In “The Chinese Restaurant,” the host calls “Cartwright” instead of Costanza.
George is waiting with Jerry and Elaine for a table when his girlfriend calls the restaurant to reach him. The maître d’ announces a phone call for “Cartwright,” not “Costanza,” and George initially fails to realize that the message is meant for him. The misunderstanding becomes one of the episode’s memorable absurdities.
The name is a deliberate reference to Bonanza, the Western television series whose central family was the Cartwrights. “Costanza” and “Bonanza” also have a similar sound, making the substitution an especially recognizable joke for television audiences. George’s missed call contributes to the episode’s larger theme of waiting, miscommunication, and social frustration.
Originally broadcast on May 23, 1991, “The Chinese Restaurant” is the 11th episode of season 2 and the 16th episode overall. It takes place almost entirely in the restaurant while Jerry, George, and Elaine wait for a table. NBC initially disliked the premise, but the episode was ultimately produced with few changes.