep the vibe authentic—but only the Soup Nazi can hand it out.
2. The “Close Talker” Rule
- Choose one player to be “The Close Talker” (like Elaine’s boyfriend). They must whisper all their comments right into someone else’s ear for the rest of the episode.
- If they fail to maintain close proximity, they drink!
3. The “Master of Your Domain” Game
- Inspired by the infamous episode “The Contest,” players must hold their drink without setting it down during key moments.
- If you let your drink touch the table, you’re “out” and must finish your drink or face a hilarious dare.
- Hilarious twist: During the episode “The Contest,” anyone caught laughing uncontrollably takes a penalty shot.
4. The “Serenity Now!” Rule
- Every time a character yells “Serenity now!” all players must chant it back in unison.
- The last person to join in the chant takes a shot.
- Bonus: Add physical comedy by having players slap their foreheads Kramer-style after chanting.
5. The “Puffy Shirt Fashion Show”
- Before starting the game, create a makeshift “puffy shirt” out of paper towels, scarves, or tinfoil.
- Each time someone mentions the shirt in the episode, the person wearing it must strike a pose. If they refuse, they drink.
- Rotate the shirt after every mention—so everyone gets a shot at being fabulously puffy.
6. The “Newman Sabotage”
- Designate one player as “Newman.”
- Their goal is to trick other players into breaking rules (like forgetting to drink when Kramer bursts in).
- If “Newman” successfully sabotages someone, the victim drinks, and Newman yells their name like Jerry would: “Newman!”
7. The “Jerry’s Girlfriends” Mini-Game
- Whenever Jerry interacts with one of his many girlfriends:
- Drink if she has a quirky habit (like “low talker” or “man hands”).
- Chug if she dumps Jerry for an absurd reason.
8. The “George Costanza Philosophy” Rule
- Whenever George tries to justify his bad behavior with a ridiculous excuse, players must collectively make up their own Costanza-level excuse for something they’ve done.
- The person with the weakest excuse takes a drink.
9. The “Elaine Dance-Off” Rule
- During an Elaine dancing moment, players must stand up and recreate her awkward moves.
- The least enthusiastic dancer takes a penalty shot.
- Bonus: If someone nails the “thumbs and kicks” perfectly, they can make someone else drink.
10. The “Shrinkage Situation” Rule
- Inspired by George’s infamous “shrinkage” line, if any character mentions being embarrassed or humiliated, all players must dramatically shout, “I was in the pool!” and take a drink.
11. The “Festivus Feats of Strength” Rule
- Before the game starts, write silly “feats of strength” challenges (like push-ups, arm wrestling, or balancing a cup on your head) on slips of paper.
- Whenever someone hears a Festivus reference, they must perform one feat—or drink.
12. The “Bassline Boogie” Rule
- Every time the bassline plays between scenes, players must dance like they’re in a 90s music video.
- The most awkward dancer gets to assign drinks to someone else.
13. The “Yada Yada” Wildcard
- Every time someone says “yada yada,” players must summarize the last scene in three words or less.
- If their summary doesn’t make sense, they take two sips.
14. The “Soup Kitchen Swap” Rule
- Mid-game, announce a “Soup Kitchen” swap where everyone must exchange drinks with another player. If someone refuses, they have to take a penalty shot.
15. The “Stand-Up Heckle” Challenge
- During Jerry’s stand-up moments, players take turns heckling his jokes.
- The worst heckler drinks, as voted by the group.
Themed Party Ideas for Your Seinfeld Drinking Game Night
Why settle for a simple watch-and-drink session when you can host a full-fledged Seinfeld party?
Decorations
- A Festivus pole in the corner.
- “No soup for you!” signs on the walls.
- Printouts of Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer to create a photo booth backdrop.
Costume Contest
- Encourage guests to dress up as their favorite characters.
- Ideas: Puffy shirts, Elaine’s floral dresses, or George in sweatpants with a Twix bar.
Food and Drinks
- Serve Seinfeld-inspired snacks: big salads, Junior Mints, black-and-white cookies, or marble rye.
- Drinks with character: Try “Kramer’s Crazy Cocktail” (a mix of whatever’s in the fridge) or “Elaine’s Yada Yada Margarita.”
TV Shows Like Seinfeld Perfect for Drinking Games
While Seinfeld is a classic choice for a drinking game, many other shows offer endless opportunities for laughter and, of course, a chance to sip along with your favorite characters. Here’s a roundup of the best shows like Seinfeld that are tailor-made for drinking games.
1. Friends
A beloved sitcom about six friends navigating life, love, and laughter in New York City, Friends is brimming with iconic moments.
Drinking Triggers:
- Chandler makes a sarcastic comment.
- Joey says, “How you doin’?”
- Ross mentions dinosaurs or yells, “We were on a break!”
- Monica obsesses over cleanliness.
2. The Office
The Office is a timeless classic—a workplace mockumentary that hilariously chronicles the quirky lives of Dunder Mifflin employees, packed with awkward moments and endless laughs.
Drinking Triggers:
- Michael Scott says something wildly inappropriate.
- Jim pranks Dwight.
- Kevin spills or ruins something.
- Creed does or says something utterly bizarre.
3. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
If chaotic comedy is your thing, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia delivers. This show about morally questionable friends running a bar is tailor-made for a boozy good time.
Drinking Triggers:
- Charlie eats something strange or ill-advised.
- Dee is mocked mercilessly by the gang.
- The gang’s harebrained scheme inevitably fails.
- Frank reveals a ridiculous secret from his past.
4. How I Met Your Mother
HIMYM is another sitcom about Ted Mosby and his search for love combines heartfelt moments with recurring jokes, making it great for a drinking game.
Drinking Triggers:
- Barney says “Suit up!” or “Legendary.”
- Ted mentions the “Mother.”
- Robin talks about her Canadian roots.
- Someone orders a drink at MacLaren’s Pub.
5. Parks and Recreation
Set in the quirky small-town government of Pawnee, Indiana, this feel-good comedy is packed with memorable characters and running gags.
Drinking Triggers:
- Leslie Knope mentions waffles or her love for Pawnee.
- Ron Swanson shares his disdain for government or love for bacon.
- Tom Haverford pitches a ridiculous business idea.
- Andy does something hilariously clueless.
6. Arrested Development
This smart comedy follows the absurdly dysfunctional Bluth family and their endless schemes.
Drinking Triggers:
- Gob says, “Come on!”
- A chicken dance is performed.
- Someone mocks Buster’s missing hand.
- A narrator delivers a sarcastic comment.
7. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
A police sitcom with a comedic twist, Brooklyn Nine-Nine blends clever humor with heartwarming moments.
Drinking Triggers:
- Jake Peralta makes a Die Hard reference.
- Boyle talks about food in an overly detailed way.
- Captain Holt delivers a deadpan comment.
- Rosa says something intimidating.
8. Schitt’s Creek
This comedy about a wealthy family adjusting to life in a small town is full of unforgettable one-liners and character moments.
Drinking Triggers:
- Moira wears a new wig or uses a ridiculously big word.
- David says, “Ew!”
- Alexis mentions her glamorous past or says, “Love that for me.”
- Johnny tries to stay optimistic despite chaos.
What makes these shows so great for drinking games? Like Seinfeld, they feature recurring themes, over-the-top characters, and hilarious catchphrases that translate seamlessly into drinking rules. Whether you’re watching awkward office interactions, chaotic bar antics, or the dramatic lives of quirky families, these sitcoms guarantee laughs—and plenty of drinks!
So, grab your favorite drink and your TV remote, and get ready for a night of sitcom-fueled fun. Cheers!