Jump the shark

usgb
verb

Used to describe a time when something that was once successful starts to decline.

Many fans believe that the sitcom started to jump the shark when the main character left the show.
Visual representation of "jump the shark" - Used to describe a time when something that was once successful starts to decline.

Often appears as...

  • series has jumped the shark
  • show jumped the shark

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "jump the shark"
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Origin Story

Understand that 'jump the shark' comes from a TV show episode where a character did a ridiculous stunt signifying the show's decline.

Illustration for Origin Story
The phrase 'jump the shark' is from when Fonzie water-skied over a shark on 'Happy Days'.
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Cultural Use

'Jump the shark' is often used in entertainment contexts, such as TV, movies, or books, to mark a quality downturn.

Illustration for Cultural Use
Critics said the film series 'jumped the shark' with the fourth sequel.
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Idiomatic Flexibility

The phrase can be modified to fit different forms, like 'jumping the shark' or 'has jumped the shark'.

Illustration for Idiomatic Flexibility
The ongoing TV show is jumping the shark this season.
Visual representation of the word "Jump the shark"

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