It is true that widespread recognition of something having been played out is a lagging indicator to the actual playing out.

Has the phrase "played out" been retired from the English language when I wasn't looking?

The featured pic looks very Naked Lunch-ish.

Just think: in 2025, all the young dudes and dudettes will be reminiscing about "...stupid monkey!" from Robot Chicken, or at least the metal clanging on the Williams Street outro.

Welcome to the Altered State of Drugachusetts! I always got excited as a wee lad at the "special presentation" graphic; at least it meant I didn't have to sit through two hours of Falcon Crest or something.