I believe the term jump the shark is thrown around way to loosely. I always thought that jumping the shark was when something absurd and unrealistic happened. How can people think that Mike and Gloria moving to California or someone new joining the show is jumping the shark? I just don't get it. Can someone give me the definition of jumping the shark? Thank you!

Jumping the shark is when a change in the show happens and the storylines and the writting goes down in quality. Many believe that All in The Family jumped the shark when Mike and Gloria left because it hurt the show and it never really was the same after that. Of course there were still some good episodes after that, but the show's chemistry was forever changed.
Did that make any sense?

Yeah that definitely makes sense, thanks for responding. Iv'e been wanting to know the answer to that question for a long time. I guess the reason I didn't see Mike and Gloria leaving as jumping the shark was because I actually loved the ninth season with Danielle Brisebois. I thought the ninth season had many great episodes like all the ones with Stephanie's father coming and trying to take her back and stuff. Plus Steffi's conversion and too good Edith. But yeah I do hear what your saying, I know alot of people didn't like the direction the show took after the eighth season. Anyway thanks for answering my question, I appreciate it.