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There are someTV showsthat are such classicsthat other titles always parody and reference them . Several ofthe good TV shows of all timeare considered dead legendary and cement themselves as a crucial part of popping polish , regardless of when they earlier aired . These shows are referenced by many others , but some instances are more notable than others .
While there are someTV show that become pasquinade of themselves , others are so successful and groundbreaking that their character reference become popular figures in society . For writers , when the Thomas Nelson Page starts to execute dry and there ’s line time to make full , it ’s leisurely to make a jocularity or nod to another hit telly show , just to prove that they ’re up - to - engagement with what their consultation are watching , too . However , this does n’t mean that these TV shows are unsound , just thatthey’re so salient that they ’re well-heeled to mockery and character .
10Seinfeld (1989-1998)
Parodied & Referenced In It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Veronica Mars, & Yellowjackets
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Cast
Seinfeld star Jerry Seinfeld as a suffer - up comedian whose life-time in New York City is made even more chaotic by his kinky mathematical group of booster who unite him in wrestle with life ’s most perplexing yet often piffling questions . Often described as " a show about nothing , " Seinfeld mine the wit in life story ’s mundane spot like wait in line , searching for a lost point , or the test and trial of dating . Co - star is Julia Louis - Dreyfus as Jerry ’s ex - girl and current platonic pal , Elaine Benes ; Jason Alexander as George Costanza , Jerry ’s psychoneurotic hard - luck best friend ; and Michael Richards as Jerry ’s outre neighbor , Kramer .
As one ofthe upright sitcom of all clock time , it ’s no surprise thatSeinfeldis frequently referenced and parodied by other TV shows . TheSeinfeldcharacters are iconicand serve as the guide of friendship group casts in sitcoms , lead the way for titles likeFriendsandHow I Met Your female parent . Shows across various genres often make a nod toSeinfeld , not just comedy .
show across various genres often make a nod toSeinfeld , not just comedy .
For example , there ’s an interaction inVeronica Marsthat see the titular graphic symbol 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 sequence that impact the musical genre , in “ The Gang Does a Clip Show . ”
Even more late shows that aired years afterSeinfeld ’s end , likeYellowjacketsandBroad City , make reference to Jerry Seinfeld ’s hit situation comedy . Seinfeldstands out as one of the most notable situational comedies in television history , and with the show establish so many well - known figure of speech and iconic characters , it makes mother wit that so many other titles burlesque and cite it .
9Doctor Who (1963-Present)
Parodied & Referenced In Community, Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D., The Big Bang Theory, & Cobra Kai
An alien from the major planet Gallifrey journey through sentence and space to search , figure out job and fight unfairness while also make acquaintance with human beings . His starship , called TARDIS , resembles a police box , but it is much more than it come along to be .
The greatestDoctor Whostories of all timecome from all eras of the show , and with it now being over 60 years sure-enough , there are incumbrance of content for other TV serial publication to make reference to . Doctor Whois a tremendous British sci - fi serial , but its most unique quality is the fact that the titular character is portrayed by various unlike actors .
Shows likeThe Big Bang Theory , Criminal Minds , Arrow , andCobra Kaimake nod toDoctor Whothroughout their various run , which produce sensory faculty , considering the international shock it has across the populace . Some titles take the references further than others , though .
Communityfamously referencesDoctor Whothrough the fictional show “ Inspector Spacetime , ” a front-runner of Troy and Abed ’s , and comically swaps out the TARDIS for an honest-to-goodness - fashioned , red , British telephony John Wilkes Booth . Abed and Troy are n’t the only fancied characters who are fan of this concept , however , asAgents Of S.H.I.E.L.Destablishes that Fitz and Simmons are immense lovers ofDoctor Who , too .
8The X-Files (1993-2018)
Parodied & Referenced In Home Improvement, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, & Only Murders In The Building
The Adam - file takes the police force procedural formula and applies it to sci - fi mysteries . Conspiracy theoretician Fox Mulder and skeptic Dana Scully team up to solve cases surrounding exotic invasions and other unexplained , paranormal phenomena .
The X - Filesis one ofthe well - write sci - fi telecasting shows of all prison term , and between its 11 - time of year run , spin - offs , and flick , it ’s hard to quash it in popular polish . The story of Dana Scully and Fox Mulder , two very different FBI federal agent who investigate the paranormal , is intriguing , but the many agonizing threats they face in each installment makes the show even best .
Many other television testify referenceThe X - Files , like whenJill and Tim play Mulder and Scully inHome Improvement , or when Buffy criminate her friends of “ trying to Scully [ her ] ” inBuffy the Vampire Slayer , for example . The X - Files ’ best episodesare incredibly memorable , and they are the understanding why the showis a huge part of multitude ’s lives , even in fabricated TV universes .
Director Ryan Coogler is convey the classic 1990s tv set serial The X - data file back to the small screenland in a new reboot with a diverse mold .
Mabel inOnly Murders in the Buildingmentions watch out itwith her founder before his death , and the titulary character inCastleis also take care whistle the root word tune in an episode consecrated toThe X - file . The show is fabulously layered yet simple on the control surface , which makesThe X - Filesan easy deed to quotation .
7Gilligan’s Island (1964-1967)
Parodied & Referenced In Roseanne, Arrested Development, Full House, & The Goldbergs
Gilligan ’s Island is a classic situation comedy that air from 1964 to 1967 , create by Sherwood Schwartz . The show watch over seven outcast , include the mishandle first partner Gilligan , strand 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 endeavor to take to the woods the island , often thwarted by Gilligan ’s slowness .
Gilligan ’s Islandis one ofthe serious situation comedy of the 1960s , and while it is n’t as salient nowadays , it ’s stilla show that many other title sleep together to refer to . The nominal character , the botch up flack teammate of the S.S. Minnow , who is shipwreck on an island with a group of castaway , is a name that several TV shows make jokes about .
For example , Arrested Developmentintroduces comptroller Ira Gilligan . Other than the name , this eccentric also parodies Willy Gilligan in one scene that involves him garnish the same and swim in a pool by a familiar island . Several other telecasting fiber are fuck to be lover ofGilligan ’s Island .
Roseanne meets Dan at a high school party preen as Ginger inRoseanne , Michelle talks about want to watchGilligan ’s IslandinFull Housemultiple times , and Murray kicks back and enjoy an episode inThe Goldbergs , to name a few . ConsideringGilligan ’s Islandis no longer on the air , it ’s surprising how many TV appearance , even more recent I , still continue to parody the hilarious sitcom .
6Twin Peaks (1990-1991)
Parodied & Referenced In Psych, Friends, The Good Place, & Riverdale
Conceived by Mark Frost and David Lynch in 1990 , Twin Peaks is a supernatural mystery - drama series that convey FBI Agent Dale Cooper to the quiet Ithiel Town of Twin Peaks to enquire the execution of a untested cleaning lady name Laura Palmer . As Dale continues his investigation of her demise , he check that Laura ’s living was n’t as she push it , and the townsfolk itself is hiding far more enigma than they let on . The show received a revivification for a third and final season two decennium later to address the cliffhanger left at the end of the 2nd season .
Most people are intimate withTwin Peaks , even without watch it . Twin Peaks ’ investigation into the death of Laura Palmeris gripping , and the show and prequel movieTwin Peaks : Fire Walk with Meis often cite and parodied by other TV series . realise asTwin Peaksis one of the most influential goggle box shows ever , it ’s no surprisal .
For object lesson , Rachel attempts Audrey ’s iconic cherry stem trick inFriends , and there ’s a candy inThe Good Placethat helps those who run through it understandTwin Peaks ’ meaning . Riverdalefeatures a brilliant nod toTwin Peaksthrough Mädchen Amick ’s Alice Cooper , who at one period is see curve into a cherry pie .
Seinfeld stars Jerry Seinfeld as a stand-up comedian whose life in New York City is made even more chaotic by his quirky group of friends who join him in wrestling with life’s most perplexing yet often trivial questions. Often described as “a show about nothing,” Seinfeld mines the humor in life’s mundane situations like waiting in line, searching for a lost item, or the trials and tribulations of dating. Co-starring is Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Jerry’s ex-girlfriend and current platonic pal, Elaine Benes; Jason Alexander as George Costanza, Jerry’s neurotic hard-luck best friend; and Michael Richards as Jerry’s eccentric neighbor, Kramer.
Psychloves to referenceTwin Peaks , and the episode " Dual Spires " is one big honor to the enthralling serial , with cameos fromTwin Peaks ’ cast . In fact , even shows likeSesame Streethilariously parodyTwin Peaks , like in the dedicated sequence “ Twin Beaks . ” The recent death ofTwin Peakscreator David Lynch is sad , but his show will eternally be in looker ' store thanks to references like these .
5The Simpsons (1989-Present)
Parodied & Referenced In The Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, Full House, & Agatha All Along
The Simpsons is a long - running animated TV serial created by Matt Groening that satirically follow a work - class family in the misfit urban center of Springfield . Homer , a snatch of a schmoe who works at a atomic king industrial plant , is the provider for his family , while his wife , Marge , tries to keep sanity and reason in the house to the best of her ability . Bart is a gestate bad hat , and Lisa is his super - level-headed babe who find herself surrounded by people who ca n’t understand her . Finally , Maggie is the mysterious baby who acts as a deus ex machina when the series forebode for it . The show puts the phratry in several wild situations while constantly tackle socio - political and pop - culture matter set within their world , providing an often sharp critique of the depicted object spread over in each episode . This serial publication first premiered in 1989 and has been a raw material of Fox ’s programming agenda ever since !
As one ofthe longest - running animated tv set shows of all time , The Simpsonsis a massive part of most audiences ’ lives . Whether viewers grew up watching it or are conversant with it from their later twelvemonth , everyone knowsThe Simpsons , the titular family , and the resident physician of Springfield . Many other shows joke about or referenceThe Simpsons .
Raj inthe Big Bang Theoryis frequently , albeit below the belt , touch to as Apu , for example . Young Sheldonalso delves into howThe Simpsonsimpacts Sheldon ’s puerility , with Mary ’s failed attack to get the show cancel . Hilariously , Jessie refers to DJ and Stephanie asThe Simpsons ’ , Itchy and Scratchy , inFull House , as well .
The Simpsons serial has burlesque just about every potential conception at this spot , and here are 10 of their best satirical TV show necessitate .
There are also some brilliant background item in show that are a nod toThe Simpsons , too . For example , there ’s an mental image of Lisa dressed as a witch in the credits ofAgatha All Along . Of of course , The Simpsons ’ iconic catchphrase are also reference frequently , like Veronica ’s impression of Mr. Burns ’ “ splendid ” inVeronica Mars . The Simpsons ’ best episodesare iconic , but with the show still airing , it ’s likely other television set shows will continue to spoof it for 10 to come .
4Game Of Thrones (2011-2019)
Parodied & Referenced In Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Big Bang Theory, The Expanse, Good Omens, & How I Met Your Mother
ground on George R. R. Martin ’s ongoing A Song of Ice and Fire novel series , Game of Thrones is a fantasy dramatic event set in the fictitious continents of Westeros and Essos . It trace noble families like the Starks , Lannisters , and Targaryen vie for control of the Iron Throne while a rising menace from the undead loom in the North . The series received significant vital achiever and amassed a loyal devotee al-Qaeda due to its high product value , sprawling exercise set , iconic characters , and disgraceful twists .
Game of Thronesis one of the most prominent shows of the last 15 geezerhood , and while it ’s relatively youthful in comparison to other championship , it ’s one that is oft mentioned on TV . Smaller references toGame of Thronescan be found in shows likeThe ExpanseandGood Omens , too , but many of these nod add up from sitcom , interestingly enough .
Shows that focus on dweeb culture , likeThe Big Bang Theory , screw to referenceGame of Thronesat any given chance , 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 fictitious fantasy book series that is based on the HBO hit .
Barney examine 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 elbow room , it seems that theGame of Thronesreferences are n’t going anywhere soon .
3The Twilight Zone (1959-1964)
Parodied & Referenced In Frasier, Gilmore Girls, The X Files, & Angel
The Twilight Zone is an anthology series that debuted in 1959 , boast a collection of standalone episodes embrace dramatic play , psychological thriller , fantasy , science fiction , suspense , and horror . have sex for its macabre or unexpected twists , each story is distinct , exploring various speculative themes and human experience .
The Twilight Zoneis so convolute that many parodies of the show go over viewer ’ top dog , but there are plenty of scheme little reference to it in several other titles . The Twilight Zoneis eerie and unsettling , but asone of the most famous sci - fi horror present ever , it ’s well-to-do to takeoff and reference . Many telecasting shows make nods to it in various way .
DespiteThe Twilight Zonebeing such an old show , its multiple revivals and jut in popular culture keep it relevant .
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.
For deterrent example , inAngel , Gunn point out the parallels between Jasmine ’s plot of ground to rust the human race and the event of “ To Serve Man , ” one ofThe Twilight Zone ’s skillful 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 symbolize their family 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 bulge in popular culture keep it relevant .
2The Sopranos (1999-2007)
Parodied & Referenced In Barry, She Hulk: Attorney At Law, Family Guy, & The Simpsons
Considered to be a quintessential drama series to see , The Sopranos is a crime - drama serial publication that keep abreast Tony Soprano , who seek to manage the arithmetic mean of an Italian - American patriarch while acting as the head of a prolific New Jersey crime home . Burdened by the stress of the expectations thrust upon him , Tony regularly visits a healer throughout the series run . This helps give context to Tony ’s action mechanism as a pitiless honcho with violent inclination .
The Sopranosis a legendary title in the TV industriousness , and Tony ’s mafia boss account across the show ’s 6 - season run is nothing scant of spectacular . There are severalTV shows that would n’t exist withoutThe Sopranos , so it makes sense that so many other serial point of reference and parody it .
For example , there aremultiple parallels between Fat Tony inThe Simpsonsand Tony Soprano , and the alive figure is essentially one heavy parody ofThe Sopranos ’ front man . Family Guyalso parodiesThe treble ’ shocking endingin the instalment “ Stewie Kills Lois , ” which uproariously see the screen edit out to bootleg while Stewie is mid - judgment of conviction .
The Sopranos is one of the greatest telly shows that shaped prestigiousness television . episode that rank systematically among viewer admit central fight .
The Sopranosexists in the fictional universes of other TV show , too . For example , Wong share spoilers about Christopher ’s harrowing fate inShe Hulk : Attorney at Law , and Sally consult 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 relations , The Sopranosis always being referenced by other TV shows .
1Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
Parodied & Referenced In The Flash, American Dad, & The Simpsons
Breaking Bad , created by Vince Gilligan , follows a alchemy teacher turned drug kingbolt named Walter White ( Bryan Cranston ) as he assay to provide for his house follow a fatal diagnosing . With nothing leave to venerate , White ascend to king in the world of drug and offence , transform the simple family humankind into someone known only as Heisenberg .
Breaking Badand its twist - off titlesstill have a huge throttlehold on the humankind of streaming . Walter White ’s journey from a balmy - mannered chemistry teacher to a powerful drug lord is one of the best pieces of spell TV has seen in decade , and several other shows often take the opportunity to reference or parodyBreaking Bad . A capital good 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 uproarious nod to the show ’s dramatic final installment .
Hit animate TV showslikeAmerican Dad!andThe Simpsonsalso feature references toBreaking Bad . For case , theAmerican Dad!episode “ Faking Bad ” is an court toBreaking Bad . The Simpsonsalso make lounge gags about the show , and the episode “ Haw - Haw Land ” and “ Woo - Hoo Dunnit ” both feature plots that resemble Walter and Jesse ’s quality arcs .
Hilariously , there ’s even an installment ofIt ’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiathat sees the crew cross paths with the real - lifespan Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston , which is full ofBreaking Badreferences . While there are many TV display that are ofttimes parodied and referenced , bankrupt Badis one that is mentioned in other title more than most .
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.
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.
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.
The Simpsons is a long-running animated TV series created by Matt Groening that satirically follows a working-class family in the misfit city of Springfield. Homer, a bit of a schmoe who works at a nuclear power plant, is the provider for his family, while his wife, Marge, tries to keep sanity and reason in the house to the best of her ability. Bart is a born troublemaker, and Lisa is his super-intelligent sister who finds herself surrounded by people who can’t understand her. Finally, Maggie is the mysterious baby who acts as a deus ex machina when the series calls for it. The show puts the family in several wild situations while constantly tackling socio-political and pop-culture topics set within their world, providing an often sharp critique of the subjects covered in each episode. This series first premiered in 1989 and has been a staple of Fox’s programming schedule ever since!
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.
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.
Considered to be a quintessential drama series to watch, The Sopranos is a crime-drama series that follows Tony Soprano, who tries to manage the expectations of an Italian-American patriarch while acting as the head of a prolific New Jersey crime family. Burdened by the stress of the expectations thrust upon him, Tony regularly visits a therapist throughout the series run. This helps give context to Tony’s actions as a ruthless boss with violent tendencies.
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.
