The script's gun content was deemed too provocative and, in little time, Seinfeld and David wrote "The Phone Message" to fill the production void. Though the episode was met with positive critical responses, its initial broadcast on February 13, 1991, was watched by an underwhelming audience of 13 million viewers, causing NBC to put the show on a two-month hiatus.
The script's gun content was considered too provocative, and quickly, Seinfeld and David penned "The Phone Message" to fill the production gap. Although the episode received favorable critical reviews, its initial broadcast on February 13, 1991, attracted a modest viewership of just 13 million people, prompting NBC to suspend the show for two months.