We live in an age of rapid technological advancement, where our viewing habits are evolving – from smartphones to laptops, bypassing traditional television. However, it’s undeniable that television has been hugely influential in shaping American culture. Even as we shift to streaming services and mobile devices, iconic TV catchphrases, characters, and moments have woven themselves into the fabric of our daily lives.
Television was born in the United States in 1928 with the launch of WGY Television, a joint experimental venture between WGY in Schenectady, New York and WMAK in Lockport. After development stalled during World War II, the rise of television picked up steam across American households in the postwar 1940s. By the 1950s, over half the country had a TV set at home, fueling TV’s so-called “Golden Age”. Though the medium has evolved mightily over the decades, TV still reigns as one of the most transformative and culturally impactful innovations of the 20th century. Today, these are the states where people watch the most TV.
24/7 Tempo has compiled a list of timeless TV phrases that are part of daily vocabulary. Even if television’s primacy has been challenged in the last two decades by the internet and social media, it has certainly made its mark on our language. Some of them are so ingrained that you may be quoting a TV show without realizing it. The truth is out there, whether you’re aware of it or not. By the way, that’s a quote from the “X-Files.” And if you didn’t recognize it, you might say, “D’oh!” That’s from “The Simpsons.” (Click here for the most binge-worthy series you can stream now.)
Here are timeless TV phrases that are part of our daily vocabulary:
How do you do, fellow kids?
- Show: 30 Rock
Phrasing!
- Show: Archer
I’ve made a huge mistake
- Show: Arrested Development
I am the danger.
- Show: Breaking Bad
I’d like your $8-est bottle of wine, please
- Show: Brooklyn 99
Norm!
- Show: Cheers
Cool cool cool
- Show: Community
What’chu talkin’ ’bout, Willis?
- Show: Different Strokes
Just the facts, ma’am
- Show: Dragnet
I tried nice once. Didn’t care for it
- Show: Everybody Loves Raymond
I’m listening
- Show: Frasier
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
Shut up and take my money
- Show: Futurama
Winter is Coming
- Show: Game of Thrones
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
What is…
- Show: Jeopardy!
What’s up doc?
- Show: Looney Tunes
We have to go back
- Show: Lost
What do you want me to say?
- Show: Mad Men
Treat yoself
- Show: Parks & Rec
By order of the Peaky Blinders
- Show: Peaky Blinders
Make it work
- Show: Project Runway
Sashay away
- Show: RuPaul’s Drag Race
More cowbell
- Show: Saturday Night Live
It’s handled.
- Show: Scandal
Eww!
- Show: Schitt’s Creek
Zoinks
- Show: Scooby Doo
Yada yada yada
- Show: Seinfeld
I couldn’t help but wonder…
- Show: Sex and the City
I thought this was America
- Show: South Park
I’m ready!
- Show: SpongeBob SquarePants
The tribe has spoken
- Show: Survivor
I believe in Believe
- Show: Ted Lasso
Bazinga
- Show: The Big Bang Theory
Marcia, Marcia, Marcia
- Show: The Brady Bunch
Hey now!
- Show: The Larry Sanders Show
That’s what she said
- Show: The Office
Come on Down!
- Show: The Price is Right
D’oh
- Show: The Simpsons
Madone
- Show: The Sopranos
Heeeeere’s Johnny!
- Show: The Tonight Show
You come at the king, you best not miss
- Show: The Wire
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
Smarter than your average bear.
- Show: Yogi Bear