Warning: This article alludes to the topic of suicide.
There are someTV showsthat, no matter how many iconic moments they broadcast, are mostly remembered for one single scene. It’s worth noting that just because these titles are known for one prominent scene, it doesn’t mean that it’s the only memorable moment throughout their respective runs. Some ofthe best TV shows of all timecontain multiple legendary scenes that increase their popularity and viewer bases, butthere’s always one particular instance that stands out over the others.
These scenes can be the basis for memes, reaction images on social media, or are simply so wild that even non-viewers check them out. In fact, severalmeme-worthy TV showsgain traction purely because of these scenes.
10"PRNDL"
The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody (2005-2008)
The culturalinfluence of “PRNDL” inThe Suite Life of Zack and Codyis like no other, and anyone old enough to remember watching this scene upon its initial release has this moment ingrained in their minds.London Tipton’s out of touch confusion while Mr. Moseby attempts to teach her to driveis nothing short of hilarious, especially because she kind of makes sense. For someone who has never sat behind the wheel, it’s natural that London doesn’t know what it means.
The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody
Cast
The Suite Life of Zack & Cody is a Disney Channel series starring Dylan and Cole Sprouse as identical twins living in the luxurious Tipton Hotel. The show follows their mischievous adventures as they interact with hotel staff, including Maddie (Ashley Tisdale) and Mr. Moseby (Phill Lewis), as well as guests. It explores themes of friendship, family, and the challenges of growing up in a unique environment.
London Tipton is a brilliant character, and while there are many amazing members ofThe Suite Life of Zack and Cody’s cast, nobody is funnier than the Tipton Hotel heiress. Many remember the titular twins’ wild escapades and adventures, especially when it involves annoying Moseby, but this scene stands out more than any other throughout the show and its spinoffs.
9Clenched Fist
Arthur (1996-2022)
The clenched fist image fromArthuris aTV scene so recognizable it’s become a meme, which is frequently used on social media to represent a reaction to something frustrating or unbelievable. However, the context of this scene is even better once you learn about it. Arthur clenches his fist in the episode “Arthur’s Big Hit” just beforehe turns around and punches his younger sister, D.W., after she breaks a model airplane of his.
Arthur
Arthur is a popular ’90s animated series based on Marc Brown’s series of books. Arthur Read, an anthropomorphic aardvark originally voiced by Michael Yarmush, is the main character of the series, who navigates life as a third-grader while dealing with his sassy sister DW. The popular PBS series lasted for 25 seasons but was canceled in 2021.
D.W. is a nightmare, but a great character nonetheless, and those who grew up watchingArthurknow that her general demeanor always creates some friction. It’s strange to see the titular character turn to violence, regardless of whether D.W. ruins his hard work or not, so perhaps this plays a part in whythis scene is so memorable, too.
8Looking Across The Room At Dinner
It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia (2005-Present)
“The Gang Dines Out” is one of the best episodes ofIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, andthe scene in which Mac and Charlie are longingly staring at one anotheracross Guigino’s Restaurant is a notable meme online. This is such a simple moment, but it’s hilarious because of this exact reason.
There are loads of well-known moments inIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, but this one is recognized by even those who don’t watch the show regularly.
There’s something about Rob McElhenney and Charlie Day’s facial expressions, completely blank and wide-eyed, that never fails to make me roar with laughter every time I rewatch this episode.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a television series that premiered in 2005, chronicling the chaotic lives of four self-involved friends running an Irish pub in Philadelphia. Their misguided decisions and skewed perspectives often result in amusing and uncomfortable situations, complicating their professional and personal relationships.
There are loads of well-known moments inIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, but this one is recognized by even those who don’t watch the show regularly.This Charlie and Mac meme is often used on the internetin various contexts, but especially for posts that discuss the feeling of longing after something.
7"Choose Me”
Grey’s Anatomy (2005-Present)
Meredith Grey’s iconic line inGrey’s Anatomy, “Pick me, love me, choose me” is a hugely notable moment throughout the show. It’s baffling that this scene, which is from way back in season 2, is still so well-recognized to this day. ConsideringGrey’s Anatomyis now airing season 21, it’s incredible thatMeredith begging Derek to love her and pick her over his wife, Addison, is the stand-out scene of the entire show.
Grey’s Anatomy
Grey’s Anatomy is a medical drama series revolving around surgical interns, residents, and attendings at the fictional Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. The show features the professional and personal lives of these medical professionals, led initially by Dr. Meredith Grey, played by Ellen Pompeo. Created by Shonda Rhimes, the series highlights the complexities of medical cases while delving into the interpersonal relationships among the hospital staff.
This scene is not only one of the biggest reasons audiences rememberGrey’s Anatomy, it’s also why they know Meredith Grey specifically. Meredith may not be the first in the world of TV, butshe is definitely the template for the “Pick Me Girl.”However, this is also a groundbreaking moment forMeredith and Derek’s relationship inGrey’s Anatomy, and without it, it’s unlikely that the show wouldn’t be where it is today.
6A St. Bart’s Goodbye
Sherlock (2010-2017)
There is no scene more memorable toSherlockaudiences, especially those who were heavily invested in the fandom at the time of airing, thanthe titular detective’s final conversation with John Watsonin “The Reichenbach Fall.” The speculation surroundinghow Sherlock faked his death in “The Reichenbach Fall”is a massive moment from TV history, and every single frame of this scene is instantly recognizable because of how much it has been analyzed by viewers.
Sherlock
In this incarnation of Sherlock from creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman assume the roles of Sherlock and Watson as they establish their partnership and begin solving strange mysteries throughout the U.K. and beyond. Set in a more 2010’s modern setting, Sherlock’s eccentric and complex nature is accentuated as he solves seemingly supernatural crimes with unparalleled intellect while struggling to connect with others on a human level. Meanwhile, Watson blogs the stories summarizing their cases while building a strained but caring friendship with his new partner.
Out ofall 4 seasons ofSherlock, no scene is more well-known than Sherlock Holmes’ staged suicide.The cliffhanger that this scene produces is astounding, and I can’t believe how lucky new viewers are when watching this for the first time, as they don’t have to painfully wait close to two years to find out how Sherlock survives the fall from the top of St. Bart’s hospital.
5Will’s Breakdown
The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air (1990-1996)
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’s “Papa’s Got a Brand New Excuse” is agroundbreaking sitcom episode, and even those who don’t know the show are typically familiar with the scene in whichWill breaks down in Uncle Phil’s arms about his father. It’s a common misconception that the reason why Will Smith gets so emotional in this scene is because of his struggles with his own father, and although the actor has spoken about a difficult childhood, he has never confirmed whether it impacted him filming this.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air follows Will Smith (Will Smith) after he gets himself sent away from the mean streets of his native West Philadelphia to the affluent Bel Air neighborhood. Living with his wealthy Uncle Phil and Aunt Vivian, Will befriends his cousins and adjusts to a life that’s the polar opposite of everything he’s accustomed to. Even with a butler and an expensive education, Will finds that growing up isn’t easy, regardless of circumstance.
The image of James Avery as Phil wrapping his arms around the teenager is a memorable one. While there are other things aboutThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Airthat can be considered defining elements of the show, like the scene where Will is dancing behind Ashley or the sitcom’s iconic theme song, this one stands out from the bunch. In fact, the line “Why don’t he want me?” is easily just as memorable as the scene itself.
4Jumping The Shark
Happy Days (1974-1984)
When you think ofHappy Days, you generally picture Henry Winkler as the iconic Fonz and his leather jacket. The most notable scene of Fonzie’s, and inHappy Daysoverall, is without a doubt whenhe waterskis over a shark in the episode “Hollywood, Part 3.“The “Jump the shark” tropeis one of the biggest in TV history, and this scene is the reason why so many other shows’ storytelling structures are the way that they are.
Happy Days
Happy Days is a television series set in the 1950s and 1960s, exploring the lives of the Cunningham family and their friends in Milwaukee. Starring Ron Howard as Richie Cunningham and Henry Winkler as Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli, the show captures the essence of mid-20th century American life. Premiering in 1974, it enjoys iconic status for its nostalgic portrayal of teenage life and family dynamics.
The context of this scene is also brilliant, too. Fonzie’s ridiculous rivalry with the California Kid leads to him showing off on the water, and it’s still baffling thatHappy Dayssends the character flying over a vicious animal and doesn’t see how ridiculous it is. What makes this funnier, however, is thatthis moment is often used as a meme online, but many of those who use it aren’t always aware of how impactful it is on the TV industry.
3Troy Collects The Pizza
Community (2009-2015)
Every event acrossCommunity’s six timelinesare memorable, but none are as disastrous as when Jeff rolls a one in “Remedial Chaos Theory,” which creates the “Darkest Timeline.”Troy only leaves the apartment for a short while to collect the pizza, but upon his return, he not only finds his home on fire, but he also sees a shot Pierce on the ground, blood everywhere, and Jeff waving around fabric in an attempt to put the flames out.
Community
Community is a comedic television series that chronicles the lives of diverse students at Greendale Community College, a fictional and notoriously underperforming educational institution in Colorado. Released in 2009, the show explores the quirky interactions and relationships among the eclectic group navigating their academic and personal challenges.
Troy’s reaction to this is a huge meme online. It brilliantly represents how quickly things can fall apart, especially when you only take your focus away for a brief period of time. While there are some amazing moments throughoutCommunity, this one encapsulates the general tone of the show and the characters’ personalities beautifully. I hope thattheCommunitymoviewill reference many of these moments, but this scene specifically needs a shot out in the upcoming project.
2David Brent’s Dancing
The Office (UK) (2001-2003)
The Comic Relief dance is one ofthe most embarrassing David Brent moments inThe Office, but it also stands asthe most memorable and popular scene of the show. While his US counterpart, Michael Scott, is also a painfully bad dancer, this scene is far more recognizable.
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The shot of Brent awkwardly showing off his moves to his colleaguesis unbelievably cringey, yet hilarious, especially as he compares the style to a combination ofFlashdanceand MC Hammer. This image is often used as a reaction on social media or in gif form, which is why so many are familiar with it, even if they are yet to check out the UK original ofThe Office.
The Office
The Office is a British mockumentary sitcom that aired from 2001 to 2003, created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. It chronicles the daily lives of the employees at Wernham Hogg, a fictional paper company in Slough. Ricky Gervais stars as the bumbling and often inappropriate office manager, David Brent, whose antics provide a humorous yet poignant look at office culture and interpersonal relationships.
While the UK’sThe Officeis a hugely successful title, it isn’t as popular as the US version. However, I think it’s absolutely comical that when audiences think ofThe OfficeUK and David Brent, his dancing is what comes to mind.
1Bobby Ewing Coming Back From The Dead
Dallas (1978-1991)
Dallas’ Bobby Ewing unexpectedly appearing in the shower is aTV scene more famous than the show itself. Following Bobby’s shocking death in season 8’s finale, after he is run over by Katherine, Pam spends season 9 in a state of grief.
Bobby Ewing returning to Dallas is one of the biggest retcons in TV history.
However, in the season 9 finale,Bobby suddenly shows up in a scene that sees him casually taking a shower, oblivious to the fact that it should be impossible. Of course, it is revealed thatDallasseason 9 is actually Pam’s dream, and none of the events are actually real. Bobby Ewing returning toDallasis one ofthe biggest retcons in TV history.
Dallas
One of the most popular soap opera series of all time, Dallas aired in 1978 as a part of CBS' line up and follows the wealthy oil baron family, the Ewings, as those from within and close to them plot and scheme their way to the top of the social ladder. The series ran for fourteen seasons before it concluded in 1991.
Even those who aren’t familiar with the show have some idea about this scene, asthe return of Patrick Duffy inDallasis such a groundbreaking moment. The relaxed smile Bobby offers in this moment is astounding, and it’s incredible how one simple shot is the reason why many viewers checked outDallasin the first place.
