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
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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
24/7 Wall St.
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
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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]
> 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
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