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The 7 TV Sitcom Moments I'll Never Ever Forget
Some have lived in my mind rent-free for decades.
I love summertime, but my hair does not. On those 90-plus degree days, I’ll leave my house with a sleek, straight mane. As the day progresses, it just keeps getting bigger and bigger.
As my hair volume increases and I desperately search my bag for a ponytail holder, I think to myself, “It’s the humidity!”
It’s a reference familiar to fans of the hit television show Friends. In “The One in Barbados” (Season 9 finale), the group travels to Barbados. From the moment the plane lands, Monica’s hair begins to frizz. Throughout the episode, her hair grows more voluminous in every scene. The group mocks her, and she shouts, “It’s the humidity!”
That scene was just so real and relatable. Even though it originally aired in 2003 (over 20 years ago), I still remember it vividly, quote it continually and it still makes me laugh.
There are many TV moments that continue to live rent-free in my mind years, even decades after I first saw them, such as:
Friends
Chandler Bong
Another Friends moment that continues to crack me up happened in “The One with the Embryos” (Season 4, Episode 12) when Rachel and Monica compete against Chandler and Joey to see which pair knows the other best. One of the questions is, "What is the name on the TV Guide address label?" and the answer is "Miss Chandler Bong." As someone who got a lot of junk addressed to "Brandi Manzella," this scene cracked me up! Honorable mention to a scene in “The One with the Cop” (Season 5 Episode 16). Is it even possible for someone to move furniture and not yell “pivot!” like Ross does to Rachel and Chandler as they try to get his couch through the stairway?
Lily’s Loud Chewing
How I Met Your Mother has many great episodes. But the one I find myself referencing the most is from “Spoiler Alert” (Season 3, Episode 8). Ted thinks he has found the perfect partner, Cathy, and his friends don't want to "spoil" her for Ted by pointing out her flaws. Of course, they wind up letting Ted know Cathy’s flaw is that she talks too much. This leads to everyone discussing the annoying habits of the others, which, once noticed, cannot be unnoticed. Lily’s flaw is her loud chewing. Marshall says he never noticed it before, but now that it’s been pointed out, he keeps hearing it. Even when Lily enjoys cotton candy, it sounds like she is munching on rocks!
Cliff’s Electric Buzzer
In an episode of Cheers titled “How to Win Friends and Electrocute People” (Season 7, Episode 7), Cliff is upset because no one visited him when he was in the hospital. He decides he needs to change his personality and convinces a doctor to give him shock aversion treatment. Every time Cliff is insensitive to the patrons at Cheers, he receives a "jolt.” The more Cliff gets shocked — which is a lot — the funnier the scene gets.
SEINFELD, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Season 8, Ep. 'The Little Kicks', 1990 - 1998. (c) Columbia TriStar T
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Elaine’s Dancing
Seinfeld has tons of memorable moments, including the scene in “The Little Kicks” (Season 8, Episode 4), where viewers get to see Elaine Benes on the dance floor for the first time. The way actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus throws her whole body is described as "a full-body dry heave set to music." This bit makes me belly laugh. While I do love to dance, I admit I’m not great with rhythm. I often wonder if I’m dancing like Elaine (although the older I get, the less self-conscious I am about it).
Seinfeld
Another honorable mention: In the episode aptly titled “The Junior Mint” (Season 4, Episode 20). Whenever someone I know has surgery, I can’t help but think, “I hope no one drops a Junior Mint in them from the viewing gallery,” thanks to the scene where Kramer does just that. “It's chocolate, it's peppermint and it's delicious," and yes, poor Roy got sealed up with the mint inside.
ABC's "Modern Family" - Season Two
Catching Claire and Phil in the Act
The “cringiest” thing happens to Claire and Phil Dunphy on Modern Family. In “Caught in the Act” (Season 2, Episode 13), the kids walk in on their parents having sexual relations. It’s something every parent dreads (and why many of us check and re-check the door before any bedroom activity commences). While their daughters are horrified, their youngest son, Luke, is confused. His naïve assessment, "I am not sure what was happening, but I think Dad was winning," is delivered with perfect comic timing.
SCHITT'S CREEK 2016 serie TV creee par Dan Levy et Eugene Levy saison 2 episode 2 Dan Levy Catherine O'Hara. Prod DB © Canadian Broadcasting Corporati
Moira Teaches David How to Cook
It's a mother and son bonding moment in the kitchen on Schitt's Creek in “Family Dinner” (Season 2, Episode 15). Moira teaches her adult son, David, how to make enchiladas. When she tells him to "fold in the cheese," David asks for more direction, not understanding what he is supposed to do. Moira replies that she can't explain it any clearer, and the bickering begins. David shouts, “This is your recipe! You fold in the cheese then!” This funny moment plays in my head whenever I make any recipe, from lasagna to pizza, that needs cheese.
What TV moment will YOU never forget? Let us know in the comments below.
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