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

Special Report

Published: August 15, 2023 3:00 pm

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

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

[in-text-ad]

Phrasing!
> Show: Archer

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

I am the danger.
> Show: Breaking Bad

[in-text-ad-2]

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

Norm!
> Show: Cheers

[in-text-ad]

Cool cool cool
> Show: Community

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

Just the facts, ma’am
> Show: Dragnet

[in-text-ad-2]

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

I’m listening
> Show: Frasier

[in-text-ad]

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

ALSO READ: Now Streaming Classic TV Shows That Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat

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

How you doin’?
> Show: Friends

[in-text-ad-2]

Shut up and take my money
> Show: Futurama

Winter is Coming
> Show: Game of Thrones

[in-text-ad]

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

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True story
> Show: How I Met Your Mother

Lucy I’m Home!
> Show: I Love Lucy

[in-text-ad-2]

What is…
> Show: Jeopardy!

What’s up doc?
> Show: Looney Tunes

[in-text-ad]

We have to go back
> Show: Lost

ALSO READ: 25 of the Greatest Movie Quotes in History

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

Treat yoself
> Show: Parks & Rec

[in-text-ad-2]

By order of the Peaky Blinders
> Show: Peaky Blinders

Make it work
> Show: Project Runway

[in-text-ad]

Sashay away
> Show: RuPaul’s Drag Race

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More cowbell
> Show: Saturday Night Live

It’s handled.
> Show: Scandal

[in-text-ad-2]

Eww!
> Show: Schitt’s Creek

Zoinks
> Show: Scooby Doo

[in-text-ad]

Yada yada yada
> Show: Seinfeld

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

I thought this was America
> Show: South Park

[in-text-ad-2]

I’m ready!
> Show: SpongeBob SquarePants

The tribe has spoken
> Show: Survivor

[in-text-ad]

I believe in Believe
> Show: Ted Lasso

ALSO READ: Best Classic TV Shows Available to Stream

Bazinga
> Show: The Big Bang Theory

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia
> Show: The Brady Bunch

[in-text-ad-2]

Hey now!
> Show: The Larry Sanders Show

That’s what she said
> Show: The Office

[in-text-ad]

Come on Down!
> Show: The Price is Right

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D’oh
> Show: The Simpsons

Madone
> Show: The Sopranos

[in-text-ad-2]

Heeeeere’s Johnny!
> Show: The Tonight Show

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

[in-text-ad]

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

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

Just Jack
> Show: Will & Grace

[in-text-ad-2]

Smarter than your average bear.
> Show: Yogi Bear

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