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In the world of TV media, “jumping the shark” refers to the phenomenon of a show or franchise resorting to outrageous, gimmicky stunts to maintain viewership – often in direct contrast to what the show originally set out to be. Books can suffer a similar fate when they veer off course.

Let’s jump in.

What does ‘jumping the shark’ mean?

“Jumping the shark” is a term that originated from a notorious episode of the TV show Happy Days where the character Fonzie literally jumps over a shark on water skis. This moment was seen as a desperate attempt to boost ratings by introducing an absurd and out-of-character stunt.

In books, “jumping the shark” refers to a point in a story where the plot takes an unbelievable or nonsensical turn, often to maintain the reader’s interest or to shock them. It’s a sign that the author may have lost their way, and the story is careening towards mediocrity.

Examples of ‘jumping the shark’ in books

Let’s take a look at a couple of examples from the world of literature where authors seemingly jumped the shark:

• The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer. Listen – I was a middle school twihard like anybody else. This series will always have a special place in my heart. But let’s be real. Twilight was originally just a love story between a vampire and a human girl, and then Breaking Dawn went too far afield. There was the pregnancy and birth, Jacob imprinting on a newborn, and not to mention the build-up for a vampire battle that didn’t even end up happening. It was too much. Book 1 will always be the best of the franchise.
• The House of Night Series by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast. Remember this YA series? It was about a school for vampires, in typical late 00s fashion. Not only did it have some problematic elements already, but as the series progressed, it added an array of overcomplicated plot threads and love interests. Likely because it didn’t have a planned ending, as the books just kept coming. I don’t remember much from this series except that I stopped reading them after one character seemed to be falling in love with a half-bird man (as in, literally, physically half-bird).
• The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. This beloved fantasy series took an unexpected turn in its final book, The Last Battle. Some readers found the religious allegory and the ultimate fate of the characters to be divisive and not in line with the tone of the earlier books, and I have to agree. I recently finished this series, and it was a big “throw the book across the room” moment for me.

These examples illustrate how even well-loved series can sometimes falter in the eyes of readers as the complexity of the narrative grows, or as authors attempt to expand the world and introduce new elements. The challenge lies in maintaining the balance between a captivating, evolving storyline and the risk of overwhelming readers with intricate, hard-to-follow plot twists.

‘Jumping the shark’ is a sign of weak writing and plotting.

“Jumping the shark” in books is indicative of several issues that can plague a story:

• Lack of direction. Authors who resort to sensational plot twists often do so because they’ve lost sight of their story’s core direction. Instead of carefully developing characters and plotlines, they opt for shock value.
• Inconsistency. When a story jumps the shark, it can lead to inconsistencies in character behavior and world-building. Readers may find themselves asking, “Why would that character do that?” or “How does this fit into the established rules of the story’s universe?”
• Disconnection from reality. While fiction often stretches the boundaries of reality, there’s a limit to how far readers are willing to suspend their disbelief. When a story goes too far, it can alienate readers who were initially invested in a more grounded narrative.
• Loss of emotional resonance. Believable characters and relatable conflicts are at the heart of a compelling story. When a book jumps the shark, it can undermine the emotional connection readers have with the characters and their struggles.

It’s a warning sign for readers.

In conclusion, “jumping the shark” suggests that the author may have lost their way. They’re resorting to sensationalism at the expense of a well-crafted story.

Some may argue that these unexpected twists can add excitement. But more often than not, they erode the foundation of a good narrative. As readers, it’s essential to be discerning and recognize when a story is in danger of jumping the shark, so we can make informed choices about our reading selections.

After all, the best books are those that stay true to their characters and themes, providing a satisfying and meaningful reading experience.