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Jump the Shark: TV Edition
The creator of the now-famous Web site that identifies the precise moment when sitcoms head south applies his powers of observation to politics, sports, and popular music. Reprint.
- GenresTvPop CultureNonfiction
128 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 24, 2022
This book really should be updated to present day. It brings back great memories of tv shows past.
June 5, 2015
Jump the shark" is the colloquial phrase for the exact moment at which a cultural phenomenon has passed its peak in popularity on the way to eventual oblivion. This book is by the guy who, with his friends in a college bull session, came up with the term, and identifies that moment for many of television's most popular hit shows.
The term itself, as any Pop-Culture maven worth his IMDB will know, comes from the "Happy Days" episode late in its run when Fonzie literally jumped over a shark on water skis--wearing his trademark leather jacket. This is an example of the "Vacation" category of shark-jumping (Hein helpfully provides a list of general caterogires before providing show by show breakdowns).
Of course, while somewhat serious (and accurate in identifying the beginning of the end), this is mostly tongue-in-cheek fun, enhanced by fun lists scattered throughout--best TV neighbors, favorite "Odd Couple" guests (Howard Cosell?), and finest off-stage game show voices (Johnny Olson, of course).
Won't change your life, but will provide a few hours of fun and reflection on the role TV has played in your life (probably larger than you think).
The term itself, as any Pop-Culture maven worth his IMDB will know, comes from the "Happy Days" episode late in its run when Fonzie literally jumped over a shark on water skis--wearing his trademark leather jacket. This is an example of the "Vacation" category of shark-jumping (Hein helpfully provides a list of general caterogires before providing show by show breakdowns).
Of course, while somewhat serious (and accurate in identifying the beginning of the end), this is mostly tongue-in-cheek fun, enhanced by fun lists scattered throughout--best TV neighbors, favorite "Odd Couple" guests (Howard Cosell?), and finest off-stage game show voices (Johnny Olson, of course).
Won't change your life, but will provide a few hours of fun and reflection on the role TV has played in your life (probably larger than you think).
September 3, 2007
Since the book is completely opinion, I disagreed with a great deal of what was said, especially when the book moved from the TV section and started talking about celebrities and music (I skipped sports and politics all together). Fairly useful for getting a brief history of things though.
July 28, 2023
A list of when our favorite TV shows jumped the shark
February 12, 2008
A must for the popular culture television junkie!
November 7, 2008
My new purse book.
It was OK - mostly retreads of stuff I've read elsewhere.
It was OK - mostly retreads of stuff I've read elsewhere.
January 18, 2012
It was okay. I enjoyed the introduction more than the actual television entries.
August 28, 2012
Mixed bag
April 21, 2012
Sad, true, and made me nostalgic.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews