Best parodies and recurring jokes from animated series

The couch gags are a tradition at the beginning of every episode of The Simpsons, offering constant creativity and parodying pop culture. Despite many seasons, this gag continues to be an inexhaustible source of entertainment and a fundamental element of the series.

This is one of the oldest and most well-known gags in South Park, where Kenny McCormick dies violently and absurdly in almost every episode of the early seasons. His reappearance in the next episode makes it an iconic and dark running gag.

The series 'BoJack Horseman' constantly satirizes the superficiality and trends of the entertainment industry, from nostalgic reboots to the commercialization of literature. These parodies are a pillar of the show's critical and existentialist humor.

Plankton's obsession with getting the Krabby Patty secret formula drives countless SpongeBob episodes and is a running gag that never fails. His constant failure and ingenious plans are an inexhaustible source of comedy.

Futurama is known for its clever parodies of sci-fi and film classics, from '2001: A Space Odyssey' to 'The Lord of the Rings'. Its return in 2023 also included parodies of streaming platforms, maintaining its relevance.

Rick Sanchez is known for blurting out nonsensical or grotesquely offensive catchphrases like 'Wabaluba Dub Dub', which appear directly and often hilariously. These verbal gags are a fundamental part of his personality and the show's humor.

Poor Butters Stotch is constantly punished by his parents for the most trivial reasons or for Cartman's pranks. This running gag highlights the character's innocence and bad luck, being a constant source of humor in South Park.

Family Guy is famous for taking jokes to the extreme, stretching them to the point of discomfort, like Conway Twitty's musical interruptions. This style of humor is a trademark of the series and generates laughs due to its audacity.

The character of Jerry Smith is often the target of comedy in Rick and Morty, with his constant bad luck and inability to adapt to interdimensional adventures. His misadventures are a recurring source of pathetic and relatable humor.

Since season 19, Mr. Garrison transformed into a parody of the former US president, with his antics and wild behavior serving as a scathing satire. This running gag has allowed South Park to comment on politics directly and controversially.

The fact that the 'D' from the Hollywood sign was stolen by BoJack and never replaced is a recurring visual gag that symbolizes the broken and often absurd nature of the industry. It's a subtle but powerful gag that reinforces the series' criticism.

This recurring scream from a background character (Fred) whenever there's chaos or destruction in Bikini Bottom has become a Nickelodeon 'Wilhelm scream'. It's an auditory gag that adds a touch of predictable humor beloved by fans.

A recurring gag in Steven Universe where the TV in Steven's room is destroyed again and again due to the Gems' antics or out-of-control weapons. This visual gag underscores the chaotic nature of his life with the Crystal Gems.

Panini, an apprentice chef, is obsessed with Chowder and constantly declares him her boyfriend, to which Chowder always energetically replies that 'He's NOT her boyfriend!'. This running gag is the driving force behind many comical interactions in the series.