What Does “Jumping The Shark” Mean?

In television, there’s a term that perfectly captures the moment a show veers into decline: “jumping the shark.” A hallmark of pop culture criticism, this phrase signifies a turning point when a once-beloved series resorts to outlandish gimmicks or far-fetched storylines in an attempt to maintain its audience, often signaling the beginning of its creative downfall.

Origins of “Jumping the Shark”

The phrase “jumping the shark” traces its origins to a very specific and memorable moment in TV history. In the fifth season of Happy Days, the beloved 1970s sitcom about life in the 1950s, an episode aired where the character Fonzie (played by Henry Winkler) literally jumps over a shark while on water skis. This stunt, meant to showcase Fonzie’s coolness, struck many viewers as absurd and marked a point where the show seemed to abandon its core charm in favor of spectacle. The term was later popularized by radio personality Jon Hein, who launched a website in 1997 cataloging moments when various TV shows had jumped the shark. It quickly became part of the cultural lexicon, symbolizing creative desperation.

The Anatomy of “Jumping the Shark”

What exactly constitutes “jumping the shark”? While the shark-jumping scene from Happy Days remains the most literal example, the term applies broadly to a range of TV missteps that suggest a show is past its prime:

1. Character Transformations: When characters suddenly undergo drastic and uncharacteristic changes, it can feel like a betrayal of the show’s original premise. An example is The X-Files when Agent Mulder (David Duchovny) leaves, and the show’s dynamic shifts.
2. New Additions to the Cast: Bringing in a new character, often a cute child or quirky relative, is a common shark-jumping tactic. The Brady Bunch famously introduced Cousin Oliver in its final season, an addition many fans felt contributed to the show’s decline.
3. Ridiculous Plot Twists: Outlandish storylines designed for shock value often backfire. Dallas infamously revealed that an entire season was a dream, negating significant plot developments and frustrating viewers.
4. Gimmicky Changes in Setting or Format: Moving characters to a new location or altering a show’s structure can disrupt its appeal. Scrubs is often cited for “jumping the shark” with its ninth season, which shifted the setting to a teaching hospital and replaced much of the original cast.
5. Unnecessary Romantic Pairings: Forced relationships between main characters can alienate audiences. Fans of Moonlighting point to when Maddie and David finally got together as the moment the show lost its spark.

Examples of Shows That Jumped the Shark

• The Simpsons: While still airing and beloved by many, The Simpsons is often cited as having jumped the shark around its tenth season. Critics and fans note that the show’s humor shifted from character-driven storytelling to more absurd, random gags.
• Grey’s Anatomy: Many point to the infamous ghost storyline involving Denny Duquette (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) in Season 5 as a shark-jumping moment. Izzie’s romantic hallucinations strained the show’s otherwise emotional realism.
• Lost: While Lost was renowned for its intricate mysteries, some fans and critics believe the show jumped the shark when it introduced time travel and increasingly convoluted plotlines.
• The Office (U.S.): The departure of Steve Carell’s Michael Scott marked a significant shift in tone and quality. Many believe the show jumped the shark in its later seasons, particularly with the introduction of new boss characters like Robert California.
• How I Met Your Mother: The final season’s pacing and divisive finale, which undercut years of storytelling, left many fans feeling the show had lost its way.

Why “Jumping the Shark” Matters

The concept of “jumping the shark” is more than a critique of individual moments; it reflects the delicate balance required to maintain narrative integrity over multiple seasons. Audiences become invested in characters and stories because of their authenticity and emotional truth. When shows betray that authenticity in favor of spectacle, it can break the trust between creators and viewers.

However, it’s worth noting that a show jumping the shark doesn’t always mean it’s doomed. Some series recover their footing after a stumble, while others manage to sustain popularity despite creative declines. Yet the term serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of prioritizing shock over substance.

The Legacy of “Jumping the Shark”

“Jumping the shark” has become a cultural shorthand, extending beyond television to describe any situation where something takes a turn for the worse. It’s a reminder of the perils of excess and the importance of storytelling integrity. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a devoted TV critic, recognizing shark-jumping moments can deepen your appreciation for the art—and occasional folly—of television.