[[{"fid":"1327","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default"},"type":"media","attributes":{}}]]Everyone has a few favorite TV shows, and the longer the show runs, the more likely it is that at some point the show will deviate from the thing that made it great in the first place.
Extremely long running shows typically have the one moment that you realize that the writers were out of ideas, and/or your favorite character was unceremoniously killed off because that actor had a better gig.
Regardless, usually there is an episode or moment you have the epiphany that the show is no longer for you.
The term for that is ‘jumping the shark’ and is named for an episode of “Happy Days,” where the fan-favorite ‘The Fonz’ was waterskiing and jumped a shark.
“Happy Days” was already considered past its best by critics at the time, and this one moment really stuck for many people as the definitive moment they realized “Happy Days” was getting ridiculous.
Hence "jumping the shark" is the trope namer for any show that does so.
This term can be used to refer to any type of long running media, but I guess you can use it in real life.
For example if Aunt Rhonda dyes her hair blonde, buys a corvette and marries a drummer, the family might refer to that year as the year she ‘jumped the shark.’
Just because it’s fresh and exciting doesn’t mean it’s the best option to go.
Here is the clip from "Happy Days"
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