Question
Breaching Great White Shark. Front view.

Which TV show inspired the term "jumping the shark"?

Last updated: March 13, 2026

You've probably accused at least one show of jumping the shark. Maybe it was a random musical episode. Maybe it was the same couple's third wedding. We don't always agree on when our favorite shows crossed the line, but we know what it means when we say it. Which TV show inspired the term "jumping the shark"?

Correct Answer: Happy Days

(Source)

Admittedly, I'm not sure "inspired" was the right word to use considering the Fonz literally jumped over a shark. In a 1977 episode of "Happy Days," Fonzie wore his leather jacket with swim trunks, put on some water skis, and hopped a tiger shark. The episode was a massive hit with over 30 million viewers, and helped the show stay at the top of the ratings for years. But roughly a decade later, people started wondering why a show about Richie Cunningham became the "what zany things can the Fonz do this week" show, and pointed to this episode as the moment it all went sideways. Henry Winkler said he wasn't embarrassed by the legacy because at the time, he had great legs.

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