15 Old TV Commercials That Wouldn’t Air Today

TV commercials used to be wild, and some of them have aged like milk. From blatant sexism to shockingly unhealthy product claims, many ads from the past wouldn’t survive today’s standards. Here are 15 old commercials that would spark outrage, lawsuits, or just plain confusion if they aired now.

1. Cigarette Ads Targeting Kids

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There was a time when cartoon camels and friendly cowboys made smoking look cool, even for kids. Some cigarette ads flat-out suggested smoking was healthy, which sounds ridiculous now. These ads ran during prime-time slots, right alongside family shows. The idea of selling cigarettes with fun mascots would get a company shut down instantly today.

2. Blatantly Sexist Ads

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Old commercials had no problem showing women as clueless, incompetent, or just there to please men. Whether it was a wife getting scolded for serving the wrong coffee or a woman being told she’d never get a husband without the right soap, the sexism was off the charts. These ads weren’t even trying to hide it—they straight-up said women belonged in the kitchen. A modern audience would tear them apart in seconds.

3. Shady Weight Loss Promises

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wikimedia Commons

Some old diet pill commercials basically promised you’d wake up skinny without doing a thing. There is no mention of exercise, nutrition, or side effects—just take this magic pill and watch the pounds melt away. Some even claimed doctors approved them, but we know that was often a lie. Today, these ads would be slapped with lawsuits for false advertising.

4. Dangerous Toy Commercials

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Some vintage toy ads made their products look super fun until you realize they were basically selling hazards to kids. Toys with tiny choking hazards, sharp metal edges, or even chemicals were advertised as the best thing ever. One even promoted an actual chemistry set that included radioactive material. Nowadays, parents would riot if a toy company tried that.

5. Racial Stereotypes on Full Display

Rowland Scherman on Wikimedia Commons

Old commercials had no issue using offensive racial stereotypes for laughs or marketing. Some ads featured white actors in blackface, exaggerated accents, or deeply problematic caricatures. Brands made money by mocking entire cultures, and no one in charge seemed to care. If one of these aired today, social media would have it canceled in seconds.

6. Alcohol Ads That Went Too Far

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Some beer and liquor ads from the past treated alcohol like a magic fix for all of life’s problems. One even suggested that whiskey was a great way to handle stress at work—imagine pitching that idea today. Some ads featured cartoon characters or party scenes aimed at young people. Now, strict rules keep alcohol marketing far away from anything that could encourage reckless drinking.

7. Doctors Promoting Cigarettes

Gordon Burt on Wikimedia Commons

It’s wild to think about, but there were actual commercials where doctors casually recommended cigarette brands. These ads claimed certain cigarettes were smoother on your throat or less irritating as if smoking was just another health choice. Some even had fake medical studies backing them up. Today, this would be illegal and career-ending for any doctor involved.

8. Laxative and “Bathroom” Humor Gone Wrong

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Old commercials weren’t shy about discussing digestion, but some went way too far. One ad had a woman apologizing to her husband because she was “too bloated” to make him dinner. Others turned constipation into an over-the-top dramatic event as if taking a laxative was the most exciting thing ever. Today, we still see ads for digestion, but they’re nowhere near as weird and guilt-trippy.

9. Shamelessly Unhealthy Food Ads

Center for Jewish History, NYC on Wikimedia Commons

Sugary cereals, processed meats, and fast food were once advertised as part of a “balanced diet.” Some cereal ads straight-up said kids should eat multiple bowls a day. One ad for lard encouraged people to cook everything in it, calling it a “healthier” alternative. If these commercials ran now, nutritionists would have a meltdown.

10. Bizarrely Aggressive Car Ads

Jiří Sedláček (Frettie) on Wikimedia Commons

Some car commercials from the past made it seem like driving was a full-contact sport. One ad showed a driver speeding through city streets like they were in a chase scene, with no seatbelt in sight. Others flat-out encouraged reckless driving, making speed and power the main selling points. These days, safety is the focus—no brand would dare glorify dangerous driving.

11. Baby Formula Over Breastfeeding

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There was a time when formula companies aggressively marketed their products as better than breast milk. Some ads even guilt-tripped mothers into thinking they weren’t giving their babies the best unless they used formula. The misinformation was so bad that it led to major health problems in developing countries. Today, formula ads have to be way more careful with their messaging.

12. Slapping as a Joke

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Believe it or not, some commercials casually showed men slapping women to “snap them out of it.” These ads played it off as humorous, like the woman was being hysterical and just needed a good smack. Some even had women thanking the men afterward, which is just horrifying to watch now. If an ad tried this today, it would be banned before it even aired.

13. Kids Doing Wildly Unsafe Things

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Old commercials often showed kids doing things that would make modern parents scream. Some ads featured kids running through construction sites, lighting fireworks indoors, or playing with matches. There were no safety warnings or disclaimers—just pure chaos. If a commercial showed that today, lawsuits would follow immediately.

14. Misleading Medicine Claims

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Pharmaceutical ads used to get away with making wild health claims. Some cold medicines were advertised as instant cures, while pain relievers promised to fix everything from headaches to heartbreak. Side effects? Not even mentioned. Today, drug ads contain disclaimers, side effect lists, and “ask your doctor” warnings.

15. Politically Incorrect Mascots

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Brands loved using mascots based on outdated stereotypes, and it’s shocking to look back on now. Some of these characters exaggerated accents, mannerisms, and clothing in ways that wouldn’t fly today. They were often the “funny” part of the ad, which makes them even worse. Many of these mascots have been retired, but their commercials live on as reminders of how much things have changed.

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