12 Old-School TV Ads That Used to Seem Totally Normal
Many old-school TV ads once seemed normal but would now be seen as inappropriate, misleading, or outdated.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Television ads from decades past reflected the social values and commercial tactics of their time. Today, some of those ads raise questions about ethics, representation, and safety. This list covers 12 ads that were once widely accepted but would now face criticism or be banned.
1. Cigarette Ads Featuring Doctors
State Library and Archives of Florida on Wikimedia Commons
In the 1950s and ’60s, cigarette brands aired commercials showing doctors recommending specific cigarette brands. These ads gave the impression that smoking was safe or even healthy. The messaging was based on the authority of medical professionals, many of whom were actors. These ads were eventually banned due to health research proving the dangers of smoking.
2. Sugar-Filled Cereal Ads Aimed at Children
Amg37 on Wikimedia Commons
Cereal companies often used animated characters to promote high-sugar cereals directly to children. These ads aired during cartoon shows and made the cereal seem like a fun or necessary part of breakfast. They rarely mentioned the sugar content or lack of nutritional value. Today, regulations around advertising to children have tightened in many countries.
3. Ads with Gender Stereotypes
Howard R. Hollem on Wikimedia Commons
Many ads showed women only as housewives, responsible for cleaning, cooking, and caring for the family. Men were often portrayed as decision-makers or workers who deserved a break. These gender roles were presented as normal and expected. These portrayals are now considered outdated and limiting.
4. Alcohol Ads with Cartoon Mascots
LBM1948 on Wikimedia Commons
Some alcoholic beverage companies used cartoons or playful characters to market their products. These ads blurred the line between adult products and child-friendly content. There were concerns about underage viewers being influenced. Eventually, guidelines were put in place to restrict this type of advertising.
5. Unsafe Car Commercials
Wilfredo Rafael Rodriguez Hernandez on Wikimedia Commons
Older car ads often showed people driving recklessly or without seat belts to emphasize power and speed. Some even portrayed children riding in front seats without safety gear. These commercials ignored basic safety concerns. Modern regulations now prevent companies from promoting unsafe behavior.
6. Diet Product Ads with Extreme Claims
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wikimedia Commons
Weight-loss products were often promoted using dramatic before-and-after photos and promises of fast results. Some claimed users could lose weight without diet or exercise. These ads were not backed by science and misled consumers. Regulatory bodies now require more accurate disclosures in health-related advertising.
7. Ads Showing Corporal Punishment
Gunofficial1998 on Wikimedia Commons
Some commercials featured scenes of parents spanking their children to promote discipline-related products or household items. At the time, this was seen as acceptable parenting. Today, such images are considered inappropriate or harmful. Public attitudes around child discipline have changed significantly.
8. Beauty Ads Promoting Skin Lightening
Max Factor on Wikimedia Commons
Several skin care brands promoted creams and lotions that claimed to lighten skin for a more “desirable” appearance. These ads often tied lighter skin to success, attractiveness, or social status. The messaging reinforced harmful colorism. Many of these products and ads have since been pulled or changed under public pressure.
9. Racist or Culturally Insensitive Ads
Don Freeman on Wikimedia Commons
Some older ads used ethnic stereotypes or caricatures to promote products. These portrayals were often offensive and reduced cultures to jokes or simplified traits. At the time, such ads were common and rarely challenged. Today, they are widely condemned and removed from public platforms.
10. Toy Ads with Unsafe Demonstrations
Library of Congress on Wikimedia Commons
Children’s toy ads in the past sometimes showed kids using toys in unsafe ways, like launching projectiles indoors or riding bikes without helmets. These visuals encouraged behavior that could lead to injury. Regulations now limit how products for children can be shown. Safety warnings are also more clearly included.
11. Ads Featuring Smoking in Family Settings
Thomas H. Ince Corporation on Wikimedia Commons
Cigarette commercials often portrayed families relaxing together while one or both parents smoked. This normalized smoking as part of daily family life. It sent a message that smoking was compatible with parenting or home life. Today, smoking is rarely shown in any family-related media.
12. Gendered Toy Commercials
RG72 on Wikimedia Commons
Girls were often shown playing only with dolls and toy kitchens, while boys played with cars, action figures, or science kits. These ads reinforced strict gender roles from a young age. They also limited how children saw themselves and their interests. Modern toy companies have started to move away from gender-based marketing.