In the age of binge-watching and viral memes, television shows have become more than just entertainment—they’ve become a shared cultural experience. One of the most enduring legacies of our favorite series is their catchphrase: those short, snappy lines that capture a character’s essence or a show’s spirit. These one-liners have a way of sneaking into our everyday conversations, often without us even realizing it.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 classic TV show catchphrases that have become so ingrained in our lexicon that you might find yourself using them without even remembering their source. Whether you’re a die-hard TV fan or just someone who enjoys a good quote, you’re sure to recognize—and perhaps sheepishly admit to using—many of these iconic lines.
“D’oh!”
If Homer Simpson from The Simpsons (1989-present) had a nickel for every time he aggressively said D’oh!, he would be able to quit his job by now. Many of us are perhaps guilty of subconsciously using this familiar catchphrase when we are frustrated or realize we’ve bungled something up.
“Yada, yada, yada”
The phrase yada yada yada seems to have multiple origins. Some say it is derived from the British word yatter, which means chatter, while others trace it back to a 1947 Broadway musical titled, Allegro. There’s no denying that comedian Lenny Bruce was the first to popularize it in his comedy bit titled Father Flotsky’s Triumph (1961), but what really brought the catchphrase new meaning was, you guessed it – Seinfeld (1989-1998). Director Andy Ackerman, who rightly wondered why no other sitcom had done it before, dedicated a whole episode to the exclamation (Season 8, Episode 19), with many characters in the show resorting to using it.
“Bazinga!”
If you’re thinking, no one can emulate the way Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019), says Bazinga, you’re probably right. But that doesn’t stop us from trying, now, does it? The pure, unadulterated joy of hearing Sheldon snarkily and confidently blurt it out is what Big Bang Theory fans live for.
“Suit up!”
Yes, Suit Up isn’t exactly the quintessential catchphrase and yes, we’ve heard characters across TV shows and Superhero films (we see you Iron Man fans) use it to imply that they’re ready for action. However, it is also true that Barney Stinson’s rallying cry from How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014) resonates with us more than anything else has. So much so that it has become a popular way to get pumped up for a night out or an important event.
“That’s what she said”
Michael Scott’s wry, dead-pan go-to joke from The Office (2005-2013) has become a classic response to any unintentionally suggestive statement. The phrase has been used and abused by all and sundry, we’d say. Although the phrase may have originated in the 70s in America, Michael Scott’s rendition was in truth an homage to Ricky Gervais’ David Brent using the colloquial expression “said the actress to the bishop” in the earlier British version of the show.
“How you doin’?”
You can’t deny that you’ve used Joey Tribbiani’s signature pickup line from Friends (1994-2004) as a go-to greeting, especially among your circle of friends for the sake of comic relief if nothing else — complete with the Joey smirk, eyebrow lift, and the head nod of approval.
“Winter is coming”
Author George R. R. Martin revealed that a storm during his freshman year at college in Chicago inspired the iconic phrase. The ominous warning from Game of Thrones (2011-2019) uttered several times throughout the series by several characters, often used to signal impending doom, has taken on a life of its own – making its way to advertisements, political campaigns, memes, and what have you.
“Treat yo’ self”
This phrase from Parks and Recreation (2009-2015), used by characters Tom Haverford and Donna Meagle is oddly uplifting and hilarious at the same time. The characters often used it to justify extravagant purchases, but the phrase has become a popular way for fans of the show to encourage self-care and indulgence.
“Whatchu talkin’ ’bout Willis?”
This line, frequently uttered by the adorable Arnold Jackson (Gary Coleman) on the show Diff’rent Strokes (1978-1986), in the most confused and incredulous tone, is a timeless one. The popularity of Watchu talkin’ ’bout, Willis? extended far beyond fans of Diff’rent Strokes. The catchphrase became so well-known in pop culture that even people who had never watched an episode of the show were familiar with it. It has since been referenced and parodied extensively in other TV shows, movies, and memes.
“Did I do that?”
Steve Urkel’s sheepishly articulated catchphrase from the American sitcom, Family Matters (1989-1997) after doing something particularly goofy and clumsy became so popular with audiences that Jaleel White (the actor who played Steve) joined the main cast in season 2 and became the central focus of the show. His character ended up appearing on other sitcoms at the time, like Full House and Step by Step. Urkel’s likeness, and Did I do that? were also featured on promotional merchandise. In a later interview, Jaleel White explained that the specific delivery of the line is what made the phrase so memorable and quotable.
“Pivot!”
This one requires no introduction. Ross Geller’s repeated and absolutely hilarious instruction while moving a couch on Friends (1994-2004) is now a common refrain among fans of the show. In fact, we suspect that the clip has probably made its way to an unfamiliar audience because of its comic timing and levity, not to mention Chandler’s equally hysterical and annoyed shut, shut up, shut up! as a response. You cannot call yourself a true Friends fanatic if you have not obsessed over this scene and played it over and over.
“Legendary!/It’s gonna be legendary!”
Barney Stinson’s other iconic catchphrase from How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014) and the infectious enthusiasm with which he articulates it has made the phrase one of his most repeated and imitated lines. Its appeal has led to it being widely used beyond just fans of the show, to the point that it’s even become a meme sensation now.
“Ew, David!”
Alexis Rose’s disgusted exclamation from Schitt’s Creek (2015-2020) became so popular that It is considered one of the most iconic and frequently quoted lines from the series. Fans are so devoted to the phrase that you’ll find hundreds of compilation videos of the three times (yes, that’s it) when Annie Murphy’s character utters it.
“You’re fired!”
The phrase may have its origins dating back to the 16th century, the 1800s, or the 1900s — the topic is apparently highly debatable. But no one can argue that it was Donald Trump’s frequent use of it on the Reality TV show The Apprentice (2004-present) in the 2000s that really cemented it as a ubiquitous pop culture reference. Trump even attempted to trademark the phrase for use on merchandise but was beaten to it by other companies that already held registrations.
“Serenity now!”
This phrase shouted by Frank Costanza on Seinfeld (1989-1998) is used ironically throughout Season 9, episode 3 of the sitcom (the episode is aptly titled The Serenity Now), with Frank yelling Serenity now! every time, he’s filled with extreme stress and frustration. The humor comes from the contrast between the calming intention of the phrase and the angry way it is expressed, so naturally fans couldn’t let go of it. The phrase has entered the cultural lexicon and continues to be referenced and parodied in other TV shows, films, blogs, and even the names of spas.