What Causes a TV Show to Jump the Shark?

The phrase “jump the shark” is a term used in the entertainment industry to describe the moment when a television series begins a perceived decline in quality. It is often marked by a specific, outlandish event or plot point that feels disconnected from the show’s original premise. This concept is frequently debated by critics and audiences when analyzing long-running programs.

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The term “jump the shark” originates from a 1977 episode of the American sitcom “Happy Days.” In the episode titled “Hollywood: Part 3,” the character Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli water-skis over a confined shark while wearing his signature leather jacket. This stunt was widely seen as a desperate attempt to boost ratings and a departure from the show’s core dynamic.

Other television shows have been cited by commentators as having similar defining moments. For instance, the popular series “Dallas” introduced a storyline where an entire season was revealed to be a dream. This narrative decision effectively negated a year of plot developments, including a major character’s death.

The medical drama “House” has been noted for an episode where the titular character, Dr. Gregory House, hallucinates a conversation with the deceased detective Sherlock Holmes. This metafictional element was viewed by some as a sign the show was straying from its medical mystery roots. These moments are often used as cultural reference points in discussions about a show’s longevity and creative direction.

Summary

The concept of “jumping the shark” refers to a specific moment a TV show is perceived to have passed its peak quality. It is named after a 1977 “Happy Days” episode featuring a stunt where the Fonz water-skis over a shark.

Other series have similar infamous moments. “Dallas” used a dream narrative to reset a full season of its storyline. The drama “House” featured an episode with a surreal meeting between the main character and Sherlock Holmes.

These plot points are often cited by audiences and critics as turning points. They are used to mark when a series may have begun to decline in creativity or coherence from its original successful format.

FAQs

What does “jump the shark” mean?
It is a term describing the moment a television series begins a perceived decline in quality. This is often marked by a gimmicky or outlandish plot point that feels disconnected from the show’s original appeal.

Where did the phrase come from?
The phrase originated from a 1977 episode of “Happy Days.” In the episode, the character Fonzie performs the stunt of water-skiing over a confined shark while wearing his leather jacket.

Is “jumping the shark” always a negative term?
Yes, it is primarily used as a critical label. It signifies a point where a show is seen to have run out of creative ideas, often resorting to sensationalism to maintain audience interest.