This idiom describes the moment when a television show, franchise, or creative endeavor declines in quality or relevance, often due to a desperate or absurd plot twist, gimmick, or departure from its original appeal, as if leaping over a point of no return. It conveys a turning point where something loses credibility or audience goodwill, used in entertainment, cultural, or business contexts to critique declining standards or overreach. The phrase carries a critical, often mocking tone, reflecting cultural expectations of authenticity and quality, and highlights the risks of straying too far from what made something successful. It resonates in media-saturated societies where fans and critics closely monitor creative output, often marking a moment of disillusionment or betrayal.

The phrase originated in 1985, coined by Jon Hein, a University of Michigan student, during a discussion about TV show decline, specifically referencing a 1977 *Happy Days* episode where Fonzie jumps over a shark on water skis—a widely mocked plot seen as a low point. Hein’s term was popularized in 1997 through his website *jumptheshark.com*, which cataloged TV shows’ decline moments, gaining media attention in outlets like *The New York Times*. The idiom’s roots lie in American pop culture, reflecting the 1970s’ trend of TV gimmicks, but it drew on earlier concepts of artistic overreach, as seen in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s critiques of Hollywood excess. Its use grew in the 2000s, applied to films, music, and businesses, and spread globally through internet culture and media analysis. The phrase’s specific origin, vivid imagery, and relevance to creative industries ensured its rapid adoption across English-speaking cultures, from fan forums to academic critiques.