(FORTUNE Magazine) – Now that the NBA finals, NHL playoffs, and World Cup have ended, it's time for the "Played Out" edition of the Hype Index. Below, some phenomena that have overstayed their welcome. Let's hope they don't go into double overtime. --Jason Tanz

TV Singles First there was The Bachelor, then Bachelorettes in Alaska, now Meet My Folks, all centered on strangers looking for love. How much Drakkar Noir can one nation stand?

Saving Amtrak Every few years there's another very public meltdown. Is Mariah Carey running this operation?

Martha Stewart Jokes Some advice for late-night hosts: gags about color-coordinated prison cells? They're not a good thing.

Questionable Wall Street Research Merrill Lynch underwrote the June IPO of Netflix, then its analysts gave the profit-free dot-com a "strong buy" recommendation. Way to give 'em the what-for, Spitzer.