What year did the last episode of "Seinfeld" air?

Imagine a world where "shrinkage" is just a laundry problem, breaking up over soup is perfectly reasonable, and a puffy shirt can derail your entire career. Welcome to the wonderfully wacky world of "Seinfeld," folks!

This "show about nothing" became everything to millions of viewers every week, spending nine glorious seasons watching four self-absorbed New Yorkers navigate life's petty annoyances. Jerry, Elaine, George, and Kramer weren't just characters; they were our dysfunctional friends who made us feel better about our own quirks. I mean, who hasn't wanted to fake being a marine biologist to impress a date? No? Just George? Alrighty then.

"Seinfeld's" genius lay in its ability to tap into our collective psyche, giving voice to those unspoken rules and awkward moments we all experience but rarely discuss. With cast chemistry that bubbled like Kramer's hot tub, the show turned the mundane into comedy gold. Who else could make waiting for a table at a Chinese restaurant an iconic episode?

Double-dipping may have been a party foul for George Costanza, but when it came to success, this sitcom about "nothing" was guilty as charged. It scooped up both critical acclaim and audience adoration, collecting awards at an impressive rate with 68 Emmy nominations (winning 10) and 19 Golden Globe nods. But these accolades were just the appetizer - the main course was the show's jaw-dropping ratings. Week after week, it pulled in numbers that today's shows couldn't even imagine.

Despite its incredible run, all good things must come to an end - even when TV executives were begging for more. The cast and creators, riding high on their success, decided to go out on top rather than risk jumping the shark. As news of the finale spread, fans reacted with a mix of disbelief and over-the-top party planning. The countdown to the last episode had everyone talking about their favorite moments - yada yada yada - and speculating wildly about the ending.

In what year did we finally have to say goodbye to this "show about nothing" that had become such a big something?