11 Unforgettable Running Gags in TV Shows
Running gags in TV shows have the power to keep audiences entertained and engaged. These recurring jokes and catchphrases become iconic and add an extra layer of humor to the shows. Let's take a look at some of the most unforgettable running gags in TV shows that have kept us laughing for years.
Leap Dave Williams
30 Rock is known for its hilarious fake movies and TV shows that satirize the entertainment industry. One of the most memorable is Leap Dave Williams, a fictional movie that pokes fun at Hollywood's obsession with high-concept comedies.
Jim Carrey in Leap Dave Williams, the fictional movie from 30 Rock
The absurdity of Leap Dave Williams adds to the charm of 30 Rock's running gags, making it a standout in the world of TV show humor.
The Cafe Conversations
Seinfeld's iconic 'no hugging, no learning' rule is perfectly encapsulated in the apathetic catchphrase, 'That's a shame.' This catchphrase, used by all four main characters, has become a timeless expression of mild disinterest in any situation.
Jerry, Elaine, Kramer, and George sitting at Monks in Seinfeld
The genius of 'That's a shame' lies in its versatility, allowing Seinfeld to flip traditional joke structures upside-down and keep the humor fresh for years.
The Bluth Family's Quirks
Arrested Development's running gags are a gold standard in TV comedy, with the chicken dance standing out as a prime example. This recurring joke highlights the out-of-sync nature of the Bluth family, adding a layer of humor to their dysfunctional dynamics.
The Bluths doing their chicken dance in Arrested Development
The brilliance of Arrested Development lies in weaving punchlines into important plot points, making the chicken dance a memorable and integral part of the show's humor.
Winston's Hilarious Pranks
New Girl's Winston Bishop, also known as Prank Sinatra, is notorious for his terrible pranks. From extreme pranks causing distress to subtle ones that go unnoticed, Winston's comedic moments add a unique flavor to the show's running gags.
Screenshot Winston New Girl Season 7
Winston's offbeat sense of humor and his comedic timing make his pranks a highlight of New Girl's humor, keeping audiences entertained with each ridiculous prank.
Larry's Eccentric Catchphrase
Curb Your Enthusiasm's Larry David scores rare wins in the show, and his catchphrase, 'Pretty, pretty, pretty good,' captures his smarmy self-satisfaction perfectly. The catchphrase's versatility and non-committal nature make it a standout running gag in the world of TV comedy.
Larry David quotes
The brilliance of 'Pretty, pretty, pretty good' lies in its ability to be used in a variety of situations, adding a touch of humor to Larry's rare moments of triumph.
Gunther's Unrequited Love
Friends' Gunther's unrequited love for Rachel adds a layer of humor to the show's dynamics. His secret feelings and subtle envy of Rachel's boyfriends create an intriguing running gag that keeps audiences engaged with the character's unspoken emotions.
Chandler; Jennifer Anniston; and James Michael Tyler in Friends
The depth of Gunther's unrequited love adds an extra layer of intrigue to Friends, making his character's subtle expressions of love a memorable part of the show's humor.
Jez & Super Hans' Band Names
Peep Show's Jez and Super Hans' obsession with band names adds a comedic touch to the show's running gags. Their ever-changing band names, from 'Curse These Metal Hands' to 'Man Feelings,' showcase their eccentricity and comedic chemistry.
Super Hans looks stoic standing in front of a blank wall in Peep Show
The duo's constant reinvention of band names adds a hilarious dimension to Peep Show's humor, keeping audiences entertained with their quirky antics.
The Gang's Camcorder Adventures
It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia's use of a camcorder for money-making schemes leads to a collection of throwback snippets from the show's funniest episodes. The reuse of the same tape creates a condensed best-hits reel, adding an extra layer of humor to the show's running gags.
Charlie screams at Mac and Frank in It's Always Sunny
The brilliance of It's Always Sunny lies in its ability to weave old projects into new episodes, creating a nostalgic and hilarious experience for fans of the show.
A Classic Catchphrase
Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Jake Peralta introduces a new spin on the classic 'that's what she said' gag with his catchphrase. The humor comes from the catchphrase's inappropriateness and its jab at uptight characters, adding a nuanced touch to the show's running gags.
Amy and Jake Brooklyn Nine Nine
The catchphrase's longevity and nuance make it a standout running gag in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, keeping audiences entertained with its irreverent humor.
Julian's Signature Drink
Trailer Park Boys' Julian's constant presence with a rum and coke adds a subtle, recurring joke to the show. His unwavering attachment to the drink becomes a humorous character quirk, adding a touch of consistency to the show's running gags.
Ricky talking to Julian in Trailer Park Boys
Julian's signature drink creates a memorable and amusing element in Trailer Park Boys, leaving audiences amused by his constant companion.
Roger's Multifaceted Characters
American Dad's Roger brings endless characters to life, creating a comedic feature through his diverse personas. The show's self-awareness and humor shine as Roger's characters become a recurring source of entertainment, keeping the show's running gags fresh and engaging.
Roger looks at a different version of himself in the mirror in American Dad
Roger's commitment to his characters adds depth and humor to American Dad's running gags, offering a unique and entertaining element to the show's comedic dynamics.
