Catchphrases are the TV version of magic glue—the one-liners that erupt from the screen and land in plain conversation immediately. They’re not sentences; they’re cultural markers, the kind of lines that unite fans, form inside jokes, and even find their way into group texts years down the line. Whether they’re funny, authentic, or just completely ridiculous, these old-time TV catchphrases have endured longer than the TV shows, carving an immortality into pop culture. Let’s count down ten of the biggest ones, starting at number ten and counting up to the quotability champion.
10. “Bazinga!” — The Big Bang Theory
Whenever Sheldon Cooper thought he pulled off a prank—or at least his version of one—he’d top it off with this made-up word. It’s geeky, dorky, and now the default go-to phrase for labeling something a joke. Bazinga didn’t stay on TV; it seeped into the rhythm of everyday conversation as a nerdy “Gotcha!”
9. “Winter is Coming.” — Game of Thrones
House Stark’s ominous family motto soon became a catchphrase for tough times to come. Initially intended to portend impending peril in Westeros, it’s now short for, well, anything foreboding—be it an exam, a deadline, or actual bad weather. Few television lines have packed so much punch with so few syllables.
8. “Live Long and Prosper.” — Star Trek
Spock’s Vulcan salute, followed by this blessing, became one of the most uplifting, longest-lasting phrases to ever emerge from TV. It’s short, it’s optimistic, and it’s unmistakable—even to people who have never seen an episode of Star Trek. In four words, it’s both a farewell and a lifestyle.
7. “Did I do that?” — Family Matters
Steve Urkel’s squeaky-voiced question followed every catastrophe he caused, making it the ultimate accidental catchphrase. Its charm lies in his delivery—equal parts clueless and self-aware. To this day, it’s the perfect thing to mutter when you’ve knocked over a drink, tripped over something, or caused general chaos.
6. “No soup for you!” — Seinfeld
The Soup Nazi’s forceful refusal became one of the most popular TV lines of the 1990s. With only four words, an inessential supporting character became immortal, and the quote became the go-to move to shut someone up. You didn’t even have to need soup—it worked for pretty much anything.
5. “How you doin’?” — Friends
Joey Tribbiani’s go-to pick-up line was cheesy, assertive, and yet still endearing. It became so well-entrenched in pop culture that people began using it unironically, whether flirting or simply joking around with friends. Of all the Friends quotes, this one may be the suavest.
4. “Bears. Beets. Battlestar Galactica.” — The Office
Jim’s masterful Dwight imitation cut the character down to three words: weird obsessions and all. The line was a hit right away, spawning memes, t-shirts, and endless re-creations. It’s the best demonstration of how one throwaway line can become comedy gold.
3. “Newman!” — Seinfeld
Jerry’s angry growl when Newman came around was as much a catchphrase as a threat of war. It’s brief, it’s immature, and it’s incredibly versatile. Got a villain (or even just a grating office mate), this one is eternal.
2. “That’s what she said.” — The Office
Michael Scott did not originate this innuendo punchline, but he made it a norm of modern humor. What makes the joke funny is its ubiquity—it works after nearly any unintentional double entendre. Through The Office, it’s a trans fandom joke trigger now, even outside of the fandom.
1. “We were on a break!” — Friends
Ross Geller’s desperate rationalization of his love life was one of the best-known (and debated) sitcom lines ever. It’s both a defense and a joke, sparking debate among viewers that has endured decades later. Whether or not you accept what Ross is offering, the line is iconic—one of all-time television pop culture exports.
From sitcoms to sci-fi blockbusters, these catchphrases show that TV dialogue doesn’t remain on screen—it seeps into our everyday lives, defining how we crack jokes, flirt, complain, and even comfort each other. They are from different programs and periods, yet they all have something in common: longevity.