TV catch phrases

[Jeremy Blackman]

I just kind of think it's beautiful when a series has a catch phrase that not only can define the entire show, but is also repeated in the show itself tastefully enough to work, and frequently enough to be remembered.

I'm so sorry but I'm going to have to get the obvious ones out of the way:


So say we all
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA. This is used so many freaking times in BSG but miraculously retains its impact to the very end. It sounds so corny and meaningless out of context, but it is sold every time. I credit Edward James Olmos's superhuman powers of conviction.

Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS. Kind of speaks for itself. The perfect mix of earnestness and ferocity.

Live together, die alone
LOST. This might only be said a few times, but it's memorable and sums up the show's worldview.


Any others? If you're stretching, let's extend this to catch phrases that don't have to be show-defining credos.

Like "I'm the one who knocks" — a line with so much impact that it only had to be said once to become a catch phrase.

[Jeremy Blackman]

HOUSE has at least two great catch phrases:


Everybody lies.

It's never Lupus.


The first one is arguably show-defining, I guess.

[Reel]

"AAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOO???"



-Home Improvement

[ono]

"How rude!"
"You got it, dude!"
"Have mercy!"
"Oh, Mylanta!"

"Did I do that?"

"Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, what is going on here?"
"Time out."

"Gotta go!"
"Woohoo!"

"We were on a break!"

[Tictacbk]

"I am a man....a Mad Man"