8 TV Shows That Made Dramatic Changes From Their Pilot Episodes
1. Seinfeld: Kramer Was Known As Kessler
It's hard to believe a show about nothing would go on to become America's biggest comedy, but Seinfeld wasn't an instant hit with NBC. The network passed on the sitcom when Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David first pitched it as The Seinfeld Chronicles.
Much of the pilot episode revolves around Jerry and George's musings at Pete's Luncheonette. Kramer does show up, but not is we know him. In the sampler episode, he's known as Kessler, and Elaine is nowhere to be seen.
NBC tested the show on focus groups, who labelled it "weak", and passed it up the first time around, though a follow-up pitch was encouraged. Seinfeld and David didn't see the memo describing the test audience's reaction until years later, but when they did, they hung it in the bathroom of the commissioned show's set.
Elaine was added to the show when it was picked up, based on constructive criticism, as was Seinfeld's infectious bass-heavy theme tune.
Funnily enough, Kramer did go on to be called Kessler one more time in a Season 9 flashback set shortly after he moves into the apartment. Jerry addresses him as Kessler before old Cosmo corrects him by saying “Actually, it’s Kramer”.