20 Hilarious Running Jokes From Your Favorite TV Sitcoms

Hey guys! Who doesn't love a good sitcom? And what makes a sitcom truly great? It's not just the characters or the storylines; it's those running jokes that keep us chuckling episode after episode. These are the gags that become part of the show's DNA, the ones we eagerly anticipate and quote endlessly. So, let's dive into a list of 20 of the most memorable running jokes from iconic TV sitcoms. Get ready for a trip down memory lane filled with laughter!

The Power of the Running Joke

But first, let's talk about why running jokes are so effective. What is it about these recurring comedic moments that make them so darn funny? Well, it's a combination of things. Firstly, there's the element of surprise. Even though we know the joke is coming back, the writers often find clever new ways to twist it or incorporate it into different situations. This keeps the gag fresh and prevents it from becoming stale. Think about it – how many times have you heard the same joke told over and over, but each time it lands differently because of the context? That's the magic of a well-executed running joke.

Secondly, running jokes create a sense of familiarity and connection with the show. They're like inside jokes between the characters and the audience. We feel like we're in on the fun, part of the family. This shared humor strengthens our bond with the show and makes us feel more invested in the characters' lives. It's like a warm, comforting hug of laughter every time that familiar joke pops up.

Finally, a great running joke can become a cultural phenomenon. It can seep into our everyday language, our memes, and our shared cultural consciousness. Think of catchphrases that originated from sitcoms – they become shorthand for certain situations or emotions, instantly recognizable and hilarious to those in the know. This is the ultimate power of a truly iconic running joke.

20 Memorable Running Jokes

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are 20 running jokes that have stuck with us over the years, presented in no particular order, because honestly, how can you even rank comedic genius?

1. "That's what she said!" - The Office

Ah, The Office, a masterclass in cringe comedy and awkward situations. And at the heart of it all is Michael Scott, the well-meaning but hopelessly inappropriate regional manager. His signature catchphrase, "That's what she said!", is a perfect example of a running joke that gets funnier every time. Michael's juvenile humor and his inability to resist a double entendre are a constant source of amusement (and embarrassment) for his employees. The beauty of this joke is in its simplicity and its versatility. It can be applied to almost any situation, making it a never-ending source of laughter. The comedic timing and delivery, often by Steve Carell himself, are what truly elevate this running gag to legendary status. It's not just the phrase itself, but the way he says it, the mischievous glint in his eye, and the reactions of those around him that make it so hilarious. The joke's impact extends beyond the show itself, becoming a common phrase in everyday conversation, proving its lasting comedic power. Whether it's a genuinely suggestive comment or an innocent remark taken out of context, "That's what she said!" remains a classic example of a running joke that perfectly embodies the humor of The Office.

2. "Bazinga!" - The Big Bang Theory

Sheldon Cooper, the brilliant but socially awkward physicist from The Big Bang Theory, is known for his eccentricities and his love of catchphrases. And perhaps his most famous is "Bazinga!", a word he uses to punctuate a joke or a sarcastic remark. This seemingly nonsensical word has become synonymous with Sheldon's personality and his unique sense of humor. The joke's effectiveness lies in its unexpectedness and the sheer randomness of the word itself. It's a verbal tic that perfectly captures Sheldon's quirky nature and his inability to connect with others on an emotional level. The repetition of "Bazinga!" throughout the series reinforces Sheldon's character and provides a consistent source of comedic relief. The phrase has even permeated popular culture, used by fans of the show to express amusement or to signal that they're joking. It's a testament to the power of a well-crafted running joke to become a cultural phenomenon. The word's playful and slightly mischievous tone perfectly encapsulates Sheldon's humor, making it a beloved catchphrase for fans worldwide. "Bazinga!" is more than just a word; it's a symbol of Sheldon's character and the show's unique brand of humor.

3. "How I Met Your Mother" - The Slap Bet

How I Met Your Mother is a show filled with running jokes, but the Slap Bet is arguably one of the most memorable. This ongoing gag revolves around a bet between Barney and Marshall, where Marshall wins the right to slap Barney five times whenever he chooses. The anticipation of the slaps, the creative ways Marshall delivers them, and Barney's over-the-top reactions make this a hilarious running joke. The brilliance of the Slap Bet lies in its unpredictability. You never know when a slap is coming, which keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The show even dedicated entire episodes to the Slap Bet, exploring its origins and the various ways Marshall could use his remaining slaps. The physical comedy involved, combined with the characters' witty banter, makes this running joke a consistent highlight of the series. The Slap Bet also serves as a great example of how a simple premise can be stretched out over multiple seasons, providing endless comedic opportunities. It's a testament to the writers' creativity and their ability to keep a running joke fresh and engaging. The anticipation and the execution of each slap are expertly crafted, making the Slap Bet a truly iconic running joke.

4. "Friends" - Janice's Laugh

Oh. My. God. Janice's nasally voice and signature laugh are instantly recognizable to any Friends fan. Her recurring appearances throughout the series are always accompanied by her grating, yet hilarious, laugh, which becomes a running joke in itself. The humor stems from the sheer intensity and obnoxiousness of the laugh, as well as the other characters' reactions to it. Every time Janice shows up, you know her laugh is coming, and it never fails to elicit a chuckle. The joke is amplified by the stark contrast between Janice's boisterous personality and the more grounded personalities of the main characters. Her laugh is a sonic assault that perfectly embodies her over-the-top character. It's a simple gag, but one that is executed perfectly, making Janice a memorable and hilarious recurring character. The laugh itself has become iconic, instantly recognizable and associated with the show. It's a testament to the power of a well-executed sound gag to become a beloved part of a sitcom's legacy. Janice's laugh is more than just a sound; it's a symbol of her character and a consistent source of comedic relief in Friends.

5. "Arrested Development" - There's Always Money in the Banana Stand

Arrested Development is a show known for its intricate and layered humor, and the "There's always money in the banana stand" running joke is a perfect example of this. This gag refers to a family-owned banana stand that serves as a surprisingly lucrative business. The joke evolves throughout the series, with the Bluth family constantly underestimating the stand's value. The phrase itself becomes a mantra, a reminder of the family's dysfunctional relationship with money. The humor lies in the absurdity of the situation and the constant misinterpretations of the phrase. It's a multi-layered joke that rewards repeated viewings, as new layers of meaning are revealed over time. The banana stand becomes a symbol of the Bluth family's eccentricities and their inability to handle their finances. The joke also highlights the show's clever writing and its ability to create running gags that are both funny and insightful. "There's always money in the banana stand" is a perfect example of a running joke that elevates a sitcom from good to great.

6. "Cheers" - Norm's Entrance

7. "Seinfeld" - The Soup Nazi

8. "Parks and Recreation" - Lil' Sebastian

9. "Community" - Beetlejuice

10. "30 Rock" - Liz Lemon's Love of Food

11. "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" - The Gang's Sociopathic Tendencies

12. "Curb Your Enthusiasm" - Larry David's Social Gaffes

13. "Scrubs" - Turk and J.D.'s Bromance

14. "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" - Jake Peralta's Immaturity

15. "The Simpsons" - Homer's "D'oh!"

16. "Frasier" - Frasier and Niles' Sibling Rivalry

17. "Modern Family" - Phil Dunphy's Phil-osophies

18. "Veep" - Selina Meyer's Incompetence

19. "The Good Place" - Jason Mendoza's Dumb Ideas

20. "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" - Titus Andromedon's Dramatic Flair

The Enduring Appeal of Sitcom Running Jokes

So, there you have it – 20 memorable running jokes from some of the most iconic TV sitcoms of all time. These gags have become ingrained in our memories and continue to make us laugh years after the shows have ended. They are a testament to the power of clever writing, memorable characters, and the enduring appeal of shared humor. Whether it's a catchphrase, a recurring situation, or a character quirk, running jokes are a vital ingredient in the recipe for a successful sitcom. They create a sense of familiarity, connection, and comedic payoff that keeps us coming back for more. So, the next time you're watching your favorite sitcom, pay attention to those running jokes – they're the secret sauce that makes these shows so special. They are the heart and soul of sitcom comedy, providing a consistent source of laughter and strengthening our bond with the characters and the show itself.