" If you go back and look at the pilot of ‘Seinfeld,’ no one would have thought that show would be what it became, and television isn’t given that kind of chance anymore. "
- Malik Yoba

The quote suggests that when 'Seinfeld' first aired, its initial episode did not clearly indicate the show's future success or popularity. It implies that television networks and audiences often fail to anticipate how a series might evolve over time. Today, with fewer opportunities for new shows to establish themselves and gain traction, this level of unpredictability is less common.

This statement also highlights the changing dynamics in the entertainment industry where immediate success has become more critical than ever before. In the past, television networks would give promising but initially underwhelming programs a longer runway to develop their audience base and improve over time. Nowadays, due to increased competition and the pressure of instant gratification from streaming services and social media, there is less patience for gradual growth in viewership or ratings. This shift affects how creators approach storytelling, as they must now capture audiences immediately rather than slowly building a fanbase.

Malik Yoba is an American actor known for his roles in various television series and films. His reflection on the television industry's evolution stems from his long-standing career in entertainment, where he has observed firsthand the changing landscape of how shows are developed and sustained over time.