I just wanted to know what the term means to everyone, and how they determine whether a show has jumped the shark.

To me, when a show jumps the shark, it means that it has resorted to some desperate means for ratings...it may be a dumb-attention-getting storyline or a special guest star to boost ratings, etc.
I think it also means when a show loses it's touch, and what once made the show special and unique or original fades and the show goes stale and becomes like every other show out there.

How about you?

Jump the shark is when a show hits its climax, and goes downhill. This usually is accompanied by desperate means for ratings as you said. Or say a new child.

Its also funny you should mention this today. I just watched Arrested Development and Henry Winkler literally "Jumped the Shark" a la Happy Days, where the phrase got its name from.

For me its the instant that a once loved show is no longer enjoyable.

Its also funny you should mention this today. I just watched Arrested Development and Henry Winkler literally "Jumped the Shark" a la Happy Days, where the phrase got its name from.

I didn't know the term got it's name from Happy Days! :cool:

I didn't know the term got it's name from Happy Days! :cool:

Well here is the definition from Jumptheshark.com, pretty much what you said:

It's a moment. A defining moment when you know that your favorite television program has reached its peak. That instant that you know from now on...it's all downhill. Some call it the climax. We call it "Jumping the Shark." From that moment on, the program will simply never be the same.

The term "jump the shark" was coined by my college roommate for 4 years, Sean J. Connolly, in Ann Arbor, Michigan back in 1985. This web site, book, film, and all other material surrounding shark jumping, are hereby dedicated to "the Colonel."

The aforementioned expression refers to the telltale sign of the demise of Happy Days, our favorite example, when Fonzie actually "jumped the shark." The rest is history.

Well here is the definition from Jumptheshark.com, pretty much what you said:

It's a moment. A defining moment when you know that your favorite television program has reached its peak. That instant that you know from now on...it's all downhill. Some call it the climax. We call it "Jumping the Shark." From that moment on, the program will simply never be the same.

The term "jump the shark" was coined by my college roommate for 4 years, Sean J. Connolly, in Ann Arbor, Michigan back in 1985. This web site, book, film, and all other material surrounding shark jumping, are hereby dedicated to "the Colonel."

The aforementioned expression refers to the telltale sign of the demise of Happy Days, our favorite example, when Fonzie actually "jumped the shark." The rest is history.

Thanks for posting that! :) :)

For me, it's literally a bunch of people jumping on top of a shark...

I use the term Jump The Shark occasionally for other things besides tv shows. If I'm explaining that a certain something's best days are behind, I'll say it. A marriage or a friendship ending, a Hollywood career, etc.

i never knew of that phrase until I came to SO and saw people talking about that site.

I use the term Jump The Shark occasionally for other things besides tv shows. If I'm explaining that a certain something's best days are behind, I'll say it. A marriage or a friendship ending, a Hollywood career, etc.

Jumping the shark applies not only to TV, but also music, film, even everyday life. "Did you see her boyfriend? She definitely jumped the shark." You get the idea.

Thats from the website too, lol. The creators of that site would be so proud of you Janice!

My definition for Jump the Shark: *warning: this is highly inappropriate*

Jumping bones with someone nicknamed "Shark"

Thats from the website too, lol. The creators of that site would be so proud of you Janice!
Yeah, I'm usually ahead of the curve...not. :lol:

About a year ago, I was having an argument with my husband, and I yelled at him, "This marriage has officially jumped the shark!". I didn't mean a word of it, but it sounded good at the time.

"Hollywood Parts 1-3"

it means...raising your feet, building energy to propel yourself in the air, lean forward and land a foot in front of where you were just standing while a shark happens to be under you. Jump the shark.

it means...raising your feet, building energy to propel yourself in the air, lean forward and land a foot in front of where you were just standing while a shark happens to be under you. Jump the shark.

I think this thread has just jumped the shark.

It means when something good - like good lovin' - goes bad. :D

"Jump The Shark" means a show has officially run out of ideas.

I think this thread has just jumped the shark.

:lol: :lol:

Its also funny you should mention this today. I just watched Arrested Development and Henry Winkler literally "Jumped the Shark" a la Happy Days, where the phrase got its name from.


Happy Days jumped the shark many times! The worse being(IMO) when
Potsie started crooning . :rolleyes: Like the time in Biology class he starts singing "The ankle bone's connected to the foot bone" That was more than I could stand! :eek: Another instance of shark jumping was the Mork episode! I hated that! I liked Happy Days so much better the first 2 seasons before it went before a live audience and turned raucous and silly. :( The realism and charm of the first 2 seasons went right down the drain! :(