There are someTV showsthat are such classicsthat other titles constantly parody and reference them. Several ofthe best TV shows of all timeare considered absolutely legendary and cement themselves as a crucial part of pop culture, regardless of when they originally aired. These shows are referenced by many others, but some instances are more notable than others.
While there are someTV shows that become parodies of themselves, others are so successful and groundbreaking that their characters become popular figures in society. For writers, when the page starts to run dry and there’s air time to fill, it’s easy to make a joke or nod to another hit TV show, just to prove that they’re up-to-date with what their audiences are watching, too. However, this doesn’t mean that these TV shows are bad, simply thatthey’re so prominent that they’re easy to parody and reference.
10Seinfeld (1989-1998)
Parodied & Referenced In It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Veronica Mars, & Yellowjackets
As one ofthe best sitcoms of all time, it’s no surprise thatSeinfeldis frequently referenced and parodied by other TV shows.TheSeinfeldcharacters are iconicand serve as the template of friendship group casts in sitcoms, leading the way for titles likeFriendsandHow I Met Your Mother. Shows across various genres often make a nod toSeinfeld, not just comedy.
Shows across various genres often make a nod toSeinfeld, not just comedy.
For example, there’s an interaction inVeronica Marsthat sees the titular character address Caz Truman in the same way Jerry greets Newman. However, it’s other sitcoms that parodySeinfeldmore than any other format.It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiamakes a joke aboutSeinfeld’s “The Contest,” agroundbreaking sitcom episode that impacts the genre, in “The Gang Does a Clip Show.”
Even more recent shows that aired years afterSeinfeld’s end, likeYellowjacketsandBroad City, make reference to Jerry Seinfeld’s hit sitcom.Seinfeldstands out as one of the most notable situational comedies in TV history, and with the show establishing so many well-known tropes and iconic characters, it makes sense that so many other titles parody and reference it.
Doctor Who
Cast
An alien from the planet Gallifrey travels through time and space to explore, solve problems and fight injustice while also making friends with human beings. His spaceship, called TARDIS, resembles a police box, but it is much more than it appears to be.
The greatestDoctor Whostories of all timecome from all eras of the show, and with it now being over 60 years old,there are loads of content for other TV series to make reference to.Doctor Whois a fantastic British sci-fi series, but its most unique quality is the fact that the titular character is portrayed by various different actors.
Shows likeThe Big Bang Theory,Criminal Minds,Arrow,andCobra Kaimake nods toDoctor Whothroughout their respective runs, which makes sense, considering the international impact it has across the world. Some titles take the references further than others, though.
Communityfamously referencesDoctor Whothrough the fictional show “Inspector Spacetime,” a favorite of Troy and Abed’s, and comically swaps out the TARDIS for an old-fashioned, red, British telephone booth. Abed and Troy aren’t the only fictional characters who are fans of this concept, however, asAgents Of S.H.I.E.L.Destablishes that Fitz and Simmons are huge lovers ofDoctor Who, too.
The X-Files
The X-files takes the police procedural formula and applies it to sci-fi mysteries. Conspiracy theorist Fox Mulder and skeptic Dana Scully team up to solve cases surrounding alien invasions and other unexplained, paranormal phenomena.
The X-Filesis one ofthe best-written sci-fi TV shows of all time, and between its 11-season run, spin-offs, and movies, it’s hard to avoid it in popular culture. The story of Dana Scully and Fox Mulder, two very different FBI agents who investigate the paranormal, is intriguing, but the many harrowing threats they face in each installment makes the show even better.
Many other TV shows referenceThe X-Files, like whenJill and Tim play Mulder and Scully inHome Improvement, or when Buffy accuses her friends of “trying to Scully [her]” inBuffy the Vampire Slayer, for example.The X-Files’ best episodesare incredibly memorable, and they are the reason why the showis a huge part of people’s lives, even in fictional TV universes.
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Mabel inOnly Murders in the Buildingmentions watching itwith her father before his death, and the titular character inCastleis also seen whistling the theme tune in an episode dedicated toThe X-Files. The show is incredibly layered yet simple on the surface, which makesThe X-Filesan easy title to reference.
Gilligan’s Island
Gilligan’s Island is a classic sitcom that aired from 1964 to 1967, created by Sherwood Schwartz. The show follows seven castaways, including the bumbling first mate Gilligan, stranded on a deserted island after a shipwreck. The ensemble cast includes Alan Hale Jr., Jim Backus, and Tina Louise. Each episode revolves around the group’s comedic attempts to escape the island, often thwarted by Gilligan’s ineptitude.
Gilligan’s Islandis one ofthe best sitcoms of the 1960s, and while it isn’t as prominent nowadays, it’s stilla show that many other titles love to refer to. The titular character, the bumbling fire mate of the S.S. Minnow, who is shipwrecked on an island with a group of castaways, is a figure that several TV shows make jokes about.
For example,Arrested Developmentintroduces accountant Ira Gilligan. Other than the name, this character also parodies Willy Gilligan in one scene that involves him dressing the same and floating in a pool by a familiar island. Several other TV characters are known to be fans ofGilligan’s Island.
Roseanne meets Dan at a high school party dressed as Ginger inRoseanne,Michelle talks about wanting to watchGilligan’s IslandinFull Housemultiple times, and Murray kicks back and enjoys an episode inThe Goldbergs, to name a few. ConsideringGilligan’s Islandis no longer on the air, it’s surprising how many TV shows, even more recent ones, still continue to parody the hilarious sitcom.
Twin Peaks
Conceived by Mark Frost and David Lynch in 1990, Twin Peaks is a supernatural mystery-drama series that brings FBI Agent Dale Cooper to the quiet town of Twin Peaks to investigate the murder of a young woman named Laura Palmer. As Dale continues his investigation of her death, he learns that Laura’s life wasn’t as she advertised it, and the town itself is hiding far more secrets than they let on. The show received a revival for a third and final season two decades later to resolve the cliffhanger left at the end of the second season.
Most people are familiar withTwin Peaks, even without watching it.Twin Peaks’ investigation into the death of Laura Palmeris gripping, and the show and prequel movieTwin Peaks: Fire Walk with Meis often referenced and parodied by other TV series. Seeing asTwin Peaksis one of the most influential TV shows ever, it’s no surprise.
For example, Rachel attempts Audrey’s iconic cherry stem trick inFriends, and there’s a candy inThe Good Placethat helps those who eat it understandTwin Peaks’ meaning.Riverdalefeatures a brilliant nod toTwin Peaksthrough Mädchen Amick’s Alice Cooper, who at one point is seen cutting into a cherry pie.
Psychloves to referenceTwin Peaks, and the episode “Dual Spires” is one big honor to the enthralling series, with cameos fromTwin Peaks’ cast. In fact, even shows likeSesame Streethilariously parodyTwin Peaks, like in the dedicated episode “Twin Beaks.” The recent death ofTwin Peakscreator David Lynch is sad, but his show will forever be in viewers' memories thanks to references like these.
The Simpsons
The Simpsons is an animated series set in the fictional town of Springfield, following the daily lives of the Simpson family—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. Premiering in 1989, the show is renowned for its satirical commentary on politics, media, and American culture, featuring numerous celebrity guest appearances.
As one ofthe longest-running animated TV shows of all time,The Simpsonsis a massive part of most audiences’ lives. Whether viewers grew up watching it or are familiar with it from their later years, everyone knowsThe Simpsons, the titular family, and the residents of Springfield. Many other shows joke about or referenceThe Simpsons.
Raj inthe Big Bang Theoryis frequently, albeit unfairly, referred to as Apu, for example.Young Sheldonalso delves into howThe Simpsonsimpacts Sheldon’s childhood, with Mary’s failed attempts to get the show canceled. Hilariously, Jessie refers to DJ and Stephanie asThe Simpsons’, Itchy and Scratchy, inFull House, as well.
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There are also some brilliant background details in shows that are a nod toThe Simpsons, too. For example,there’s an image of Lisa dressed as a witch in the credits ofAgatha All Along. Of course,The Simpsons’ iconic catchphrases are also referenced frequently, like Veronica’s impression of Mr. Burns’ “excellent” inVeronica Mars.The Simpsons’ best episodesare iconic, but with the show still airing, it’s likely other TV shows will continue to parody it for decades to come.
Game Of Thrones
Based on George R. R. Martin’s ongoing A Song of Ice and Fire novel series, Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. It follows noble families like the Starks, Lannisters, and Targaryen vying for control of the Iron Throne while a rising threat from the undead looms in the North. The series received significant critical success and amassed a loyal fan base due to its high production values, sprawling sets, iconic characters, and shocking twists.
Game of Thronesis one of the most prominent shows of the last 15 years, and while it’s relatively young in comparison to other titles, it’s one that is frequently mentioned on TV. Smaller references toGame of Thronescan be found in shows likeThe ExpanseandGood Omens, too, but many of these nods come from sitcoms, interestingly enough.
Shows that focus on nerd culture, likeThe Big Bang Theory, love to referenceGame of Thronesat any given opportunity, for example.Brooklyn Nine-Nineoften brings up some ofthe most unexpected moments inGame of Thrones, like the Red Wedding, and the show even features a fictional fantasy book series that is based on the HBO hit.
Barney tries to argue King Joffrey’s lineage inHow I Met Your Motherwhen he discovers he and Robin may be related, and inThe Office, Dwight brilliantly teaches Erin how to speak Dothraki. ConsideringHouse of the Dragonseason 3is on its way, it seems that theGame of Thronesreferences aren’t going anywhere soon.
The Twilight Zone
The Twilight Zone is an anthology series that debuted in 1959, featuring a collection of standalone episodes encompassing drama, psychological thriller, fantasy, science fiction, suspense, and horror. Known for its macabre or unexpected twists, each story is distinct, exploring various speculative themes and human experiences.
The Twilight Zoneis so convoluted that many parodies of the show go over viewers’ heads, but there are plenty of intriguing little references to it in several other titles.The Twilight Zoneis eerie and unsettling, but asone of the most notable sci-fi horror shows ever, it’s easy to parody and reference. Many TV shows make nods to it in various ways.
DespiteThe Twilight Zonebeing such an old show, its multiple revivals and prominence in popular culture keep it relevant.
For example, inAngel, Gunn points out the parallels between Jasmine’s plot to eat the human race and the events of “To Serve Man,” one ofThe Twilight Zone’s best episodes.Frasieralso mentionsThe Twilight Zonewhen Daphne starts dating a man who is almost identical to Niles. Another great reference toThe Twilight Zoneis inGilmore Girls, when Logan gives Rory a rocket ship that symbolizes their relationship.
Interestingly, bothThe Twilight Zoneepisode that this refers to and the installment ofGilmore Girlsin which this occurs are both called “The Long Morrow.” DespiteThe Twilight Zonebeing such an old show, its multiple revivals and prominence in popular culture keep it relevant.
The Sopranos
The Sopranos follows New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano as he navigates the challenges of managing his family and criminal enterprise. He seeks guidance from psychiatrist Jennifer Melfi while dealing with complex dynamics involving his wife Carmela, cousin Christopher Moltisanti, and other Mafia associates. Released in 1999, this series delves into organized crime and personal struggles.
The Sopranosis a legendary title in the TV industry, and Tony’s mafia boss story across the show’s 6-season run is nothing short of spectacular. There are severalTV shows that wouldn’t exist withoutThe Sopranos, so it makes sense that so many other series reference and parody it.
For example, there aremultiple parallels between Fat Tony inThe Simpsonsand Tony Soprano, and the animated figure is essentially one big parody ofThe Sopranos’ front man.Family Guyalso parodiesThe Sopranos’ shocking endingin the episode “Stewie Kills Lois,” which hilariously sees the screen cut to black while Stewie is mid-sentence.
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The Sopranosexists in the fictional universes of other TV shows, too. For example, Wong shares spoilers about Christopher’s harrowing fate inShe Hulk: Attorney at Law, and Sally refers to Barry giving her a new laptop inBarryas a “Tony Soprano move.” Whether it’s a nod to Tony’s therapy sessions or his dodgy dealings,The Sopranosis always being referenced by other TV shows.
Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad, created by Vince Gilligan, follows a chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin named Walter White (Bryan Cranston) as he attempts to provide for his family following a fatal diagnosis. With nothing left to fear, White ascends to power in the world of drugs and crime, transforming the simple family man into someone known only as Heisenberg.
Breaking Badand its spin-off titlesstill have a huge chokehold on the world of streaming. Walter White’s journey from a mild-mannered chemistry teacher to a powerful drug lord is one of the best pieces of writing TV has seen in decades, and several other shows often take the opportunity to reference or parodyBreaking Bad. A great example of this is inThe Flash, when the Trickster calls his very best would-be criminal act his “Breaking Bad season 5,” which is a hilarious nod to the show’s dramatic final installment.
Hit animated TV showslikeAmerican Dad!andThe Simpsonsalso feature references toBreaking Bad. For example,theAmerican Dad!episode “Faking Bad” is an homage toBreaking Bad.The Simpsonsalso makes couch gags about the show, and the episodes “Haw-Haw Land” and “Woo-Hoo Dunnit” both feature plots that resemble Walter and Jesse’s character arcs.
Hilariously, there’s even an episode ofIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiathat sees the gang cross paths with the real-life Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston, which is full ofBreaking Badreferences. While there are many TV shows that are frequently parodied and referenced,Breaking Badis one that is mentioned in other titles more than most.
