Remember the First Seinfeld? It Centered Around a Michigan Gal

Throughout Seinfeld's nine seasons, a lot of women caught Jerry's eye but never captured his heart. And it was a woman from Michigan who piqued the main character's interest in the iconic comedy's very first episode.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

The first episode of Seinfeld - which at the time was called 'The Seinfeld Chronicles' aired on July 5, 1989, a full 10 months before the show was picked up as a regular series. That pilot episode, titled 'Good News, Bad News,' aired on a Wednesday night. Its second episode (after the network picked it up) debuted on Thursday, May 31, 1990, beginning its long, storied run as a Thursday-night staple.

It took a few seasons for the show about four friends in New York City to really catch fire and become "Must-See TV," a phrase NBC used to promote its Thursday night comedy lineup.

Absent from that pilot episode was Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who played Elaine Benes throughout the show's entire run. According to the show's IMBD page, Louis-Dreyfus was unaware that the pilot existed until the release of the DVD box set in 2004.

What Was the Michigan Connection?

That first episode of Seinfeld centered around a woman who Jerry had met while he was out on the road performing a comedy show. That fictitious show had taken place in East Lansing, Michigan, we're assuming on the campus of Michigan State University.

When Laura contacted the then-up-and-coming comedian, she asked if she'd be able to spend the night at his apartment when she visited New York. In true Seinfeld fashion, on display in even that very first episode, George and Jerry debated the Michigander's intentions, trying to figure out if she had romantic feelings for Jerry.

The Episode Takes a Sad Turn

As fate would have it, Laura revealed that she had a fiancé back in Michigan - but only after Seinfeld had agreed to accompany on her on an hours-long boat tour of the Hudson. The comedian's hope for a date and romantic relationship was dashed, the firs of many times throughout the show's nine-season run.

Check Out 27 TV Shows That Were All Set in Michigan

Michigan is a great state surrounded by the Great Lakes - and it also makes a great setting for a TV show.

We all know that 'Home Improvement' starring Michigan's own Tim Allen is set here in Michigan, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Or in this case, the tip of the Mitten.

Check out these 27 TV shows that have been based right here in good ol' Michigan.

These Michigan Restaurants Have All Sadly Closed Since Appearing on National TV

You'd think an appearance on a national TV show like Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives or Restaurant: Impossible would guarantee success for a restaurant.

That hasn't been the case for these six restaurants, all of which have closed after being featured on national television.

Flint + Saginaw's Most-Popular TV Anchors - Where Are They Now?

A lot of highly talented people have sat behind the anchor desks at the area's TV stations.

We're taking a look at some of the area's most popular news, weather, and sports anchors who have visited our homes electronically and then moved on.

Categories: Michigan News, Newsletter, Videos

Remember Seinfeld’s First Episode? It Centered Around a Gal From Michigan