The Most Quoted Lines In TV History

The Most Quoted Lines In TV History


August 15, 2025 | Jesse Singer

The Most Quoted Lines In TV History


Talk About a “Reel” Good Line

TV shows have given us more than just binge-worthy plots—they’ve delivered unforgettable quotes we can’t stop repeating. 

From catchphrases that have defined entire decades to dramatic one-liners burned into our pop culture minds—these are the lines that fans still shout, meme, and tattoo on their heartsWhether they’re hilarious, heartfelt, or totally over-the-top, these quotes are the stuff TV legends are made of. 

Let’s rewind and relive the most quoted lines in television history.

“How you doin’?” ("Friends")

Joey Tribbiani’s flirty catchphrase became an instant classic. Delivered with a smirk and a wink, “How you doin’?” isn’t just a cheesy pick-up line—it’s the pick-up line. Fans of Friends still use it to channel their inner ladies’ man, and even people who haven’t seen the show know exactly who said it and how.

Friends SitcomJoey's Best How you doin? Moments | Friends, Warner Bros. TV

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“Winter is coming.” ("Game of Thrones")

This ominous warning became the rallying cry for Game of Thrones. It started as House Stark’s motto, but soon took on a much broader meaning. “Winter is coming” became symbolic of looming danger and inevitable doom—plus, it sounds really cool when you say it in a brooding whisper.

Game of ThronesGame of Thrones - Winter is Coming Compilation, Sebastiaan W

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“Did I do that?” ("Family Matters")

With high-waisted pants and unstoppable clumsiness, Steve Urkel won hearts—and annoyed his neighbors—with this whiny, unforgettable line. Whether he broke a lamp or accidentally shrunk himself, “Did I do that?” was his go-to. It's pure '90s nostalgia wrapped in suspenders and snorts.

Family MattersDid I Do That? | Family Matters, Warner Bros. TV

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“That’s what she said.” ("The Office")

Yes, we know that the joke existed before The Office—but Steve Carell’s delivery made it immortal. “That’s what she said” became a workplace weapon and a meme goldmine. No innocent sentence is safe when Michael Scott’s spirit lives rent-free in your head.

The OfficeEvery That's What She Said Ever - The Office, The Office

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“I am the one who knocks.” ("Breaking Bad")

When Walter White shed his mild-mannered chemistry teacher persona, he dropped this terrifying line to let us know Heisenberg had officially arrived. It’s bold, it’s chilling, and it marked one of the most iconic moments in modern TV history. Respect the knock.

Breaking BadBreaking Bad - I Am the One Who Knocks Scene (S4E6) | Rotten Tomatoes TV, Rotten Tomatoes TV

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“Make it so.” ("Star Trek: The Next Generation")

Captain Jean-Luc Picard’s calm command carried the weight of authority and class. “Make it so” wasn’t just an order—it was a vibe. Whether you’re launching into warp speed or organizing your sock drawer, saying it makes you feel instantly in charge. Go on...try it.

Star Trek: The Next GenerationStar Trek TNG Compilation - Every Make it So, Jibb's Compilations

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“D'oh!” ("The Simpsons")

Short. Snappy. Iconic. Homer’s frustrated “D’oh!” is so legendary it’s actually in the dictionary. It's the universal reaction to stubbing your toe, forgetting your keys, or just life being life. It’s become the sound of failure—and it’s hilariously relatable.

The SimpsonsThe Simpsons - 1 hour of D'oh, ValentinMX

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“I want to believe.” ("The X-Files")

A simple poster. A simple phrase. A whole fandom was born. “I want to believe” captured the heart of *The X-Files* and every conspiracy theorist in a basement. Whether you’re chasing aliens or just hoping your favorite show doesn’t get canceled, this line hits home.

The X-FilesThe X Files: I Want to Believe (2008) Trailer | David Duchovny | Gillian Anderson, Film Trailer Channel

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“Live long and prosper.” ("Star Trek")

Accompanied by a split-finger salute, this Vulcan phrase has lived long and prospered. Spock’s cool, logical delivery helped turn this line into a universal symbol of peace, wisdom, and nerd cred. Even non-Trekkies know the proper hand gesture.

Star TrekThe Vulcan salute Spock, Svet Kolekcionara

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“You got it, dude!” ("Full House")

Tiny Michelle Tanner and her sassy “You got it, dude!” stole the show. It’s sweet, supportive, and endlessly quotable—perfect for everything from helping a friend to finishing a to-do list. It’s toddler wisdom wrapped in denim overalls.

Full HouseYou Got It Dude | Full House, Warner Bros. TV

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“This is the way.” ("The Mandalorian")

Few modern catchphrases hit like this one. Uttered with quiet intensity, “This is the way” quickly became a motto for Star Wars fans and internet memers alike. It's the spoken bond of Mandalorians—and an epic way to agree with anything.

The MandalorianThis Is The Way - The Mandalorian - Quote - Best Quality - HD, IronFistDigitalMedia

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“Yada yada yada.” ("Seinfeld")

Skip the boring stuff? Just insert a “yada yada yada.” This Seinfeld staple is the ultimate filler phrase, and somehow made small talk legendary. It’s vague, it’s versatile, and it still gets laughs.

Seinfeld SitcomSeinfeld: The Yada Yada (Clip) | TBS, TBS

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“Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose.” ("Friday Night Lights")

Coach Taylor’s inspirational mantra was more than a pre-game chant—it became a life motto. It's the kind of line that sticks with you long after the credits roll, making you want to go win at life...or at least a Texas high school football game.

Friday Night LightsFriday Night Lights | Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose, Peacock

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“I’ve made a huge mistake.” ("Arrested Development")

Gob’s panicked realization perfectly sums up...well, pretty much everyone's life at some point. Whether it's quitting your job on impulse or buying a Segway, this line fits every facepalm moment. Bonus points if you say it mid-dramatic pause.

Arrested DevelopmentArrested Development - I've Made a Huge Mistake (original), randomchannel137

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“The tribe has spoken.” ("Survivor")

When Jeff Probst utters these five words, you know it’s over. The tiki torch is snuffed, and your dreams of island glory are gone. It’s become a cultural shorthand for getting the boot—reality TV style.

Survivor Reality ShowThe Tribe Has Spoken Survivor Supercut, Jarooosa

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“You know nothing, Jon Snow.” ("Game of Thrones")

Ygritte’s iconic diss lives on far beyond the snowy north. It's part insult, part flirtation, and all sass. Whether you're schooling a know-it-all or just feeling smug, this line cuts like Valyrian steel.

Game of ThronesYou Know Nothing Jon Snow Part 1, Sammy

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“Is that your final answer?” ("Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?")

This line had the power to raise heart rates across living rooms. Regis’s delivery made it dramatic, suspenseful, and weirdly addictive. Final answer? This quote still lives rent-free in quiz show history.

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?Who Wants to be a Millionaire Chris's Final Answer - 11th February 2014, Den_chik_366

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“Just one more thing…” ("Columbo")

Detective Columbo’s casual, disarming catchphrase always signaled that he was about to crack the case wide open. It lulled suspects into a false sense of security—until he pounced. It’s clever, iconic, and endlessly mimicked.

Columbo MovieJust One More Thing... | Columbo, Columbo

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“I am vengeance. I am the night. I am Batman!” ("Batman: The Animated Series")

Kevin Conroy’s voice and this bold declaration gave us chills. It’s pure comic-book power in a single sentence. If you’ve ever said it in front of a mirror, don’t worry—you’re not alone.

Batman: The Animated SeriesI Am Vengeance, I Am the Night, I Am Batman!, SlimD716

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“You rang?” ("The Addams Family")

Lurch’s deep-voiced greeting turned a butler into a comedic icon. Dry, deadpan, and timed to perfection, this line still gets laughs—and imitators. It’s spooky and kooky, just like the family he served.

The Addams FamilyThe Best of Lurch | The Addams Family, FETV

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“To infinity and beyond!” ("Buzz Lightyear of Star Command")

Okay, yes it started on the big screen in Toy Story, but Buzz Lightyear of Star Command brought the catchphrase to TV. It's adventurous, ambitious, and sounds way cooler than “go far.” Kids and adults alike still shout it before doing anything remotely heroic.

Buzz Lightyear of Star CommandBuzz Lightyear of Star Command (2000) - Final Scene, Spirit

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“I’m listening.” ("Frasier")

With his trademark pomp and radio voice, Frasier’s calm, smug “I’m listening” became the catchphrase of every pretend therapist and advice-giver. Elegant, dry, and perfect for when you're pretending to care (or actually do).

Frasier Radio Show I'm listening, I'm not weird everyone else is weird and im normal

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“Danger, Will Robinson!” ("Lost in Space")

Before Siri or Alexa, there was one robot we all wanted around in an emergency. This classic warning was both futuristic and delightfully cheesy. It’s been spoofed, quoted, and baked into sci-fi culture forever.

Lost in SpaceLost in Space STS-117 B9 Robot Presentation Video, Bob Jacobs

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“Cowabunga!” ("Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles")

The most tubular of turtle catchphrases! “Cowabunga!” is pure ‘90s joy—full of pizza, skateboards, and radical vibes. It’s survived decades of reboots and still makes us want to shout it mid-air guitar.

Teenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Cowabunga!, Paramount Pictures UK

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“You’re fired.” ("The Apprentice")

Whether you loved it or loathed it, this blunt dismissal became TV gold. Trump’s delivery was icy and decisive—and the phrase took on a life of its own far beyond the boardroom.

The ApprenticeFlashback: Watch Trump Fire’ Blagojevich on ‘The Celebrity Apprentice | NBC Chicago, NBC Chicago

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“Suit up!” ("How I Met Your Mother")

Barney turned wearing a suit into a lifestyle. “Suit up!” was his stylish battle cry and one of How I Met Your Mother’s most quoted lines. It’s flashy, confident, and surprisingly motivational—especially if you’re getting dressed for absolutely anything.

How I Met Your MotherSuit Up - How I Met Your Mother, iedittvshowsforfun

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“Norm!” ("Cheers")

He walked into the bar, and the bar shouted back. “Norm!” wasn’t a line—it was a moment. It captured the feeling of being known, welcomed, and perpetually thirsty. It’s the sound of comfort TV.

Cheers SitcomCheers | Every Time Norm Peterson Enters the Bar, Peacock

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“Exterminate!” ("Doctor Who")

Screamed in that iconic robotic tone, “Exterminate!” is nightmare fuel for Whovians. The Daleks might be ridiculous-looking, but this line still sends chills—and serves as sci-fi shorthand for impending doom.

Doctor Who4 Deadly Dalek Exterminations | Doctor Who, Doctor Who

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“You got it, Pontiac!” ("King of the Hill")

Boomhauer’s attempt at normal conversation turned into a niche fan favorite. “You got it, Pontiac!” may not be the most quoted line on the list, but it’s definitely one of the funniest if you’re in the know. Are you in the know?

King of the HillKing of the Hill Pilot First Scene, King of the Hill

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“Goodnight, John-Boy.” ("The Waltons")

This gentle nightly farewell became a signature part of the show’s wholesome charm. “Goodnight, John-Boy” was repeated with heartwarming rhythm—and turned into one of the most parodied (and beloved) lines in TV history.

The WaltonsGood Night, John Boy, 5uperfluous

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“Resistance is futile.” ("Star Trek: The Next Generation")

The Borg didn’t mess around. Their cold, menacing threat—“Resistance is futile”—struck fear into the hearts of starships and sci-fi nerds alike. It’s still used when someone’s giving in…to anything from evil plans to extra dessert.

Star Trek: The Next GenerationPicard is kidnapped by the Borg - Star Trek The Next Generation, Veronique Laurent

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“Giggity.” ("Family Guy")

Quagmire’s one-word, eyebrow-wiggling catchphrase took creepy charm to cartoon levels. Whether you’re channeling innuendo or just feeling weirdly confident, “Giggity” lives on in memes and late-night laughs.

Family GuyQuagmire -Giggity moments compilation, FamGCompilations

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“Did I stutter?” ("The Office")

Stanley Hudson didn’t need to yell—just six syllables and it was one of the most intense moments of the entire series. “Did I stutter?” became a mic-drop moment, useful anytime you need to lay down the law with minimal effort.

The OfficeDid I Stutter? - The Office US, The Office

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“I love it when a plan comes together.” ("The A-Team")

Hannibal’s victory line always hit with cheesy satisfaction. Explosions? Chaos? Somehow it always worked out. It’s the perfect thing to say after pulling off anything remotely impressive—including IKEA furniture assembly.

The A-TeamSUPERCUT I love it when a plan comes together, Ayer Nomas

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