Jumping The Shark

[James_baba]

We've all heard of the expression 'jumping the shark' as it refers to a point in a tv show when viewers consider its peak has been and finally gone. The phrase was derived from a scene in Happy Days when the Fonz literally jumped over a shark whilst water-skiing - something considered to be a fad in the 70s when the show was set 20 years earlier. Although Happy Days continued for a few more years after the incident, many shows have been associated with the phrase.

On the official website, there's many different categories that can be considered as a jump the shark moment - a different actor being cast in the role of a familiar character, guest stars appearing all the time, the long-drawn out 'will they, won't they' story finally being resolved when the couple get together, an actresses' pregnancy being written into the show, a character suddenly getting a personality transplant in order to tell a story etc etc.

What shows do you think jumped the shark and why?

[Veni_f]

Ooops, didn't see the other thread! Delete?

[Katerine]

It's a horrible, horrible term that was funny about ten years ago but now is used by internet posters to try to be cool when a TV show they like goes in a direction they're not happy with.

Only about 10% of the shows on that website have ever actually jumped the shark.

Come up with something original, internet!

No offense!

[Myke_m]

Why don't you have a go? I'm all ears!

[Alex_d]

couldn't agree more - i hate it when it's used.

[Jonathan]

There are shows however the thrive off JtS moments: 24, Battlestar Galactica and Lost are the best examples.

Ghost Whisperer has now made the leap of faith too.

[katty_f]

A pointless phrase. Always makes the people who use it look complete ****s.
If your favourite TV show has become sh!t then just say so.

[Smith]

Yep overused.
The Fonz also was still WEARING his leather jacket as well!!

YouTube - Fonzie Jumps the Shark

[blagoi]

I love how they've now properly regulated the terms' use online:

Jumping the Shark = when a TV series loses the plot
Nuking the Fridge = when a movie franchise loses it