6 Classic TV Commercials You Forgot About That Will Blow Your Mind
You probably remember the jingles, the catchy phrases, and the memorable characters from commercials you watched growing up.
TV ads from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s have a special place in our hearts, bringing back a flood of memories from simpler times.
Why do these commercials still stick with you after all these years? Whether it was cereal mascots convincing you breakfast should be fun or iconic soda ads showing life’s sweet moments, these spots were more than just selling products—they were part of your everyday life.
1) Where’s the Beef?
In 1984, Wendy’s launched a famous ad campaign called “Where’s the Beef?”.
You might remember the ad featuring three elderly women staring at a tiny burger patty on an oversized bun.
The catchphrase “Where’s the Beef?” became an instant hit.
It was more than just a saying; it was a cultural moment.
People across America started using the phrase in everyday conversations and even in political debates.
Wendy’s sales soared by 31% in 1985, making the ad a massive success.
The star of the commercial, Clara Peller, became a household name.
Her straightforward question and no-nonsense attitude resonated with viewers.
This ad is a perfect example of how a simple idea can make a huge impact.
2) Coca-Cola’s Mean Joe Greene Toss
You might remember Coca-Cola’s commercial featuring “Mean” Joe Greene from 1979.
This ad became famous for its heartwarming moment.
The scene starts with Mean Joe Greene, the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle, limping off the field.
A young boy offers him a Coke.
At first, Greene gruffly accepts but soon warms up.
As he finishes the Coke, Greene’s mood changes.
He turns to the boy and says, “Hey, kid! Catch!” tossing his game-worn jersey.
This simple act of kindness turned Joe Greene from a fierce player to a relatable hero.
This commercial wasn’t just about selling soda.
It showcased a genuine moment of connection, making it memorable for viewers then and now.
3) I Can’t Believe I Ate the Whole Thing
In 1972, Alka-Seltzer launched the memorable “I Can’t Believe I Ate the Whole Thing” commercial.
You’ve probably seen it, even if you don’t remember it right away.
This ad features a man, Ralph, sitting in bed and regretting his huge meal.
The phrase “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing” became super popular.
People started using it to talk about overindulging, whether at holiday dinners or regular meals.
It made everyone think of Alka-Seltzer as the go-to remedy for overeating.
Created by Howie Cohen and Bob Pasqualina, the ad even earned a spot in the CLIO Hall of Fame.
It was so successful that Alka-Seltzer revisited the theme in later ads, even decades after the original aired.
You can still find references to it in pop culture today.
The commercial was part of Alka-Seltzer’s strategy to use humor in their advertising.
This approach helped them stand out and cement their place in American TV history.
Each time you hear that famous line, it’s like a nostalgic trip back to simpler times.
4) Mikey Likes It
In the early 1970s, Life Cereal created a memorable commercial featuring a skeptical little boy named Mikey.
You probably remember the scene: two older brothers hesitantly offer Mikey a bowl of Life Cereal, convinced that he won’t like it.
To their surprise, Mikey digs in and loves it, inspiring the famous line, “Mikey likes it!”
John Gilchrist played Mikey in the ad.
His enthusiastic eating made the commercial a hit.
This ad ran for years and became one of the most iconic TV spots of its time.
Mikey’s unexpected approval of the cereal resonated with viewers, making it a cultural touchstone.
What’s fascinating is that even though the commercial was simple, it had a lasting impact.
The phrase “Mikey likes it” entered everyday conversation.
This ad is classic 70s nostalgia.
You might even find yourself reminiscing about it.
It was part of the golden age of TV ads, when catchy lines could make a product famous.
5) Plop Plop Fizz Fizz
If you watched TV in the 1970s, you probably remember the catchy jingle “Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz, Oh, what a relief it is.”
This commercial was for Alka-Seltzer, a medicine used to relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach.
The jingle was so memorable that it became a part of pop culture.
The commercial often showed a person dropping two Alka-Seltzer tablets into a glass of water.
Then, you’d see the tablets bubbling and fizzing.
This visual, combined with the catchy tune, made it hard to forget.
One famous version of the commercial featured a bowling team.
It even had Morgan Freeman and Eddie Barth as actors.
Whether you needed Alka-Seltzer or not, the jingle likely stuck in your head.
It’s a perfect example of how a simple song can make a product unforgettable.
6) Trix are for Kids
You probably remember the silly rabbit from the Trix cereal commercials.
The famous line, “Trix are for Kids,” became a cultural catchphrase.
In the 1960s, the rabbit first tried to get his hands on the fruity cereal.
Kids always stopped him, saying, “Silly Rabbit, Trix are for Kids!”
During the 1970s, the ads kept the same plot.
The rabbit came up with goofy plans to get the cereal.
Kids always saw through his tricks.
In the 1980s, Trix introduced fun new characters and themes.
Yet, the rabbit never got to enjoy a single bite.
These commercials are a big part of many childhoods.
They are simple, colorful, and memorable.
The catchphrase stayed the same for decades.
You can still find the rabbit trying his schemes today.
It’s like a nostalgic flashback every time you see one of these classic ads.
The Evolution Of TV Commercials
TV commercials have transformed significantly over the years, adapting to new technologies and audiences.
From black-and-white ads to vibrant color displays and specialized cable networks, each stage brought unique changes that shaped the landscape of television advertising.
Early Days Of Television Advertising
Television’s early days featured simple, black-and-white commercials.
Brands focused on straightforward messages.
The first TV commercial aired in 1941 for Bulova watches, marking the beginning of a new era.
In the 1960s, commercials started using jingles and catchy slogans.
Companies like Coca-Cola and Lucky Strike became pioneers.
These early ads were direct and to the point, often showing the product prominently.
As more households got TVs, advertisers realized the power of this new medium.
Commercials became more creative, often featuring animated characters or famous personalities to capture the viewer’s attention.
Transition To Color TV
The shift from black-and-white to color TV in the 1960s was a game-changer.
It opened up new possibilities for advertisers to make their commercials more engaging.
Color made products look more appealing and memorable.
Companies began to use bright and bold colors to attract viewers.
For instance, the famous Coca-Cola commercial featuring vibrant red and white colors became iconic.
The use of color also allowed for more complex scenes and storytelling in ads.
By the 1970s and 1980s, color TV was the norm.
Advertisers fully embraced the medium, creating commercials with detailed sets, costumes, and special effects.
This era saw the rise of famous campaigns like “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke”.
Impact Of Cable Networks
The introduction of cable networks in the late 1970s and 1980s changed the advertising game again.
With more channels, advertisers had to become more strategic in where they placed their commercials.
Cable networks allowed for targeting specific audiences.
For example, ads for toys were more likely to appear on children’s channels like Nickelodeon.
This meant advertisers could craft messages tailored to the interests of specific groups.
Additionally, cable TV’s rise saw the advent of 30-minute infomercials.
These longer commercials aimed to educate and persuade viewers in a more detailed manner, completing the evolution from simple, short spots to more complex advertising formats.
How Commercials Shaped Pop Culture
TV commercials from the 1960s to the 1980s left a huge impact on pop culture.
They did so through memorable characters and catchy slogans that stuck in people’s minds.
Iconic Characters Born From Ads
Ads often featured characters who became household names. Tony the Tiger introduced by Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes in the 1950s is still famous for saying, “They’re Grrreat!” You might also remember the Marlboro Man, who symbolized rugged masculinity in cigarette ads.
Then there’s Mr. Whipple from the Charmin commercials constantly telling shoppers, “Please don’t squeeze the Charmin.” These characters became cultural icons and were referenced in other media, making them unforgettable.
Catchphrases That Stuck With Us
Catchphrases from old commercials are still part of our language today.
Think of “Where’s the beef?” from Wendy’s ads in the 1980s.
It became a popular way to question something’s substance.
Another example is Nike’s “Just Do It,” introduced in 1988, which inspired generations to take action.
Even “I’d like to buy the world a Coke” from Coca-Cola in the 1970s made a lasting mark.
These slogans were simple but powerful, embedding themselves in everyday conversations.
The Influence On Modern Advertising
Classic TV commercials from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s have shaped today’s advertising by tapping into nostalgia and reviving old favorites in new forms.
These strategies capture audience attention and evoke strong emotional responses.
Nostalgia In Today’s Ads
Nostalgia is a powerful tool in modern advertising.
When you see ads filled with retro elements like classic jingles or well-known characters from the past, it can create an emotional connection.
Commercials often feature old-school products or scenarios that remind you of your childhood.
This familiarity turns viewers into loyal customers who feel a personal attachment to the brand.
For example, recent ads for cereals like Lucky Charms or Trix bring back their original mascots and taglines.
These commercials not only attract older audiences but also introduce younger generations to these iconic brands.
By playing on these warm memories, companies can build a bridge between the past and the present, making the brand feel timeless.
Revivals And Remakes
Revivals and remakes of old commercials keep the charm of past advertisements alive.
When famous ads from decades ago get a modern twist, they draw in both longtime fans and new viewers.
This technique keeps the brand relevant and fresh while honoring its history.
Consider Pepsi’s reins of their iconic “Pepsi Generation” ads from the 1980s.
The modern versions carry forward the same theme of youth and energy but with updated visuals and music.
Similarly, companies like McDonald’s have brought back famous jingles and slogans from old commercials to give a nod to their rich heritage.
These remakes often feature updated technology and production quality, which enhances their appeal without losing the original essence.
Watching these updated versions can feel like a trip down memory lane, re-igniting a fondness for the brand.
