Jumping the shark is a colloquialism coined by Jon Hein and used by TVcritics and fans to denote the point in a TV show or movie series' history where the plot veers off into absurd story lines or out-of-the-ordinary characterizations. This usually corresponds to the point where a show with falling ratings apparently becomes more desperate to draw in viewers. In the process of undergoing these changes, the TV or movie series loses its original appeal. Shows that have "jumped the shark" are typically deemed to have passed their peak.
The phrase has been used more recently outside the realm of popular culture, representing anything that has reached its peak and has declined in quality. If one thinks a stock or a sports team or a subcultural phenomenon has reached its peak, for example, one can say that it has "jumped the shark."
I stopped watching the Y & R some time ago because I thought the plot was going off in too many directions. Now I know it may have been "Jumping the shark".
The Simpsons jumped the shark so long ago I can't even remember the actual point in time. I think it was the comet episode about 10 years ago.
Was just going to say that. But I think it happened when that episode aired with Homer slicing off his thumb, and the plot kind of jumps back in time to show each of the Simpson's day...
Family Guy jumped the shark around 1 season after it came back. We only need one "FSSSSSSCKT........ AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH" scene. We don't need that joke repeated a billion times.
Now they are cramming "Stewie's Gay" down our throats at every freaking turn.
The Simpsons jumped the shark so long ago I can't even remember the actual point in time. I think it was the comet episode about 10 years ago.
It was the episode when Homer and Lisa broke into the museum to see an Aztec exhibit and Homer broke something. Instead of alarms going off and there being a comedic chase scene there was some lame artifact that made some pretty lights and Homer had a father/daughter bonding moment with Lisa. It was lame.
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Was just going to say that. But I think it happened when that episode aired with Homer slicing off his thumb, and the plot kind of jumps back in time to show each of the Simpson's day...
Family Guy jumped the shark around 1 season after it came back. We only need one "FSSSSSSCKT........ AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH" scene. We don't need that joke repeated a billion times.
Now they are cramming "Stewie's Gay" down our throats at every freaking turn.
Have they though? Everytime the evidence seems conclusive that he's gay, they throw something out there to make it seem that he's into girls or not into the gay advances. I think that whole plot line got excessive, and not funny. I think the point was for him to be simply thoroughly screwed up and sexually ambiguous. I liked him better when he was a "old soul" psycho that wanted to kill Lois and hated Brian. Now he's just a screwed up bisexual baby who kind of dislikes Lois and tolerates Brian. Every so often they go back to the old chemistry and it works, but its less and less. Its funny how the first three seasons have huge re-watch value, while many of the new ones are one and done.
Last edited by Thunderball; 06-15-2009 at 03:27 PM.
The Simpsons jumped the shark so long ago I can't even remember the actual point in time. I think it was the comet episode about 10 years ago.
The Simpsons jumped the shark when Phil Hartman died, and because of that loss, they brought in new and unfunny characters like Gill and made the stupid cat lady a recurring theme. He must of contributed ideas too, cause the show started to suck ass after he was gone.
Ironically, Zapp Brannigan is essentially the combination of Lionel Hutz and Troy McClure, Billy West sounds close enough.
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Jumping The Shark
