Jerry Seinfeld is best known for playing a fictional version of himself on the ’90s sitcom Seinfeld. On the show, he was a stand-up comedian. In real life, he is an even more successful stand-up comedian. 

In 1998, Seinfeld released his second stand-up special, a 21-part routine entitled I’m Telling You for the Last Time, recorded live at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City.

Afterward, I’m Telling You for the Last Time was released on cassette and CD. The next year, the special was available on VHS and DVD under the title Jerry Seinfeld: I’m Telling You for the Last Time – Live on Broadway.

The recording of Seinfeld’s routine reached No. 59 on the U.S. Billboard 200, and it was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Comedy Album in 1999. 

The title was referencing Seinfeld’s plan to never reuse the same jokes over and over. In fact, at the beginning of the TV special, there is a shot of Seinfeld at a funeral, “burying his old material.” The scene features other comedians, including George Carlin, Robert Klein, Ed McMahon, Jay Leno, and George Wallace.

Even though the special was taped in 1998, most of the topics Seinfeld covers are still applicable today. He begins his routine by receiving a phone call and stating, “We have gone nuts with the phones, haven’t we? We’re crazy with the phones.”

Little did he know, people would still be “crazy with the phones” more than 20 years later. 

Although there are a few suggestive phrases as part of some of the bits, overall there is not a surplus of obscene language or topics.

Seinfeld covers a variety of topics during his routine, sometimes abruptly switching to a new topic. However, it is easy to jump back in and enjoy the next topic. 

Another strong aspect of Seinfeld’s performance is the randomness of topics. Throughout the episode, he covers everything from horse trailers and silver medals to produce and waiting rooms. 

He also points out the absurdities in the world, like the fact that there is a slot for used razor blades in every airplane bathroom, and how you have to buy a waterproof watch and wallet to scuba dive (“Gee, completely out of oxygen and look at the time! Now I am dead and I am late.”)

Relatability to the audience is one way that Seinfeld’s routine is effective. Most comedians’ routines focus mainly on stories from their personal lives: their kids, their spouses, people that they encounter, etc. However, this is not effective, since fewer people can relate to it. Seinfeld tells a few personal anecdotes as lead-ins to topics, but he mostly focuses on general topics that would apply to most people, and everyday encounters that people have. 

Seinfeld also shows his quick humor and wit by hosting a question-and-answer segment at the end of his routine. Members of the audience ask Seinfeld a question, he provides an answer, and then he ad-libs for a minute or so about the topic. 

The special is available on Netflix, YouTube, or it is split by chapter on Spotify.