Reiner had built comedy cred as an actor on “All in the Family” (1971-79) and as director and star of the mockumentary “This Is Spinal Tap” (1984). “When Harry Met Sally,” the classic rom-com he helmed, would premiere just weeks after “Seinfeld” debuted as “The Seinfeld Chronicles” in July 1989.

Jerry Seinfeld on Monday thanked Rob Reiner for preventing the quick cancellation of “ Seinfeld ” (1989-98), the sitcom that skyrocketed the comedian to fame.