Jump The Shark - v. The moment when you know a show has reached its peak and will never be good again. Named after an episode of Happy Days when Fonzie jumped a shark on his motorcycle.
With that in mind:
1. What is the worst Jump the Shark moment for a show that you've faithfully watched? Did you continue to watch after the show took the jump or did you give up in disgust? The worst: When David and Maddie finally screwed on Moonlighting. After that, what was the point? Other obvious jumps: When Rob Morrow left Northern Exposure, when we found out who killed Laura Palmer on Twin Peaks, when Dixie Carter and that little satan kid joined the Drummonds on Diff'rent Strokes. E.R. started sucking once Goose From Top Gun guy died. Which ones am I missing?
2. Is there a show that you're currently watching that you think has Jumped the Shark? Any show that currently is putting on a life vest and strapping on water skis? Smallville and Enterprise. I used to watch them religiously, but the story lines just got repetitive and uninteresting.
3. Is there a show that has never taken the jump? The Simpsons and NYPD Blue are still on and good. Seinfeld never jumped the shark, it ended way too soon.
4. Is there a show that got close to jumping but then came back? West Wing could be close to jumping, but I think once Jimmy Smits joins the cast it will either renew the energy or sink like the Kerry Campaign.
5. What elements do you think most contribute to a show making the jump? A main character leaving or the introduction of a baby or a precocious kid.
See the complete list of shows at Jump The Shark.
What do you think? What shows have raised your hopes, then let you down? Hit comments and release your inner Arnold Horshack.
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