The Best Running Jokes in Sitcom History

Sitcoms have a unique way of embedding themselves into our hearts through memorable characters and, of course, running jokes that become legendary. From the cringe-worthy antics of Michael Scott in “The Office” to the endearing catchphrase of Michelle Tanner in “Full House,” these sitcoms have left an indelible mark on the world of television comedy.

The Office: Michael’s “That’s what she said”

If there’s one thing we all remember about Michael Scott from “The Office,” it’s his penchant for the classic “That’s what she said” joke. In any situation, Michael finds a way to turn innocent statements into innuendos, creating moments that leave both his employees and viewers in stitches.

The Office: Jim’s Pranks on Dwight

Jim Halpert’s elaborate pranks on his desk mate, Dwight Schrute, are a staple of “The Office.” From encasing Dwight’s office supplies in jello to conducting Pavlovian experiments, Jim’s pranks add a hilarious dynamic to the workplace, showcasing the perfect blend of mischief and camaraderie.

The Office: Bob Vance, Vance Refrigeration

In the quirky world of “The Office,” the mere mention of Bob Vance prompts the automatic response, “Vance Refrigeration.” Despite being more talked about than seen, Bob Vance becomes a memorable figure by making his business synonymous with his name, adding a touch of humor to the Scranton Business Park hierarchy.

Parks and Recreation: Ron’s Red Shirt

A subtle yet brilliant running joke in “Parks and Recreation” revolves around Ron Swanson’s choice of attire. Tom observes that Ron always wears a red shirt the day after intimate encounters, creating a humorous quirk that fans can spot throughout the series, adding an extra layer to Ron’s character.

Parks and Recreation: Dr. Saperstein’s Awful Kids

Dr. Saperstein, played by the talented Henry Winkler, faces various challenges, but the standout running gag involves his troublesome kids, Jean-Ralphio and Mona Lisa. Their antics, consistently costing Dr. Saperstein money, provide some of the show’s most entertaining moments, showcasing the comedic genius of the characters.

Parks and Recreation: Jerry, Gary, Larry

Introduced as Jerry Gergich, this character undergoes a hilarious evolution in “Parks and Recreation.” From Jerry to Gary to Larry, his name confusion becomes a recurring gag, amplified by the cast’s guilt about mistreating him, culminating in the casting of supermodel Christie Brinkley as his wife.

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Arrested Development: The Banana Stand

“Arrested Development” is a treasure trove of running jokes, and the banana stand is a prime example. George Sr.’s mantra, “There’s always money in the banana stand,” takes a literal turn, providing a comedic twist that encapsulates the show’s absurd humor.

Arrested Development: No Touching

George Sr.’s incarceration introduces a running joke about the strict “No Touching” policy. Whether reiterated by guards or by George Sr. himself, the policy adds a layer of absurdity to the jail scenes, creating laughs through the characters’ awareness of the bizarre rule.

Arrested Development: Never Nudē

Tobias Fünke’s affliction with Never Nudē, forcing him to wear denim shorts at all times, is a comedic gem in “Arrested Development.” His absurd solution to the condition becomes a recurring gag, showcasing the show’s ability to find humor in the quirkiest character traits.

Arrested Development: The Chicken Impressions

Despite being the most rational family member, Michael Bluth endures constant mockery through chicken impressions from his eccentric family. This running joke highlights the absurdity within the Bluth family dynamics, with each impression becoming more ludicrous than the last.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine: “Cool, cool, cool, cool, cool”

Jake Peralta’s catchphrase, “Cool, cool, cool, cool, cool,” becomes a symbol of his laid-back attitude. Its frequent use, spreading to other characters like Boyle and Captain Holt, exemplifies the show’s ability to turn a simple phrase into a recurring and endearing joke.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine: Title of Your Sex Tape

Similar to “The Office’s” “That’s what she said,” Brooklyn Nine-Nine introduces its own innuendo-laden catchphrase with “Title of your sex tape.” Jake’s playful use of the phrase, particularly in interactions with Amy, adds a humorous layer to the show’s dialogue.

Friends: “How you doin’?”

Joey Tribbiani’s infamous pick-up line, “How you doin’?” is a timeless running gag in “Friends.” Joey’s charismatic and slightly cheesy approach to hitting on women becomes an iconic element of his character, leaving a lasting impression on both the characters and the audience.

Friends: “We were on a break”

Ross Geller’s declaration, “We were on a break,” after his breakup with Rachel, becomes a central and divisive running gag in “Friends.” The ongoing debate about whether Ross was unfaithful highlights the show’s ability to turn relationship drama into comedic gold.

Full House: “You got it, dude”

Michelle Tanner’s adorable thumbs-up and the accompanying “You got it, dude” in response to her family members became one of the most endearing running gags of the ’90s. Full House’s contribution to the world of sitcoms includes this heartwarming catchphrase from the youngest Tanner.

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New Girl: The Douchebag Jar

In “New Girl,” Schmidt’s douchey moments are hilariously addressed with the introduction of the douchebag jar. Every time Schmidt says or does something deemed douchey, money goes into the jar, creating a conceptual running joke that adds a humorous layer to the loft dynamic.

Modern Family: The Broken Step

The Dunphys’ perpetually broken step in “Modern Family” becomes a recurring gag that adds a touch of realism to the show. Phil’s frequent trips and his insistence on fixing the step provide a simple yet effective running joke that reflects the everyday challenges of family life.

30 Rock: The Rural Juror

Jenna Maroney’s involvement in a movie titled “The Rural Juror” becomes a running joke on “30 Rock.” The absurdity of the title, coupled with the characters’ struggles to pronounce it, creates a humorous subplot that underscores the show’s satirical take on the entertainment industry.

30 Rock: Dr. Spaceman

Jack Donaghy’s questionable advice leads characters to the eccentric Dr. Spaceman in “30 Rock.” The running joke revolves around the physician’s absurdity, from his pamphlets to the comical mispronunciation of his name, adding a layer of humor to the show’s corporate satire.

Family Matters: “Did I do that?”

Steve Urkel’s catchphrase, “Did I do that?” is an iconic part of “Family Matters.” Urkel’s endearing clumsiness and the frequency of this catchphrase have solidified its place in sitcom history, making it one of the quintessential running gags.

In revisiting these sitcoms and their memorable running jokes, it’s clear that these comedic gems have contributed significantly to the enduring popularity of these shows. Whether through clever wordplay, absurd scenarios, or iconic catchphrases, these running jokes have left an indelible mark on the landscape of television comedy.