10 TV Ads That Accidentally Became Memes

TV ads have always tried to capture attention, but some ended up capturing the internet’s imagination in ways no one saw coming. These commercials were meant to sell products, but they wound up getting laughed at, remixed, and shared for years.

Tricia Quitales
October 22, 2025
4 min read

10 TV Ads That Accidentally Became Memes — Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels

Sometimes commercials aim to be clever or memorable, but they end up becoming internet gold for completely different reasons. Whether it was odd delivery, awkward scripts, or pure randomness, these TV ads were unintentionally hilarious. Audiences didn’t forget them, but not in the way the advertisers expected. Instead of selling a product, they became viral sensations and meme legends.

1. “Hide Yo Kids, Hide Yo Wife” – Autotuned PSA Interview

Terje Sollie on pexels

Originally not even a commercial, this public news interview went viral after being remixed into a song. The dramatic delivery and catchy remix turned it into a meme seen across the internet. Brands later tried to capitalize on its fame, but the original moment remained the most authentic. It wasn’t selling anything, but it sold itself with energy and humor. The quote became a cultural reference instantly.

2. Kazoo Kid – “You on Kazoo!”

Kampus Production on pexels

This odd 1980s toy commercial resurfaced in the 2010s as meme content thanks to its awkward acting and over-the-top enthusiasm. The kid’s delivery of “You on Kazoo!” was just weird enough to become hilarious when taken out of context. The strange smiles and stilted dialogue made it a favorite for meme creators. Internet users gave it new life as a quirky, ironic gem.

3. “Whassup?” – Budweiser

Unknown author on wikimedia

Though the original campaign was meant to sell beer, the exaggerated greeting “Whassup?” quickly took on a life of its own. Friends repeated it constantly, and eventually it got picked up, parodied, and even turned into meme formats. It evolved into a cultural phenomenon rather than just a beer ad. Even years later, the phrase still pops up in jokes online. Its lasting power came from how fun it was to say.

4. “It’s Free Real Estate” – Tim & Eric Sketch Ad

Capotina Entretenimientos on pexels

This bizarre sketch-style commercial turned into an internet meme for its surreal tone and deadpan delivery. The line “It’s free real estate” became a punchline used in completely unrelated contexts. What made it funny was how serious it tried to be. It was awkward, slightly uncomfortable, and completely meme-worthy. The internet ran with it, and now it lives everywhere.

5. “I Can’t Believe You’ve Done This” – Viral Clip Turned Meme

mer Galicia on pexels

Originally a low-budget video clip, this British ad-style skit was remembered for the sudden punch and deadpan reaction. The line “I can’t believe you’ve done this” became a catch-all for disappointment and surprise. It wasn’t intended as an ad, but it took on a commercial-like structure and tone. Users clipped, captioned, and turned it into meme formats across platforms. Its simplicity is what gave it strength.

6. “HeadOn: Apply Directly to the Forehead”

cottonbro studio on pexels

This headache relief ad repeated the same phrase three times in rapid succession, with no explanation. It was jarring, awkward, and oddly hypnotic. Instead of taking it seriously, viewers laughed and parodied it. The repetition became a meme all its own. People remembered the product, but not for the reason the marketers probably hoped.

7. “Leprechaun in Mobile, Alabama” – Local News Segment

cottonbro studio on pexels

This amateur news clip about a supposed leprechaun sighting became legendary. With exaggerated interviews and a questionable sketch of the creature, it felt like an unintentional comedy. The line “Could be a crackhead” became instantly quotable. The internet turned it into a viral meme and shared it like it was part of a comedy show. No one could have planned how funny it turned out.

8. “Ermahgerd” – Goosebumps Girl

Andrea Piacquadio on pexels

Though originally a photo, the style and tone mimicked awkward ’90s print ads for book clubs and toys. The image of a girl holding Goosebumps books, paired with the garbled “Ermahgerd” text, went mega-viral. The exaggerated spelling created an entire meme language. It became a meme that poked fun at excitement and nostalgia. The ad aesthetic added to its viral charm.

9. “Flex Tape – That’s a Lotta Damage!”

Staff Sgt. Jason Hull on wikimedia

The overly enthusiastic presentation and dramatic demonstrations in Flex Tape ads were instantly meme-ready. Phil Swift cutting things in half and slapping tape on boats was so extreme that it turned comedic. The phrase “That’s a lotta damage!” became widely quoted online. Memes transformed the commercial into a piece of entertainment. The internet found humor in how serious it took itself.

10. “Little Baby’s Ice Cream” – The Creepiest Ad Ever

Brett Sayles on pexels

This surreal commercial featured a person covered in what looked like melting ice cream, staring into the camera and speaking in unsettling tones. It was supposed to be artistic, but viewers found it terrifying. The ad was shared and memed for its sheer weirdness. It became internet horror gold. Its unintentionally creepy vibe made it unforgettable.