The internet has an uncanny ability to turn anything into a meme, and some of the best memes come from TV shows. Over the years, several iconic TV moments have taken on lives of their own, transcending their original context to become viral sensations. Whether it’s a character’s ridiculous reaction or a line that just hits perfectly out of context, TV is a goldmine for meme-worthy content. Let’s dive into 10 TV scenes that became memes.
10 TV scenes that became memes.
Surprised Pikachu Face – Pokémon
It’s hard to imagine a meme list without the “Surprised Pikachu Face.” This image, pulled from an episode of Pokémon, shows Pikachu’s face in a state of surprise, wide-eyed and mouth agape. What makes it so universally hilarious is that people use it to mock themselves or others for
being surprised by something completely predictable. The format has remained popular for years, and it shows no signs of going away. The simplicity of the expression makes it the perfect response to anything from failed expectations to sarcastic disbelief.
Why You Always Lying? – The Backyardigans
Yes, the Backyardigans , a children’s animated show, provided the internet with a meme that’s far from childish. In the episode where Tyrone the Moose sings “Castaways,” his exaggerated body language and face captured a dramatic flair that
was ripe for the internet to latch onto. But it wasn’t until someone remixed the scene into “Why You Always Lying” that it skyrocketed. Now, every time someone is caught being a little less than truthful, expect to see Tyrone pop up in your feed.
Oga, Calm Down!– The Viral Kid
This meme didn’t come from a regular TV show but from a viral video that aired across Nigerian TV stations. A little boy pleading with his mom, saying, “Oga, calm down!” while trying to avoid a scolding became an instant hit.
The boy’s tone, facial expressions, and the drama in his voice have made this meme the ideal response to any high-tension scenario. Nigerians now use this phrase to tell people to relax when they’re overreacting or being overly dramatic.
Disaster Girl – Rescue Me
Disaster Girl is one of those memes where the context has little to do with the final product. The original clip from Rescue Me shows a little girl smiling while a house burns down in the background.
This mischievous, slightly devilish grin made her the face of the “Disaster girl” meme, which is often used when someone playfully takes credit for something going wrong. Whether it’s innocent chaos or a minor disaster, this image will pop up in all its fiery glory.
Wetin be this?– Aki and Pawpaw
You can’t talk about Nigerian TV scenes that became memes without mentioning the classic duo, Aki (Chinedu Ikedieze) and Pawpaw (Osita Iheme). One of their most iconic moments is when Pawpaw is handed something and he asks, “Wetin be this?” in his signature high-pitched voice, his face contorted in confusion. Whether it’s your friend suggesting a crazy idea or seeing a surprising bill, the “Wetin be this?” meme is the perfect response.
Hide the Pain Harold – Stock Photo Model
Okay, this is not really a TV show, but it was everywhere—and it all started from a set of stock photos featuring a man who looks like he’s forcing a smile despite being in some emotional distress.
That expression? Priceless. His face has since been used to reflect feelings of discomfort, awkwardness, or hidden pain. You’ve definitely seen Harold floating around Twitter or Instagram, smiling through the struggle.
We Were on a Break! – Friends
Ah, Friends. This legendary sitcom gave us more memes than we could ever count, but one that particularly stands out is Ross Geller’s infamous line, “We were on a break!” during his turbulent relationship with Rachel.
This phrase has been repurposed countless times by people trying to defend themselves in all sorts of sticky situations. Whether you’re justifying a questionable decision or trying to explain something from your past, Ross’s meme-worthy defense is always on standby.
Why Are You Running? – Pretty Liars
No Nigerian meme list would be complete without the famous “Why are you running?” scene. This line has become a staple for Nigerians whenever they want to convey urgency or when something unexpected happens. The meme is often used to caption moments of escape, whether literal or metaphorical, making it an internet favorite.
How Dare You? – Dr. Phil
Dr. Phil’s no-nonsense talk show is often packed with dramatic moments, but the “How Dare You?” meme was born from an episode where a dissatisfied guest challenged another with pure contempt.
The over-the-top delivery of the line became a viral meme for anyone looking to express outrage or disbelief. You’ll see it pop up in reaction to any sort of audacious behavior, making it a fun way to call someone out with extra dramatic flair.
Arthur’s Fist – Arthur
This last meme deserves its place as one of the most iconic TV-based memes of all time. The cartoon Arthur gave the world one of the simplest, yet most powerful, reaction memes: Arthur’s clenched fist.
Pulled from a scene where Arthur is feeling angered and frustrated, the fist became a universal symbol for barely contained rage. It’s used as a reaction to anything mildly infuriating, from losing your Wi-Fi signal to missing out on concert tickets.
TV shows have gifted us with endless moments that we’ve immortalized through memes. What’s fascinating is how these scenes, taken out of context, resonate with such a wide audience. They make us laugh, relate, and sometimes even reflect on life in absurd ways.
Whether it’s a scene from a beloved childhood cartoon or a serious drama, you never know what the internet will meme next. But one thing’s for sure: these 10 TV scenes that became memes are here to stay, embedded in meme culture forever.
