Jumping the Shark

[Lionel Lyon]

Anybody ever seen this website? It surveys the point viewers think a series lost its appeal (i.e. "jumped the shark"--apparently a reference to something that happened in Happy Days). Here's an alphabetical list of shows (mostly American, sorry). Some are said never to have jumped it. E.g. when Niles married Daphne, that loomed as the perfect jump-the-shark moment, but IMO I think the producers managed successfully to steer the show back from the edge.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, this website has pop-up windows.

 

[Mr Eagle]

That site has become very well known - the phrase 'jumping the shark' has been picked up in many other places, not least of which was amongst analysts of the dot.com bust

 

[Docker_Brat]

Never heard of it.

 

[Mr Eagle]

Originally posted by Docker_Brat
Never heard of it.

Well you're not hip and with it, clearly

 

[Nic]

Originally posted by Lionel Lyon
(i.e. "jumped the shark"--apparently a reference to something that happened in Happy Days).

I think it refers to an episode where Fonzie actually jumped a shark on waterskis ... not a huge Happy Days fan, but surely that would spell the end of any tv show.

 

[PiedPiper]

Not a bad site, and yes, very clear that after the Fonz jumped the shark, couldn't watch it after that, and anything with Ted McGingley in it

 

[Dogs 13]

Originally posted by PiedPiper
and anything with Ted McGingley in it

Ted McGinley is referred to as the patron saint of shark jumping and his appearance on any show indicates that it is on it's last legs.

I think he's turned the lights out on Happy Days, Love Boat, Married with Children, Dynasty ??. Also appeared in movie sequels such as Major League 3.

Given past experience the future of The Practice and West Wing doesn't look too bright.