an amusing situation or line that constantly reappears through the course of a movie or television series

an amusing situation or line that reappears throughout the film or show

The running gag is a popular hallmark of comic and serious forms of entertainment. A running gag is an amusing situation or line that reappears throughout the work. They are often unintentional at first, but familiarity or popularity of such gags among viewers encourage their reappearance.

a visual or spoken joke which is varied and repeated throughout a show

an ongoing joke whose humour is primarily derived from its repetition

A joke or funny action that is repeated several times during a performance.