12 TV Commercials That Aged Very Poorly
Advertising attempts to reflect the times, but some old commercials can be cringeworthy when viewed today. What once seemed funny or clever now feels offensive, outdated, or just plain strange. These ads may have been effective back then, but they would definitely not air now without serious backlash.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
TV commercials often mirror the culture of their time, but not all of them age well. As values shift and awareness grows, certain ads from the past feel completely off today. Whether it’s due to stereotypes, poor judgment, or failed humor, these commercials are more uncomfortable than entertaining. Here are 12 examples of ads that did not stand the test of time.
1. Pepsi’s Kendall Jenner Ad (2017)
Martin Péchy on pexels
This ad showed Kendall Jenner handing a Pepsi to a police officer during a protest, trying to represent peace. It was slammed for making light of serious social justice movements. The backlash was so strong that Pepsi pulled it almost immediately.
2. Microsoft’s “PC vs. Mac” Ads (2000s)
Pixabay on Pexels
Although meant to be humorous, the PC character was portrayed as dull and outdated, while the Mac was depicted as cool and youthful. Over time, the stereotypes felt unfair and even insulting. What seemed clever back then now feels more like bullying.
3. Burger King’s “Herb the Nerd” Campaign (1985)
Terrance Barksdale on Pexels
This commercial series mocked an awkward character named Herb who had never eaten a Whopper. The ad made fun of nerds in a time when society had little sympathy for social outcasts. Today, it feels like it punched down more than it sold burgers.
4. GoDaddy’s “Super Bowl Kisses” Ad (2013)
GoDaddy on Wikimedia
The commercial showed a supermodel kissing a nerdy guy in close-up, exaggerated detail. It was meant to be shocking and humorous, but many found it gross and uncomfortable. Looking back, it relied too heavily on awkward body shaming and outdated gender ideas.
5. Nivea’s “White Is Purity” Ad (2017)
Beiersdof AG on Wikimedia
This ad promoted deodorant with the message “White Is Purity,” paired with a photo of a white woman. It caused instant outrage for its racially insensitive message. Nivea quickly apologized, but the damage to their image was done.
6. Calvin Klein’s “Kids in Underwear” Campaign (1995)
Peter Saville on Wikimedia
These ads featured children in suggestive poses, sparking major concerns from parents and the media. The campaign was pulled after it was labeled inappropriate and borderline exploitative. Today, it would never make it past any marketing team.
7. Axe Body Spray’s “Women as Rewards” Ads (2000s)
Unilever on Wikimedia
These ads suggested that using Axe would make women flock to men instantly. The message promoted shallow views of masculinity and reduced women to prizes. It’s a textbook example of how toxic ideas were sold as humor.
8. Skittles’ “Mother’s Day” Commercial (2008)
Evan-Amos
This ad featured a grown man sharing a Skittle with his mother through a shared umbilical cord. It was intended to be absurd, but most viewers found it disturbing. Even today, people bring it up as one of the weirdest commercials ever made.
9. Mountain Dew’s “Puppy Monkey Baby” (2016)
PepsiCo on Wikimedia
This ad combined a puppy, monkey, and baby into one creature, dancing around to promote a drink. Many viewers found it deeply unsettling instead of funny. Although it went viral, it aged quickly as an example of weirdness for the sake of weirdness.
10. Weight Watchers’ “If You’re Happy and You Know It” Ad (2015)
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
This commercial showed people clapping, then immediately eating out of emotional hunger. Critics said it promoted food shame and unhealthy views on eating. It aimed for humor but missed the mark completely.
11. Toyota’s “Swagger Wagon” Campaign (2010)
Toyota on Wikimedia
This ad tried to make minivans cool by showing suburban parents rapping about their lifestyle. It was awkward then and feels even more forced now. The cringe factor only grew with time.
12. Volkswagen’s “Suicidal Robot” Ad (2007)
Christoph Braun on Wikimedia
The ad showed a robot jumping off a building after losing its job, only to reveal it was a dream. Viewers said it made light of suicide and depression. What was meant to highlight quality control ended up sending the wrong message.