Scenes That Took Over The Internet
TV and memes are a match made in pop culture heaven. From animated characters expressing pure frustration to dramatic reaction shots that sum up every bad day you’ve ever had, these scenes didn’t just entertain us when they aired, they became part of our internet vocabulary. Here are some iconic memes that made the leap from the small screen to screens everywhere.
Arthur’s Fist (Arthur)
In the PBS children’s cartoon Arthur, a shot of Arthur Read’s clenched fist appears during a scene where he’s clearly annoyed with his little sister, DW. The image alone became a universal expression of quiet frustration—perfect for when you’re trying to keep it together but the irritation is bubbling over. Because Arthur is such a wholesome, low-stakes show, the juxtaposition of that innocent style with relatable adult rage made the meme explode in popularity across Twitter and Instagram.
“Is This A Pigeon?” (The Brave Fighter Of Sun Fighbird)
This meme originated from a 1990s Japanese anime in which a character points to a butterfly and asks, "Is this a pigeon?" In the show, it’s an innocent mistake, but online it became shorthand for moments when someone confidently misidentifies something. The still has been edited endlessly, with text swapped to fit situations ranging from social commentary to everyday cluelessness.
Sunrise, The Brave Fighter of Sun Fighbird (1991–1992)
Dramatic Chipmunk (Hello! Morning)
This five-second clip of a prairie dog (often called a chipmunk online) whipping its head around to a burst of dramatic music first appeared on the Japanese variety show Hello! Morning. Its original appearance was a lighthearted animal segment, but online it became the go-to punchline for shock, suspense, or sudden realization. Even though it’s over a decade old, it still gets revived whenever a new twist-worthy meme moment arises.
TV Tokyo, Hello! Morning (2000 - 2007)
Math Lady / Confused Lady (Senhora Do Destino)
The now-famous image of actress Renata Sorrah surrounded by floating math formulas comes from the Brazilian telenovela Senhora do Destino. In the actual show, her character is processing a complicated revelation, but online the still became a playful exaggeration of trying to figure something out—especially when math or logic clearly isn’t your strong suit. It’s been paired with captions about everything from bad dating decisions to impossible restaurant tip calculations.
TV Globo, Senhora do Destino (2004–2005)
Picard Facepalm (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
In one of the most famous reaction shots from Star Trek: The Next Generation, Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) buries his face in his hand. In the show, it’s a sign of deep exasperation, but online it became the ultimate "I can’t believe this" reaction. Because Stewart’s performance is so deadpan and serious, it works for anything from world news blunders to your friend’s terrible text message.
Paramount Domestic Television, Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994)
Homer Backing Into Bushes (The Simpsons)
In a memorable Simpsons gag, Homer awkwardly retreats into a hedge, disappearing into the greenery to avoid a situation. In the episode, it’s a quick visual joke, but the still frames became a perfect way to represent quietly backing out of a conversation, group chat, or argument. The meme’s flexibility means it’s been used for sports losses, political reversals, and personal "nope" moments alike.
20th Television, The Simpsons (1989–)
Steamed Hams (The Simpsons)
Another gem from The Simpsons, the "Steamed Hams" exchange between Principal Skinner and Superintendent Chalmers starts as an awkward excuse for burnt food. The surreal humor of the scene made it ripe for internet remixes, and it’s since been reimagined in countless styles, from horror to anime to video games. The sheer number of variations has turned it into a meme subculture of its own.
20th Television, The Simpsons (1989–)
Surprise, Motherf*cker (Dexter)
In Dexter, police officer James Doakes bursts in on Dexter Morgan with a booming "Surprise, motherf*cker!" In the show, it’s a tense and serious moment, but online it became endlessly parodied. People replaced the phrase with rhyming or similar-sounding captions paired with the still, giving it a second life as absurd comedy.
Showtime Networks, Dexter (2006–2013)
Sad Don Draper (Mad Men)
In Mad Men, Don Draper stares blankly with an unmistakable air of melancholy. The moment is layered in context about his character’s loneliness, but the screencap works perfectly as a stand-alone expression of being mentally and emotionally spent. Its vintage aesthetic also adds a certain memeable elegance, making it a favorite for mood posts.
AMC Networks, Mad Men (2007–2015)
That’s A Paddlin’ (The Simpsons)
In a PTA meeting scene, Jasper Beardly lists random behaviors and follows each one with "That’s a paddlin". In context, it’s just a silly Simpsons joke, but online it’s used to humorously threaten consequences for anything from trivial mistakes to major fails. The rigid delivery and repetitive rhythm make it meme gold.
20th Television, The Simpsons (1989–)
Super Cool Ski Instructor (South Park)
This South Park character warns, "If you do [X], you’re gonna have a bad time". The original episode pokes fun at ski culture, but the meme broadened it to any action with predictable negative consequences. Its clean template format helped it spread during the image macro boom of the early 2010s.
Comedy Central, South Park (1997–)
Oprah’s "You Get A Car!" (The Oprah Winfrey Show)
During a 2004 giveaway episode, Oprah Winfrey famously shouted "You get a car!" repeatedly as audience members screamed. It was a huge TV moment, but online it became a fill-in-the-blank template for exaggerated generosity or absurdly over-the-top handouts. The meme is so recognizable that even without the car context, the format still works.
Free Cars for everyone on Oprah, SPN Digest
Q-Picard (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
In one emotional TNG moment, Q comforts a vulnerable Picard—a rare instance of genuine connection between the two. The tenderness of the scene contrasts with the often snarky dynamic they have, and the screencap became a way to express unlikely compassion or comfort online. Its popularity also comes from the Star Trek fandom’s active meme culture.
Paramount Domestic Television, Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994)
Pepe Silvia Conspiracy (It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia)
In this scene, Charlie explains his wild "Pepe Silvia" conspiracy to Mac, gesturing at a chaotic wall of notes and string. In the show, it’s a comedic exaggeration of paranoia, but online it’s used to mock overcomplicated explanations or desperate attempts to connect unrelated dots. It’s become the go-to image for "I’ve done my research" rants.
FX Networks, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005–)
The Office Antics (The Office)
The Office gave us a treasure trove of memes—Michael Scott screaming "No, God! No!", Jim’s camera glances, and Dwight’s bizarre one-liners. These moments work as memes because the show’s mockumentary style creates natural reaction shots that translate perfectly into still images or GIFs. The relatability of office life adds to their staying power.
Euphoria Eye Glow (Euphoria)
The HBO teen drama Euphoria is known for its intense visuals, and certain close-ups—often with stylized lighting—have been clipped into reaction GIFs. They’re used to represent heightened emotion, dramatic revelation, or moments of inner turmoil. The show’s visual flair gives these memes an instantly recognizable, cinematic vibe.
Math Lady In Pop Culture Crossovers (Senhora Do Destino)
While the original Math Lady meme is already famous, it’s been adapted into other TV moments where characters look bewildered. The floating equations have been Photoshopped over faces from Friends, The Mandalorian, and more, keeping the meme fresh years after its first wave. This ability to cross genres keeps it in constant circulation.
Homer’s Many Meme Lives (The Simpsons)
Beyond the bush retreat and "Steamed Hams," The Simpsons has countless other meme-worthy moments—Lisa giving a presentation, Ralph Wiggum’s 'I’m in danger,' and Grandpa Simpson’s revolving-door entrance. The sheer volume of adaptable scenes from the show is unmatched, which is why Simpsons memes are practically their own internet language.
20th Television, The Simpsons (1989–)
Side-Eyeing Chloe (YouTube/Disney)
In 2013, a YouTube video showed two young sisters reacting to a surprise trip to Disneyland. One sister bursts into tears of joy; Chloe, on the other hand, stares sideways with a look of total skepticism. That single freeze-frame spread far beyond its original video, becoming the perfect image for disbelief, sass, or unamused reactions. Her expression remains one of the internet’s most beloved reaction images.
Lily's Disneyland Surprise....AGAIN!, The Clem Family
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