jump the shark

Meaning

This expression describes the moment when a creative work, usually a TV show, begins a decline in quality. It often involves a gimmick or highly improbable plot twist used to maintain viewer interest, signaling that the creators have run out of good ideas.

Examples

• The show really jumped the shark when they introduced long-lost twins in season five.

  The show really jumped the shark when they introduced long-lost twins in season five.

• Once the main characters finally got married, the sitcom jumped the shark.

  Once the main characters finally got married, the sitcom jumped the shark.

• Many fans believe the sci-fi series jumped the shark when the action moved to outer space.

  Many fans believe the sci-fi series jumped the shark when the action moved to outer space.

• I stopped watching after that bizarre musical episode; it definitely jumped the shark.

  I stopped watching after that bizarre musical episode; it definitely jumped the shark.

• A lot of reality shows jump the shark when they start casting famous influencers instead of regular people.

  A lot of reality shows jump the shark when they start casting famous influencers instead of regular people.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The series jumped a shark last night.

  ✓ The series jumped the shark last night.

  This is a fixed idiom. You must use the definite article 'the' rather than 'a'.

• ✗ I don't want to jump the shark of this conversation.

  ✓ I don't want to lose track of this conversation.

  'Jump the shark' is specifically used for creative works, entertainment, or brands that decline in quality, not for everyday conversations or arguments.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I think the series ___ when they brought a character back from the dead.

  💡 Think of a sea animal jumping in the past tense.

  Show answer

  jumped the shark

• Do you think the band's new experimental album is great, or have they finally ___?

  💡 It means they have passed their peak of quality.

  Show answer

  jumped the shark