"The Outing" is the 57th episode of the sitcom Seinfeld. It is the 17th episode of the fourth season, and first aired on February 11, 1993. The line "… not that there's anything wrong with that"—as a reference to homosexuality—has become a popular catchphrase among fans.
Plot
While at Monk's Café, Elaine notices a woman in a nearby booth eavesdropping, and as a prank speaks to Jerry and George as if they were a closetedgay couple. The eavesdropping woman turns out to be Sharon, a New York University reporter who is planning on interviewing Jerry. Later, Sharon visits Jerry's apartment to conductthe interview. His and George's conversation during the interview inadvertently solidifies her misconception that they are gay. Eventually, they recognize her from the coffee shop, and strenuously deny that they are gay, conditioning their denials with "Not that there's anything wrong with that." Throughout the episode, Jerry and George fear being seen as homosexual, yet also feel afraid they will be perceived as homophobic. The interview with Jerry is published in the school newspaper, and subsequently gets picked up by the Associated Press. Sharon asks to see Jerry, leading to them kissing in his apartment. George decides to use his orientation as an excuse to break up with his girlfriend, Allison. George tries to act outraged at finding Jerry making out with Sharon to prove that he is homosexual to Allison, but when Jerry doesn't follow along, George's ruse doesn't convince her and Sharon walks out. In a last-ditch attempt to get Allison to break up with him, George tells her he is a porn actor, but this only makes her even more attracted to him. Kramer enters his apartment with an attractiveyoung man, causing George and Jerry to briefly wonder if he is gay. Kramer explains, "He's the phone man!...Not that there's anything wrong with that."
Reception
Creators Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld were reportedly concerned about offending the gay community with this episode. Their concerns were unfounded, as "The Outing" won a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Comedy Episode.
