Jump the Shark: TV Edition : Book Review

"Jump the Shark" by Jon Hein offers a hilarious and insightful exploration of the phenomenon known as "jumping the shark" in television. The book delves into the origin of this phrase, which refers to the moment when a TV show begins to decline in quality and popularity.

Hein starts by tracing the history of "jumping the shark" back to an episode of the popular 1970s show "Happy Days," in which Fonzie jumps over a shark while waterskiing. This episode became a cultural reference for the decline of beloved TV shows and served as the inspiration for the phrase. Hein examines the various factors that can contribute to a show jumping the shark, such as changes in cast, storylines, or desperate attempts for higher ratings.

Throughout the book, Hein provides numerous examples of shows that have jumped the shark, offering his own witty commentary and humorous observations. He highlights iconic moments in television history, including the introduction of Cousin Oliver on "The Brady Bunch" and the arrival of Mork from Ork on "Happy Days." He also explores more recent examples like "The X-Files" and "Lost."

Apart from dissecting individual shows, Hein delves into the cultural impact of the "jump the shark" concept on the television industry. He explains how this phrase has become deeply ingrained in popular culture. Fans and critics alike use it to identify when a show has reached its breaking point, adding to the lexicon of television terminology.

Overall, "Jump the Shark" is an entertaining and informative read for those interested in television history and pop culture. Jon Hein's witty writing style and extensive knowledge of TV shows make this book a must-read for fans of the medium. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of television and the impact of certain moments on the industry as a whole.

What are readers saying?

"Jump the Shark" by Jon Hein delves into the realm of pop culture, examining the moments when television shows, musicians, and other forms of entertainment reach their peak and subsequently decline. Reviews for the book have been mixed, with some praising Hein's humorous and insightful approach, while others criticize it for being repetitive and lacking depth.

Many reviewers appreciated Hein's entertaining writing style, finding the book to be a delightful read filled with fascinating anecdotes and clever observations. Readers often found themselves nodding along and reminiscing about the shows and musicians mentioned in the book. Hein's ability to engage and amuse readers was acknowledged and praised by several reviewers.

A key strength of the book, according to some readers, lies in Hein's insights. He not only discusses specific moments when shows "jump the shark," but also analyzes the cultural factors that contribute to their decline. This added depth to the book and granted readers a better understanding of the broader influences that shape pop culture.

However, several reviewers felt that the book lacked depth and analysis, finding its content to be repetitive and tiresome. Critics pointed out that the concept of jumping the shark became redundant after a while, and further highlighted the book's lack of clear structure and organization, which made it challenging to follow at times.

Another criticism raised by some readers was the book's focus on a specific era of pop culture, limiting its appeal to those unfamiliar with the shows and musicians mentioned. They believed that a broader range of examples would have made the book more accessible and relevant to a wider audience.

JumpTheSharkBook BookReview MustRead