Lunch & Learn: Jewish Identity and the 1990s Sitcom

"We Have to go to Schnitzers! I'll Show These People Something about Taste!" 

Representations of Jews were all over television in the ‘90s. The prevalence of Jewish characters and storylines in iconic shows like Seinfeld, Friends, and The Nanny reflected a shift in both Jewish culture and America's attitude towards its Jewish citizens. Together, we’ll revisit some of the great comedies of the ‘90s, delve into how representations of American Jewry became widespread in sitcoms, and examine their impact on our current moment.