13 TV Ads from the ’70s That Wouldn’t Be Allowed Today

These 13 wild TV ads from the 1970s are so off-the-wall, they’d get banned (or canceled) in a heartbeat today.

Sophia Zapanta
April 22, 2025
4 min read

13 TV Ads from the ’70s That Wouldn’t Be Allowed Today — college.library on Wikimedia Commons

The 1970s were a different world—especially when it came to advertising. Back then, brands got away with sexism, smoking, and more than a few eyebrow-raising jokes. Today, these ads would never make it past legal or social media without major backlash.

1. Virginia Slims – “You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby”

Alf van Beem on Wikimedia Commons

This cigarette ad aimed at women tried to tie smoking to feminism and independence. It showed women breaking free from the past by lighting up. Today, using empowerment to sell tobacco would spark outrage. You can’t glamorize smoking or manipulate gender equality for profit anymore.

2. Folgers Coffee – “My Husband’s Coffee”

JA Folger Co. on Wikimedia Commons

In this gem, a wife is scolded by her husband for not making good coffee. The solution? A better instant coffee to keep him happy. It’s a full display of 1970s housewife expectations. Today, this would get shredded for being sexist and tone-deaf.

3. Diet Candy – “Ayds” Weight Loss Candy

Elisa Azzali on Wikimedia Commons

Yes, it was actually called “Ayds,” and yes, it was marketed as a cute, tasty way to lose weight. That name aged terribly, especially with the AIDS epidemic later in the decade. Also, encouraging women to suppress their appetite with candy is a big health red flag today. This would be pulled for both the name and the sketchy messaging.

4. Alka-Seltzer – “I Can’t Believe I Ate the Whole Thing”

Mysterymanblue on Wikimedia Commons

This ad made bloated overeating seem charming and funny. The catchphrase became a cultural hit, but the entire thing normalized poor health habits. Nowadays, promoting overindulgence would feel out of step with body-positive and wellness trends. Brands are expected to promote balance, not food regret.

5. Goodyear Tires – “When There’s a Man Around”

CapturedGlimpsesPhoto on Wikimedia Commons

This tire ad showed a helpless woman stranded in the rain, saved only by her man and his smart tire choice. It plays the “damsel in distress” card like a selling point. Today, ads like this would be seen as insulting and outdated. Empowerment, not dependence, is the new normal.

6. Camel Cigarettes – Featuring Doctors

Pittigrilli on Wikimedia Commons

These ads featured doctors literally recommending cigarette brands. It tried to sound scientific, claiming some smokes were “gentler” on the throat. Today, this would be illegal, not just unethical. Health professionals cannot be used to push dangerous products.

7. Black Flag Insecticide – Cartoon Domestic Violence Joke

Raymond Pettibon on Wikimedia Commons

A bug spray ad used cartoon violence where a man attacks roaches like he’s in a Looney Tunes brawl. In one version, it even hinted at a man hitting his wife with a rolled-up newspaper. Comedy or not, domestic violence jokes don’t fly in ads anymore. It’s not funny—it’s problematic.

8. Pepsi – “Join the Pepsi Generation” (Cultural Appropriation Edition)

Dr. Partha Sarathi Sahana on Wikimedia Commons

Some versions of this ad tried to show “global unity,” but awkwardly used cultural imagery without respect or context. It tossed together costumes, dances, and music in a way that felt like a costume party. Today, this would be called out for cultural appropriation. Brands now have to do better when representing different communities.

9. Jell-O – “What Do You Say to a Naked Dessert?”

Wyeth, N. C. on Wikimedia Commons

This ad tried to be cheeky with its wording, showing a woman suggestively topping her Jell-O. It walked the line between food and flirtation, and not in a clever way. Today, this would be seen as cringey and inappropriate. Sexualizing dessert isn’t considered smart marketing anymore.

10. McDonald’s – “We Do It All For You” (With Creepy Clowns)

Dinkun Chen on Wikimedia Commons

This ad featured Ronald McDonald in overly intense, almost stalker-like scenes with kids. What was meant to be playful now feels uncomfortable and weird. Clowns generally have fallen out of favor, especially when they get too personal. Today, it’d never pass the parent test.

11. Light Beer Ads – “Real Men of Genius” (Early Versions)

MobiusDaXter on Wikimedia Commons

While the phrase got popular later, early beer ads leaned hard into mocking men who didn’t fit “tough guy” stereotypes. They laughed at sensitive, artistic, or intellectual guys. It reinforced outdated ideas about masculinity. In today’s climate, that kind of messaging would feel toxic and lazy.

12. Nair – “Short Shorts” Song

Wiiformii on Wikimedia Commons

This hair removal ad featured women dancing in tiny shorts while a jingle played: “We wear short shorts, if you dare wear short shorts.” It was all about looking sexy for others. Today, the messaging would get grilled for pushing unrealistic beauty standards and objectifying women. Confidence sells better than body shaming now.

13. Old Gold Cigarettes – Dancing Cigarettes in Bikinis

Joe Mabel on Wikimedia Commons

Yes, there were literally cigarettes dancing around in bikinis. It was meant to be “fun” and eye-catching, but it ends up being weirdly sexual and obviously unhealthy. It treated smoking like a beach party. Between the objectification and the blatant health risks, this would be banned in every way today.