“Dynamite” TV Catchphrases That You’ll Never Forget

Growing up in a suburban home, my family would gather by the television nightly to watch our favorite TV shows, which we followed almost religiously. Back then, television had a bunch of wise marketing techniques in order to receive more views including merchandise such as tee-shirts and posters and cliff hangers to make the audience want to come back and watch the next episode the very next week. But what these shows also had were catchy lines that were used repeatedly by particular characters, therefore pinning a trademark to the show. Catchphrases were what made us remember these shows, and it worked because we definitely used them in the real world. The best part is that we still use these phrases to this day! Here are some of the most memorable catch phrases from our favorite TV shows. “Lucy, you got some splaining to do!” — I Love Lucy (1951-1957) And to this, Lucy Ricardo (Lucille Ball) would almost always be able to explain herself, after another absurd plan didn't work out and her Cuban husband Ricky (Desi Arnaz) found out about it. The two were husband and wife in real life, and they were a winning couple on this sitcom, which maintains a timeless appeal, along with its catch phrase. https://www.youtube.com/watch?vAJauW47tlDU Click "Next" for more catch phrases... “Bang, zoom…straight to the moon!” — The Honeymooners (1955) A spin off of The Jackie Gleason Show, The Honeymooners introduced various catchphrases. When easily bothered Brooklyn bus driver Ralph Kramden (Jackie Gleason) felt trapped by his wife Alice (Audrey Meadows), he used this line, or others like it on her. He would never carry through with these ridiculous threats, and instead he’d come back with a loving “Baby, you’re the greatest.” “Danger, Will Robinson!”— Lost in Space (1965-1968) Given its timeless reputation, you’d think The Robot on Lost in Space was always moving its circuitry around like a crazy person and bailing space castaway Will Robinson out of every kooky situation he got into. However, it was actually only spoken once on the show, later on in its run, becoming a all-favorite catchphrase for generations to follow. “Book ’em, Danno!” — Hawaii Five-O (1968-1980)Whenever the bad guy was caught at the end of each episode, Det. Lieutenant Steve McGarrett (Jack Lord) would turn to his sidekick, officer Danny Williams (James MacArthur), and say his famous catchphrase. “Stifle!” — All in the Family (1971-1979)This command was given out by the lovable grump, Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor) whenever his so-called “dingbat” wife Edith (Jean Stapleton) messed up—which seemed to happen in almost each and every episode The couple would always reconcile in the end of the episode, though. “Who loves ya, baby?” — Kojak (1973-1978) This catchphrase goes along with Telly Savala's (tough but rational) NYPD lieutenant character Theo Kojak. This line is often said through the Tootsie Roll Pops (as cigarette smoking was no longer cool to see on TV). Click "Next" to read more... “Dy-No-Mite!” — Good Times (1974-1979) Jive-talking Chicago teenager J.J. Evans Jr., was known primarily by his famous catchphrase— annoyed John Amos and Esther Rolle, who were the co-stars who played his parents. They felt his character pulled the audience away too much from the sitcom’s serious topics about urban city life. Remember what Willis said? Click "NEXT" To Find Out... “Whatchoo talkin’ ’bout, Willis?”— Diff’rent Strokes (1978-1986) This phrase was innocently uttered by a curious Arnold (Gary Coleman) to his older brother (Todd Bridges) as they tried to adapt to their new, rich penthouse life. The line was continued throughout the show, and is still used today in conversations. See more catch phrases on the "NEXT" page... “Live long and prosper” — Star Trek (1966-1969)Leonard Nemoy (Spock)'s final tweet, posted five days before his he passed away on February 27, said: “A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP.” LLAP is taken from his most memorable quote from Star Trek. More phrases on "NEXT" page... “Aaay!” “Whoa!” and “Sit on it!” —Happy Days (1974-1984) Multiple catchphrases, one cool character. The Fonz (Henry Wrinkler), was a crucial element of Happy Days'. The character was a perfect mix of looks, and coolness (and catchphrases). Another, TV-related catchphrase, “jump the shark” was actually born out of a scene in the show when The Fonz did just that, on waterskis, in a cliffhanging episode in its fifth season. Well, that about wraps it up for our favorite TV catchphrases. These are famous lines from our favorite TV shows that will stay with us for as long as we live, and are still used in almost every conversation we engage in. Therefore, they're timeless. What were some of your favorite TV catchphrases? Tell us in the comments section below!Related: Who Are Your Favorite ’70s TV Characters? TVs Hottest Dance Shows Of Yesteryear Who Shot J.R.? And Other Shocking TV Cliffhangers

“Dynamite” TV Catchphrases That You’ll Never Forget

By Brad Rosenberg
9 years ago

**“Whatchoo talkin’ ’bout, Willis?”— Diff’rent Strokes (1978-1986)**