There's Always Money In The Banana Stand Origin
For fans of the cult classic TV show "Arrested Development," the phrase "there's always money in the banana stand" is one of the most iconic and memorable lines of the series. But where did this phrase come from and what is its origin? In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the history of the banana stand and the unlikely source of its famous catchphrase.
The Origin of the Banana Stand
The banana stand first appears in the pilot episode of Arrested Development as a small food booth on Newport Beach in Southern California. The stand is owned and operated by the Bluth family, who use it as a source of income to support their lavish lifestyle. The banana stand quickly becomes a central plot device in the show, with many of the characters' misadventures revolving around it.
While the banana stand is a fictional creation of the show's writers, it is not without real-life inspiration. In many coastal cities in the United States, food stands selling frozen bananas are a common sight, and it is likely that the writers drew inspiration from these real-life stands when creating the Bluth family's banana stand.
The Catchphrase
The catchphrase "there's always money in the banana stand" is first uttered by George Bluth Sr., the patriarch of the Bluth family, in the fifth episode of the show's first season. The context of the line is that the banana stand has burned down, and George Sr. is trying to calm down his son Michael, who is upset about the financial loss.
While the line is initially meant as a reassurance that the family can always rebuild the banana stand and make money, it takes on a darker meaning as the show progresses. Without giving away too many spoilers, let's just say that the Bluth family's relationship with the banana stand becomes much more complicated over the course of the show's five seasons.
The Cultural Impact
Despite being a relatively obscure TV show, Arrested Development has had a significant cultural impact in the United States and beyond. The show's quirky humor and offbeat characters have inspired countless memes and catchphrases, and the banana stand is no exception.
Today, "there's always money in the banana stand" has become a popular meme and catchphrase on social media, often used to express the idea that there is hidden value or potential in something that may seem insignificant or worthless at first glance.
But the impact of the banana stand goes beyond just being a catchy phrase. In 2013, to promote the release of the show's fourth season on Netflix, a real-life banana stand was set up in New York City. The stand was staffed by actors in character as members of the Bluth family and sold frozen bananas to fans of the show. The promotion was a huge success, drawing crowds of fans and generating buzz on social media.
The Legacy of the Banana Stand
While the show may be over, the legacy of the banana stand lives on. In addition to inspiring countless memes and catchphrases, the banana stand has become a symbol of the show's unique blend of humor, heart, and irreverence. It has also become a shorthand for the show's many twists, turns, and running gags, and is often referenced by fans and critics alike as a key element of the show's cult appeal.
So the next time you find yourself in need of some inspiration, just remember: there's always money in the banana stand.
