Why Seinfeld's Apartment Couldn't Exist In Real Life - Theory Explained

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Jerry’s apartment in Seinfeld seems to be a structural anomaly, as a popular theory reveals that the iconic sitcom location couldn’t exist in real life. While New York City-set sitcoms have long been criticized for the unrealistic nature of the characters’ apartments, these arguments are typically in terms of how they could actually be afforded, such as Monica and Rachel’s Friends apartment. However, the problem with Seinfeld’s apartment isn’t necessarily that Jerry couldn’t afford it (though Kramer is a completely different story), but that it doesn’t make sense in terms of its structural layout.

Alongside the fictional Monk’s Cafe, 129 West 81st Street, Apartment 5A has become one of the most iconic locations in sitcom history because the majority of Seinfeld took place in Jerry’s apartment. While the quirks of Jerry’s apartment layout have more commonly been conversed about in regards to his decorations with the hanging bike and revolving cereal boxes, it’s been noted over the years that his home is architecturally incorrect. Seinfeld typically only shows Jerry’s living room and kitchen, but during the rare moments that a scene takes the characters through the hallway, the layout of the apartment contradicts itself.

Related: Seinfeld: Every Fake Movie The Characters Watch

Perhaps understanding that Seinfeld’s popular theory holds some water, a set reconstruction made by Hulu even added a few walls and angles to the hallway in order to make the layout seem more realistic. However, this doesn’t change that what is actually seen in Seinfeld’s nine seasons tells another story about the building’s architecture. Here’s a breakdown of the inconsistencies in the structure of Jerry’s apartment and the fan theory that says