10 TV Shows That (In)Famously “Jumped the Shark”

TV shows can hook us with brilliance but sometimes veer into absurd territory, losing their spark in a moment fans call “jumping the shark,” inspired by a wild Happy Days stunt. These missteps, from bizarre plots to jarring character changes, mark when a series falters and struggles to bounce back.

We’ve ranked 10 shows that hit that infamous low point, from noticeable stumbles to massive crashes, based on how their quality plummeted. Here’s why these moments left us stunned.

10. How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)

Ted’s quest for love charmed with witty banter, but the Season 9 (2014) finale rushed the mother’s reveal and undid years of buildup with a divisive twist. The sudden shift to tragedy clashed with its comedic heart.

The ending felt like a betrayal of fan investment. We missed the gang’s warm hangouts.

9. Weeds (2005-2012)

Nancy Botwin’s suburban drug-dealing saga started sharp, but Season 5 (2009) sent her family on a chaotic, aimless road trip with cartels and odd romances. The grounded wit gave way to over-the-top drama.

The wild detours lost the show’s clever edge. We craved the early suburban bite.

8. Lost (2004-2010)

This island mystery gripped us with secrets, but Season 3’s (2006) cage-bound arc for Jack, Kate, and Sawyer dragged with filler and odd character choices. Later time-travel twists bloated the mythos.

The sluggish pace tested our loyalty. We were hooked but frustrated by the sprawl.

7. Roseanne (1988-1997, 2018)

Roseanne’s blue-collar humor shone until Season 9 (1996-1997) jumped into a surreal lottery win and dream-sequence finale. The shift from gritty realism to bizarre plots felt jarring.

The wealth fantasy broke the Conner’s relatable core. We longed for their real struggles.

6. Heroes (2006-2010)

Season 1’s superpowered thrills were electric, but Season 2 (2007) slowed with Hiro’s feudal Japan arc and scattered new characters. The tight focus dissolved into aimless subplots.

The momentum crash dulled its spark. We missed the early ensemble magic.

5. Glee (2009-2015)

The choir’s underdog story dazzled, but Season 4 (2012-2013) split the cast between new kids and aimless grads, losing its unity. Absurd plots, like Sue’s baby, killed the vibe.

The fractured focus dimmed its joyful heart. We wanted the old glee club back.

4. Dexter (2006-2013)

Dexter’s killer-with-a-code saga gripped us, but Season 8 (2013) fumbled with Deb’s dark arc and a weak final villain. The lumberjack ending baffled, straying from its tense roots.

The sloppy finale betrayed its sharp edge. We were let down by the messy close.

3. That ’70s Show (1998-2006)

The retro teen hangout sparkled until Season 8 (2005-2006), when Eric and Kelso left, and a new character, Randy, disrupted the groove. The final season felt like a hollow copy.

Losing core pals broke the basement vibe. We missed the original crew’s chemistry.

2. Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

This epic fantasy soared with rich lore, but Season 8 (2019) rushed Daenerys’ villain turn and Bran’s kingship, ignoring years of buildup. The sloppy pacing stunned fans.

The hasty end tarnished its legacy. We’re still reeling from the shocking fumble.

1. Happy Days (1974-1984)

Fonzie’s iconic cool defined this nostalgic sitcom until Season 5’s (1977) water-ski stunt over a shark sparked the “jump the shark” phrase. The gimmick marked a slide into silly plots over its warm, relatable roots.

The absurd stunt screamed desperation. We yearned for the early diner charm.

Which show’s shark-jumping moment shocked you most, or is there another series that veered off course? Share your thoughts in the comments!