Special Report

You're Quoting TV! Famous Lines That Have Become Widely Popular

Television has had a major influence on American culture, arguably greater than parents, schools, churches, or government.

TV was first introduced in the U.S. in 1928 but really took off after WWII when over half of households had a set. The 1950s were considered the Golden Age of Television. Even with the rise of the internet, TV has left a lasting impact on our language.

Many common phrases actually originated from classic TV shows, though we may use them without realizing it.

For example, “The truth is out there” comes from “The X-Files,” while “D’oh!” comes from “The Simpsons.” Other examples include “That’s what she said” from “The Office” and “I am the danger” from “Breaking Bad.” (Click here for the most binge-worthy series you can stream now.)

We use TV quotes to express things like being impressed (“Smarter than your average bear”) or unimpressed (“Yada, yada, yada”). And if we want to end a conversation, we might say, “Just the facts, ma’am.” Though we may not know their origins, these and many other TV quotes have become ingrained in everyday American speech.

Click here for 50 classic TV quotes that are now part of everyday vocabulary

Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company

How do you do, fellow kids?
> Show: 30 Rock

[in-text-ad]

Courtesy of FX Network

Phrasing!
> Show: Archer

Courtesy of Fox Network

I’ve made a huge mistake
> Show: Arrested Development

Courtesy of CNBC-e

I am the danger.
> Show: Breaking Bad

[in-text-ad-2]

Courtesy of KVH Media Group

I’d like your $8-est bottle of wine, please
> Show: Brooklyn 99

Courtesy of CanWest Global Communications

Norm!
> Show: Cheers

[in-text-ad]

Courtesy of KVH Media Group

Cool cool cool
> Show: Community

Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company

What’chu talkin’ ’bout, Willis?
> Show: Different Strokes

Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company

Just the facts, ma’am
> Show: Dragnet

[in-text-ad-2]

Courtesy of CanWest Global Communications

I tried nice once. Didn’t care for it
> Show: Everybody Loves Raymond

Courtesy of CBS Television Distribution

I’m listening
> Show: Frasier

[in-text-ad]

Courtesy of Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution

How come he don’t want me man?
> Show: Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company

Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.
> Show: Friday Night Lights

Courtesy of AB Distribution

How you doin’?
> Show: Friends

[in-text-ad-2]

Courtesy of 20th Television

Shut up and take my money
> Show: Futurama

Courtesy of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

Winter is Coming
> Show: Game of Thrones

[in-text-ad]

Courtesy of Walt Disney Television

So pick me, choose me, love me.
> Show: Grey’s Anatomy

Courtesy of 20th Century Fox Television

True story
> Show: How I Met Your Mother

Courtesy of CBS

Lucy I’m Home!
> Show: I Love Lucy

[in-text-ad-2]

Courtesy of Columbia TriStar Domestic Television

What is…
> Show: Jeopardy!

Courtesy of HBO Max

What’s up doc?
> Show: Looney Tunes

[in-text-ad]

Courtesy of Walt Disney Television

We have to go back
> Show: Lost

Courtesy of Midget Entertainment

What do you want me to say?
> Show: Mad Men

Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company

Treat yoself
> Show: Parks & Rec

[in-text-ad-2]

Courtesy of Endemol Worldwide Distribution

By order of the Peaky Blinders
> Show: Peaky Blinders

Courtesy of Bravo Cable

Make it work
> Show: Project Runway

[in-text-ad]

Courtesy of Amazon Studios

Sashay away
> Show: RuPaul’s Drag Race

Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company

More cowbell
> Show: Saturday Night Live

Courtesy of American Broadcasting Company

It’s handled.
> Show: Scandal

[in-text-ad-2]

Courtesy of ITV Studios Global Entertainment

Eww!
> Show: Schitt’s Creek

Courtesy of CBS

Zoinks
> Show: Scooby Doo

[in-text-ad]

Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company

Yada yada yada
> Show: Seinfeld

Courtesy of HBO

I couldn’t help but wonder…
> Show: Sex and the City

Courtesy of CanWest Global Communications

I thought this was America
> Show: South Park

[in-text-ad-2]

Courtesy of Nickelodeon

I’m ready!
> Show: SpongeBob SquarePants

Courtesy of CBS Video

The tribe has spoken
> Show: Survivor

[in-text-ad]

Courtesy of NBC
I believe in Believe
> Show: Ted Lasso

Courtesy of KVH Media Group

Bazinga
> Show: The Big Bang Theory

Courtesy of CBS Paramount Domestic Television

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia
> Show: The Brady Bunch

[in-text-ad-2]

Courtesy of Columbia TriStar Domestic Television

Hey now!
> Show: The Larry Sanders Show

Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company

That’s what she said
> Show: The Office

[in-text-ad]

Courtesy of The Fremantle Corporation

Come on Down!
> Show: The Price is Right

Courtesy of 20th Century Fox Television

D’oh
> Show: The Simpsons

Courtesy of HBO

Madone
> Show: The Sopranos

[in-text-ad-2]

Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company

Heeeeere’s Johnny!
> Show: The Tonight Show

Courtesy of Home Box Office

You come at the king, you best not miss
> Show: The Wire

[in-text-ad]

Courtesy of 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

The truth is out there
> Show: The X-Files

Courtesy of American Broadcasting Company

Is that your final answer?
> Show: Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

Courtesy of National Broadcasting Company

Just Jack
> Show: Will & Grace

[in-text-ad-2]

Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

Smarter than your average bear.
> Show: Yogi Bear

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