Special Report
You're Quoting TV! Famous Lines That Have Become Widely Popular
Published:
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
24/7 Wall St.
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
> Show: Ted Lasso
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
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
Take Charge of Your Retirement In Just A Few Minutes (Sponsor)
Retirement planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is finding expert guidance—and SmartAsset’s simple quiz makes it easier than ever for you to connect with a vetted financial advisor.
Here’s how it works:
- Answer a Few Simple Questions. Tell us a bit about your goals and preferences—it only takes a few minutes!
- Get Matched with Vetted Advisors Our smart tool matches you with up to three pre-screened, vetted advisors who serve your area and are held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. Click here to begin
- Choose Your Fit Review their profiles, schedule an introductory call (or meet in person), and select the advisor who feel is right for you.
Why wait? Start building the retirement you’ve always dreamed of. Click here to get started today!
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
Our expert who first called NVIDIA in 2009 is predicting 2025 will see a historic AI breakthrough.
You can follow him investing $500,000 of his own money on our top AI stocks for free.