Famous TV Catchphrases

Ed McMahon introduced Johnny Carson with 'Heeeeere's Johnny!' at the start of The Tonight Show from 1962 to 1992. The phrase became one of the most recognized introductions in television history.

The Waltons (1972-1981) ended many episodes with the family saying goodnight to each other from their bedrooms, always including 'Good night, John Boy.' The show was set during the Depression and WWII eras.

Ralph Kramden, played by Jackie Gleason on The Honeymooners, would threaten his wife Alice with 'One of these days, Alice... to the moon!' The show aired from 1955 to 1956 and became a timeless classic.

Gary Coleman's character Arnold Jackson delivered the catchphrase 'Whatchu talkin' 'bout, Willis?' on Diff'rent Strokes (1978-1986). The show followed two boys from Harlem adopted by a wealthy Park Avenue businessman.

Robin Williams' character Mork from the planet Ork used 'Nanu nanu' as a greeting on Mork & Mindy (1978-1982). The character first appeared on Happy Days before getting his own spin-off.

Jackie Gleason's Ralph Kramden would say 'Baby, you're the greatest!' to his wife Alice on The Honeymooners, usually after she forgave him for some scheme gone wrong.

Jan Brady, played by Eve Plumb, exclaimed 'Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!' out of frustration with always being compared to her older sister on The Brady Bunch. The phrase became a pop culture touchstone.

Fred Sanford, played by Redd Foxx, frequently called his son Lamont 'You big dummy!' on Sanford and Son (1972-1977). Fred was also famous for his fake heart attacks, crying 'This is the big one! I'm comin' Elizabeth!'

The Jeffersons (1975-1985) featured the iconic theme song 'Movin' On Up' about George and Louise Jefferson moving from Queens to a 'deluxe apartment in the sky' on Manhattan's East Side.

Though Ricky Ricardo never said these exact words on I Love Lucy, the paraphrased catchphrase became inseparable from the show. Desi Arnaz's Ricky would often confront Lucy about her latest scheme in his Cuban accent.

The Robot (voiced by Dick Tufeld) warned young Will Robinson of danger on Lost in Space (1965-1968). The phrase, along with the Robot's flailing arms, became one of TV's most quoted lines.

Archie Bunker, played by Carroll O'Connor, told his wife Edith to 'Stifle yourself!' and called his son-in-law Michael 'Meathead' on All in the Family (1971-1979). The show tackled social issues through comedy.

Flo Castleberry, played by Polly Holliday, made 'Kiss my grits!' famous on Alice (1976-1985). The sassy waitress at Mel's Diner was so popular she got her own spin-off series called Flo.

Leonard Nimoy's Mr. Spock used the Vulcan salute and the phrase 'Live long and prosper' on Star Trek (1966-1969). Nimoy created the accompanying hand gesture based on a Jewish priestly blessing.

Bea Arthur's character Maude Findlay would tell her husband Walter 'God'll get you for that, Walter' on Maude (1972-1978). The show was a spin-off of All in the Family and tackled controversial social issues.