Jack Webb Homage: Mr Bookman on Seinfeld
Webb in Pop Culture
Seinfeld was one of the most popular tv series of the 1990s, and still has quite a fan following today. The creative forces behind the series parodied a wide range of subjects in their time, and one of the most memorable is the NY Library investigator Mr Bookman.
Well, I confess I was never a big Seinfeld fan, but when I saw this episode in syndication, it was pretty clear to me after about two lines that ‘Mr Bookman’ is a parody/homage of Jack Webb’s classic tv police officer, Joe Friday.
Or maybe it’s just my imagination: take a look and see…
Also of interest:
Categories: Fridays for Friday, Television, Video Fridays for Friday, Jack Webb, Jack Webb Homage, Joe Friday, NY Library, Television






We are in synch, no Seinfeld fan here either but this segment seemingly pay homeage to Jack Webb.
Yes, this clip is very ‘Webb!’ It’s great to see that Mr. Webb continues to be a cultural icon through the years!
Bookman has always been my favorite character on Seinfeld, and you know, I’ve seen this bit a hundred times, and it never occurred to me! You’re absolutely right, VV. The quick cutting between Seinfeld and Bookman during the coffee exchange confirms it. I worked for the public library for a good number of years, and the stereotypes are true. How I wish we’d had more men like Bookman! Heck, we could use more men like him — and Webb — in general!
Jaytee,
I’m not ashamed nor embarrassed to say that Mr. Bookman makes a heck of a lot of sense in this clip! Right on!