10 Tired TV Clichés That Need to Die

These tropes are so overused, they're not funny anymore
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 17, 2012 10:23 AM CDT
10 Tired TV Clichés That Need to Die
Yes, Margaret Lyons even has complaints with 'Modern Family.'   (AP Photo/ABC, Peter "Hopper" Stone)

If you're tired of hearing sitcom characters joke that they just threw up in their mouths or ironically comment, "That went well," after something decidedly didn't, you're not alone. On Vulture, Margaret Lyons lists 10 overused TV situations and lines she'd be happy to never hear again:

  • "And by [thing], I of course mean [opposite of thing]." Lyons would say, "Chandler Bing called and he wants his ironic detachment back," except that joke is "even more overdone."
  • "He's standing right behind me, isn't he?" Sure, it is plausible that in real life, a person might be caught gossiping. "But no one has ever actually, authentically said, 'She's standing right behind me, isn't she?'"

  • Talking in nonsense to prove the husband isn't paying attention. Another thing that "has never, ever happened in life, ever." Go ahead and live in a humongous college dorm room or dress in fancy clothes despite apparently not having a job, but don't expend us to suspend our disbelief this far.
  • Kids with egg projects. Whether it's baby-sitting an egg or dropping one from a great height, just stop. It's time for "a different academic rite of passage, please."
Click for the complete list. (More TV series stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X