Why do Jerry and Newman dislike each other?

Why do Jerry and Newman dislike each other? - Angry African American female in casual wear shouting and grabbing hand of anonymous female while fighting and looking at each other in kitchen

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Throughout Seinfeld, Jerry and Newman have an adversarial relationship, marked by the infamous exchange of "Hello, Jerry" "Hello, Newman." While at times they get along (In "The Barber," (S5E8) Jerry allows Newman to use his bathroom and invites him to watch Edward Scissorhands with him), or work together (In "The Andrea Doria," (S8E10) Jerry helps Newman deliver mail on his route so that Newman can get a promotion to the Hawaii so he'll move away from Jerry), the general dynamic of the relationship never changes.

Why do Jerry and Newman dislike each other?



Best Answer

The reason for the animosity is never revealed explicitly on the show, however, Jerry Seinfeld gave a reason in commentary to the DVDs as explained in the Newman (Seinfeld) Wikipedia entry under Personality:

When asked about why the character Jerry hates Newman, Jerry Seinfeld explained it in the Season 3 DVD inside look of the show:

He was the first person on the show, my own show, who was coming on to sabotage me in some way. And so why would I not hate him forever for that?




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Why do Jerry and Newman dislike each other? - Side view of African American female yelling at woman while looking at each other during conflict in room with green plants
Why do Jerry and Newman dislike each other? - Father and Son in Home Interior Looking at Each Other with HappinessĀ 
Why do Jerry and Newman dislike each other? - Couple Sitting Close Together While Drinking Red Wine



Why do Newman and Jerry not like each other?

Newman's dislike for Jerry appears to stem from anger at Jerry's status as a relatively famous comedian. Newman considers Jerry to be undeserving of his fame, referring to Jerry's audience as "half soused nightclub rabble that lap up your inane "observations"".

Are Wayne Knight and Jerry Seinfeld friends?

Jerry Seinfeld revealed his favorite co-star Fans might be shocked to hear who Jerry Seinfeld most enjoyed working with on the set of Seinfeld. In an AMA with fans, Seinfeld revealed that his favorite co-star was Wayne Knight, who played Newman.

Who is Newman based on?

Wayne Knight served as Jerry's nemesis neighbor, Newman, on Seinfeld. Newman resided in the same building as Jerry and Kramer and worked as a postal worker. Little is known about his backstory, but he and Jerry were feuding from the moment Newman walked onto the show in season 3.



Jerry Seinfeld on reunions, why he hates Newman




More answers regarding why do Jerry and Newman dislike each other?

Answer 2

Newman sabotaged Jerry (and other characters) by being a tattle-tale, trouble-maker and "agitator" (S9E12).

For example: He tattled to Jerry's parents when he saw Jerry making out during Schindlers List (S5E18) He tattled on Jerry for sleeping with a woman whose boyfriend was in a coma.

Newman's dislike for Jerry appears to stem from anger at Jerry's status as a relatively famous comedian. Newman considers Jerry to be undeserving of his fame, referring to Jerry's audience as "half soused nightclub rabble that lap up your inane "observations"". Newman's own talents as a poet and wordsmith are not inconsiderable, yet similar recognition to Jerry has so far eluded Newman.

Answer 3

The first time he was shown (The Suicide) was when Jerry went out with his neighbor's ex girlfriend while he was in a coma. Newman saw the girl leave his apartment, and by the end of the episode, ratted on Jerry. So, the first time Newman was shown at all he screwed over Jerry. I'm sure that set him on a path of dislike, then Newman kept doing stuff like that.

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