Jeff Wysaski
Whether used to move the plot forward or simply as a background gag, newspapers are often used in the world of TV and movies. Throughout the years, such esteemed publications as the Springfield Shopper, Daily Prophet and Langley Falls Post have made it a point to not only inform their readers, but entertain as well. Below are 22 of the funniest newspaper headlines from movies and TV:
American Dad
American Dad makes it a point to begin almost every episode with a new newspaper headline in the show’s opening theme. Above is a classic example. (source)
Arrested Development
File footage was a staple of the mock documentary format created for Arrested Development. Above is the headline that resulted when GOB attacked Michael with a giant pair of scissors. Thankfully, Michael guarded himself with rock. Unfortunately, the whole incident was covered by the paper.
The Spanish papers were all over Lucille when she made out with “homeless man” Oscar. (source)
This political cartoon serves as scathing commentary for the creator of The Cornballer. (source)
Family Guy
Throwing in a joke headline further down the page is a classic gag that many viewers have come to expect. Family Guy points out this expected Easter Egg with this meta headline (source)
Harry Potter
The Daily Prophet plays a fairly large role in the Harry Potter series. While most of the headlines were strictly newsworthy (“Mass Breakout From Azkaban”), a few like the one above were a little tongue-in-cheek. Other favorites I couldn’t find a screen grab for include “Fudge Voted Stylish Wizard” and “Vampire Admitted to Casualty After Garlic Bread Overdose.” (source)
Married…With Children
Spinning newspaper headlines abounded in an episode of Married…With Children that saw Al and his fellow No Ma’am compatriots joining a baseball league. Not surprisingly, the crew named their team the “Cleavage,” with similarly named teams making up the rest of the league.
After a series of “Cleavage” based headlines, the montage of spinning newspapers culminated with this little joke.
Beetlejuice
From deep within his grave, Beetlejuice stays up-to-date on all the dealings of the dead with the help of The Afterlife.
The Simpsons
If I’d felt so inclined, I could have created an entire list of hilarious newspaper headlines simply by digging through old Simpsons episodes. With more than 20 years of airtime and a clear affinity for the humorous newspaper headline, there have been literally dozens of funny newspaper shots to grace the world of Springfield. For an exhaustive backlog of every news headline ever seen in the show, go to Simpson Crazy (all images sourced from here).
Keep dreaming, Homer
This is big news. So big, in fact, that it warranted a full front page spread.
Though the title doesn’t specify, it appears the President is proud of his open marriage.
Good thing this newspaper is willing to report on such controversial topics.
Mr. Burns and Satan…a match made in heaven hell.
Wow, and he’s only ten years old – talk about a prodigy.
This is hardly news – everyone knows Todd smells.
I don’t know what’s worse, losing the pants or the life.
Only the Springfield Shopper would take such liberties when describing the source of an article.
Baby Homer looks remarkably similar to adult Homer.
Great, now you tell me.
While this didn’t make the front page, I’d say it’s my favorite Simpsons headline of all time.
I, uh. Er, uh. Could you at least hold a book in front of it?
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