Contents
The Origin of Jump the Shark Meme
The term “jump the shark” originated from an episode of the hit TV show “Happy Days” in 1977. In that episode, Fonzie, the cool and tough guy character, literally jumped over a shark while water skiing. This scene was considered ridiculous and marked the beginning of the show’s decline in quality. The phrase “jump the shark” became a metaphor for a TV show that has reached its peak and is now on a downward spiral.
The Evolution of Jump the Shark Meme
The phrase “jump the shark” gained popularity in the 1990s, thanks to the internet. It became a popular meme, used to describe any situation or event that has reached its peak and is now on a decline. The phrase was used extensively in TV and movie reviews, and it soon became a part of the pop culture lexicon.
The Impact of Jump the Shark Meme
The “jump the shark” meme had a significant impact on pop culture. It made people more aware of the quality of TV shows and movies they watch. It also made showrunners more conscious of the storylines they create and the characters they introduce. The meme forced them to be more creative and innovative, and to avoid the pitfalls that can lead to the downfall of their shows.
Examples of Jump the Shark Moments
There have been numerous instances in pop culture where a TV show, movie, or even a celebrity has “jumped the shark.” Here are a few examples:
TV Shows
– “The X-Files”: The show’s decline was marked by the introduction of a new character, Agent John Doggett, in season 8. The departure of the show’s lead character, Agent Mulder, also contributed to its downfall. – “Heroes”: The show’s second season was considered a disappointment by fans, with many citing the introduction of new characters and convoluted storylines as the reason for its decline. – “The Walking Dead”: The show’s decline began in season 7, when it introduced the character of Negan and the infamous “Lucille” scene. Many fans felt that the show had become too violent and had lost its focus on character development.
Movies
– “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”: The fourth installment in the Indiana Jones franchise was widely panned by fans and critics alike. Many felt that the movie had lost the magic of the original trilogy. – “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”: The eighth installment in the Star Wars saga was divisive among fans. Many felt that the movie had deviated too far from the original trilogy and had ruined the character of Luke Skywalker.
Conclusion
The “jump the shark” meme may have started as a joke, but it has become an essential part of pop culture. It has made us more aware of the quality of the TV shows and movies we watch and has forced showrunners to be more creative and innovative. While some may argue that the meme has become overused, it remains a valuable tool for critiquing and analyzing pop culture.