The recently announced #21328 LEGO Ideas Seinfeld display model of Jerry’s apartment is now available for LEGO VIP members (general release will begin on August 1st). Seinfeld is known as ‘the show about nothing’ that made everyone laugh, and the LEGO version is packed with authentic details to further delight fans. Some key features are the kitchen/living room where Jerry and friends would hang out and the hallway from where neighbor Kramer would burst in. And of course, all five beloved Seinfeld characters are included to spark nostalgic memories and sidesplitting scenes; Jerry Seinfeld, George Costanza, Cosmo Kramer, Elaine Benes, and Newman. The set also includes a small, buildable stage for stand-up comedian Jerry.
It’s worth noting that this is the fourth LEGO set based on a sitcom, after the #21302 LEGO Ideas The Big Bang Theory from 2015 (retired), and two sets based on the F.R.I.E.N.D.S television show; the #21319 LEGO Ideas Central Perk from 2019, and the recently released #10292 LEGO Friends Apartments, both of which are still available at the Online LEGO Shop.
The #21328 LEGO Ideas Seinfeld set is packaged in the typical black box that has become the norm for the 18+ collection, and comes with a flip-up lid. The front of the box features the set from a frontal view, the five characters in minifig form, and the yellow and red Seinfeld logo. The back of the box shows the set from a slightly above view, which I think displays the unique features of the set better than the picture at the front. There are a few additional images at the back, but the only interesting one in my opinion is the blueprint.
The instruction booklet is 175 pages, and has a bit of info about the original show, each of the characters, the set’s fan creator, Brent Waller, and the three LEGO designers who worked on the set. Although the cover of the booklet and these introductory pages are black, thankfully, the pages with the building instructions are light colored. This was done in response to the many complaints from adult fans that the black pages of the 18+ sets were very hard to see. The box also includes nine numbered bags for the pieces, a few separately packaged larger pieces, as well as a single sticker-sheet with twenty stickers.
Building begins with the stage for Jerry and the base for the interestingly shaped main section from bags #1 and #2. As this set is based on a sitcom, the living space doubles as a stage, and to maximize viewing from the front, all the walls are placed at slight angles. This is achieved by using hinged plates to place to walls at an angle on a smoothly tiled surface. Building this surface is kind of monotonous, but it doesn’t take too long.
Bags #3 and #4 are for building the left side and back of the structure. A unique feature of this set compared to the earlier sitcom-based sets is that it features three partially or completely enclosed spaces that surround the central area. This makes the layout far more interesting for both play and display. On the other hand, building this early section was a little boring. It’s basically just building plain light-gray and white walls with occasional clever accessories like the radiators, ac unit, and computer desk.
However, once you’re done with this section, things get more interesting. Bag #5 and #6 are for building the kitchen, and this is my favorite part of the entire set. The fridge with stickers, the microwave, the sink with a paper towel roll above, the cleverly built stove, the kitchen counters, and the crammed kitchen cabinets are an absolute joy to build. Bags #7, #8, and #9 are also pretty engaging with finishing the rest of the walls, and adding various furniture pieces.
Overall, the set is not as colorful and jammed packed with unique building techniques and accessories as the #21319 LEGO Ideas Central Perk set, which remains my favorite, but it does have some nice details to offer. I feel that the building instructions could have been better balanced between boring sections and more interesting sections. I didn’t really enjoy building this set until about half way through the construction (kitchen and beyond).
Speaking of details, the set is also full of Easter eggs for fans of the Seinfeld TV show. I’m not an expert on this, as I only watched a couple of episodes, but I included a video below by Ashnflash who lists over 30 references from the show. The second video is a full video-review of the set, also by Ashnflash.
My impression from the feedback I have seen is that Seinfeld fans are happy with the set, LEGO designers got all the authentic details right, and they also really nailed the characters. From the perspective of a LEGO fan who doesn’t care about the show, the set still has a lot of value. First, the price / piece ratio is unusually low (1,326 pieces for $79.99 comes to only 6 cents apiece!). Also, many of the design elements and furniture pieces could be directly transported to your own layouts, and all the minifigs can be used as regular civilians in a LEGO city.
In summary, I would recommend this set to both friends of the show and LEGO fans who like detailed interior designs. It may not be a day-one purchase, but it’s worth picking up just for the parts due to the unusually low price. If you would like to check it out, it’s available at the LEGO Ideas section of the Online LEGO Shop.
What do you think? How do you like the LEGO Ideas Seinfeld set? Do you have it already? Or are you planning to get it? Feel free to share your thoughts and own review in the comment section below!
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