Top 10 Most Parodied TV Shows
#10: “Game of Thrones” (2011-19)
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“Game of Thrones” was the hottest show of the decade, so naturally, it’s been parodied to death. Both “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy” have gotten in on the action, referencing the show’s “over-produced” opening theme (which “The Simpsons” did on two separate occasions), the excessive nudity and sexual exposition, and Sam’s “boring” storyline. Peter’s words, not ours. Late night shows have also jumped on the bandwagon, with Jimmy Fallon doing Game of Desks and Seth Meyers doing skits with Kit Harington. But really, chances are that literally every aspect of this show has been parodied at some point. But it’s mostly the sex. People really like making fun of the sexposition.
#9: “Cops” (1989-)
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“Cops” has been a mainstay on TV for decades, and it is absolutely perfect for parody, what with the documentary format and hilarious criminals. Of course, the thing most often parodied is the “Bad Boys” theme song. “The Jay Leno Show” used this as a gag to show fast food mascots being arrested, and it was referenced in the “Scott’s Tots” episode of “The Office.” Another notable example is “Shrek 2,” as the show’s documentary style is copied for the capture and arrest of our heroes. Of course, the biggest and most popular parody is “Reno 911!,” a Comedy Central satire based entirely around the format and premise of “Cops.”
#8: “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (2000-15) & “CSI: Miami” (2002-12)
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“CSI” isn’t really parodied so much as it is memed to death. So, parodied in a way, we suppose. “Zoom and enhance” is a popular one, as this franchise sometimes employed that ridiculous trope. But of course, the most popular meme is the “YEEEEEAH!” heard in the opening credits, often preceded by a cheesy pun of some sort. The endless forensic montages are another source of parody, as are scenes of a character kneeling over a corpse and rattling off pieces of information. They’re fun shows, but they’re also a little silly. Luckily, they never took themselves too seriously, so the producers are probably just laughing along with the rest of us.
#7: “The Bachelor” (2002-) & “The Bachelorette” (2003-)
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Even though “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” have been going strong since the early 2000s, we don’t think anyone would call them high art. Or even art, for that matter. Countless comedians and shows have pounced on the kitschy format over the years. “Saturday Night Live” has spoofed them on numerous occasions, and the whole rose ceremony has been parodied by the likes of “South Park” and Jay Leno. “The Simpsons” also did a gag show called Promiscuous Idiots Island, and “Family Guy” devoted an entire episode to Brian appearing on the show and getting his heart broken once he realizes that it’s all scripted.
#6: “Jeopardy!” (1964-)
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“Jeopardy!” is a national treasure and arguably the greatest game show of all time, but even that doesn’t stop it from being mocked. In a loving way, of course. One popular parody is “Black Jeopardy” from “Saturday Night Live,” which has been performed by the likes of Drake, Elizabeth Banks, and Tom Hanks. “Family Guy” is also a huge fan of “Jeopardy!” gags, and Alex Trebek even appeared as himself in one of the cutaways. And finally, how many times have you heard the joke “I’ll take (whatever) for 200, Alex?” What is, jokes we’ve heard a million times, that’s how many.
#5: “Survivor” (2000-)
Back in the day, “Survivor” was THE reality show to watch. And, much like “Game of Thrones” today, its incredible popularity led to endless parodies and references. In its prime, you could find “Survivor” references on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?,” “Family Guy,” “The Simpsons,” “SNL,” and even the music video for Eminem’s “Without Me.” Seriously, you couldn’t escape it, even if you just wanted to watch a music video! Even now, you can find spoofs in numerous pieces of entertainment, including “Jimmy Fallon,” where they did a “Trump Family Edition,” and “Grand Theft Auto V,” which contained an in-game show called “Rehab Island.” And, yes, both “Family Guy” and “The Simpsons” are still going to the “Survivor” well.
#4: “Baywatch” (1989-90; 1991-2001)
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You all know the scene – a character, usually a female, can be seen running in slow-motion as their breasts bounce up and down. You’ve seen it a thousand times before, and it comes directly from the 90s phenomenon that was “Baywatch.” In it, Pamela Anderson played C.J. Parker, and let’s just say that she didn’t become popular for her acting skills. The show is so ingrained in pop culture that it has even been spoofed in children’s movies and shows like “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie” and “The Fairly OddParents.” It was even parodied in the “Baywatch” movie, as the iconic run was turned into a joke when Zac Efron fell to the ground and flailed around in the sand.
#3: “Law & Order” (1990-2010)
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Police procedurals are a dime a dozen, and they have been endlessly mocked over the years. But none are quite as influential, or as popular, as NBC’s “Law & Order.” Even if you’ve never seen the show, you undoubtedly recognize the famous black and red logo and the iconic DUN DUN theme. This has been parodied in “Chappelle’s Show,” “Family Guy,” and “BoJack Horseman,” just to name a few. Long after its conclusion, the show is still being parodied. “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” did “Serve & Protect,” “Scream Queens” referenced the show’s signature opening, and “Community” devoted an entire episode to spoofing the show and its traits. Like we said, when it comes to police procedurals, few are as pop culture infused as “Law & Order.”
#2: “Star Trek: The Original Series” (1966-69)
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Very few shows in this world have reached the level of “Star Trek.” We don’t really need to tell you how influential it is… just know that it is so popular and influential that it has been parodied for over fifty years. According to IMDb, “Star Trek” has been spoofed in hundreds of films and TV shows since the late 60s, going all the way back to “The Carol Burnett Show.” Virtually every aspect of this show has been spoofed, including the iconic red and yellow outfits, the schlocky alien costumes, William Shatner’s voice and narration, and especially the famous fight at Vasquez Rocks. Really, you’ve probably seen the entirety of this show based on parodies alone. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Stranger Things” (2016-) “The West Wing” (1999-2006) “The Jerry Springer Show” (1991-2018) “Lost” (2004-10) “The Sopranos” (1999-2007)
#1: “The Twilight Zone” (1959-64)
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“The Twilight Zone” is an undeniable classic. Much like “Star Trek,” “Twilight Zone” spoofs go as far back as the 60s, when it was heavily referenced in an episode of “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” Since then, it has been spoofed in things as diverse as “SNL,” “Tiny Toon Adventures,” “SpongeBob,” and “Good Morning, Vietnam.” Most of these parodies address the opening credits and Rod Serling’s iconic narration, although some directly spoof the episodes themselves, like when Peter Griffin’s last remaining brain cell drops his glasses. Even to this day, entire spoof episodes are being made, such as “American Dad’s” “Rabbit Ears” from 2019. When it comes to horror, few things are as seminal or as influential as “The Twilight Zone.”
