15 TV Commercials That Got Banned for Being Too Weird
Television ads have always walked a fine line between creativity and controversy, but some pushed boundaries in truly bizarre ways. Whether it was surreal imagery, strange humor, or outright discomfort, these banned spots prove that weird does not always mean wonderful.
- Tricia Quitales
- 6 min read
TV commercials are designed to leave a lasting impression, but sometimes they go a little too far. In an attempt to be memorable or stand out, some companies created ads that were just too strange for the airwaves. Many of them were pulled shortly after airing or never saw full release due to public backlash or regulatory action. These commercials were not necessarily offensive, just oddly unsettling or completely baffling. Here are 15 of the weirdest TV ads that got banned for being simply too strange.
1. Skittles – “Milking the Giraffe”
ClickerHappy on Pexels
This Skittles ad featured a man milking a giraffe that produced rainbow-colored candy. The surreal concept and unsettling visuals left viewers more disturbed than amused. While it aimed to highlight the candy’s “unexpected” flavor, the imagery was too much for many audiences. Complaints poured in, and it was quickly taken off the air. Even fans of quirky ads found this one to be too much.
2. Xbox – “Life Is Short”
Anthony 🙂 on Pexels
The commercial showed a baby being launched through life from the womb to the grave in a matter of seconds. It was a powerful metaphor for the brevity of life, meant to promote the urgency of play. However, many found it morbid and inappropriate. Several countries banned it for being too grim and emotionally jarring. Xbox never aired it again after the backlash.
3. Mountain Dew – “Puppy Monkey Baby”
Sachin Mittal on pexels
Mountain Dew’s “Puppy Monkey Baby” featured a creature with a puppy’s head, a monkey’s body, and a baby’s legs. It danced around offering drinks while chanting its name repeatedly. Though not explicitly offensive, many viewers were confused and disturbed by the concept. The hybrid creature was too weird for some networks, prompting bans in certain regions. Critics labeled it nightmarish rather than clever.
4. Heinz – “Deli Mayo”
Victor Cayke on Pexels
Heinz created a quirky ad featuring a man in a romantic relationship with a mayonnaise bottle in human form. They shared sweet moments like a typical couple, complete with dramatic music. While meant to be humorous, it was perceived as creepy and too suggestive. Heinz pulled the commercial after viewer discomfort and regulatory scrutiny. The concept was creative but far too strange for mainstream audiences.
5. Kia – “Hamsters in the Club”
Nikolett Emmert on pexels
This Kia ad involved giant humanoid hamsters dancing in a nightclub, wearing streetwear and promoting a car. The visuals were flashy and surreal, meant to appeal to a younger crowd. However, some broadcasters banned the spot due to its confusing message and bizarre imagery. Parents also complained it sent mixed signals about driving and partying. Despite its odd charm, the ad was removed from several rotations.
6. IKEA – “Ghost Baby”
Rene Terp on Pexels
In this ad, a woman enters her home to find a ghost baby crying in the kitchen. It turned out to be a metaphor for outdated furniture haunting her space. The spooky tone caught viewers off guard and led to complaints. IKEA pulled it, stating it was meant to be playful but was misinterpreted. The eerie atmosphere made it unsuitable for a furniture brand.
7. Snickers – “Mr. T Paintball”
Cemrecan Yurtman on Pexels
Mr. T chased a speed walker with a paintball gun, yelling at him to “run like a real man.” While intended as comedic, the message was perceived as mocking non-masculine behavior. LGBTQ+ groups found it offensive and regressive. Snickers quickly pulled the ad after widespread criticism. Its weird humor crossed the line from absurd to problematic.
8. Levi’s – “Rubber People”
100K MAKHASETTE on Pexels
Levi’s launched a visually bizarre ad featuring people with rubbery, distorted faces bouncing down the street. The goal was to convey comfort and flexibility, but the execution left many viewers unsettled. The uncanny facial movements were off-putting and confusing. Networks pulled it after a wave of viewer complaints. While original, it was a case of creativity gone too far.
9. Burger King – “Wake Up With the King”
SHOX art on Pexels
A person wakes up in bed to find the silent Burger King mascot staring at them and offering breakfast. The ad tried to be humorous but was instead seen as creepy and invasive. The silent character’s presence sparked unease among viewers. Burger King faced criticism for turning breakfast into a horror moment. Eventually, the campaign was shelved for being too uncomfortable.
10. PlayStation – “Mental Wealth”
JÉSHOOTS on Pexels
A PlayStation ad featured a Scottish woman with exaggerated facial proportions delivering a cryptic monologue. The surreal editing and eerie visuals made it feel more like a horror film than an ad. It was meant to be deep and philosophical but instead caused confusion and discomfort. Many networks banned it after negative reactions. PlayStation later admitted it was a creative misstep.
11. K-Fee – “Relaxation Car Commercial”
cottonbro studio on Pexels
This ad began with calming scenery and soft music, only to be interrupted by a screaming zombie. It was a jump-scare tactic used to promote an energy drink. Viewers complained of being genuinely frightened, and several suffered anxiety from the shock. Broadcasters removed it from TV and online platforms. It became an example of viral horror marketing that went too far.
12. Benetton – “Kissing Priests”
Ivan Samkov on Pexels
Benetton is known for controversial advertising, but their ad showing two priests kissing pushed boundaries. While it was meant to challenge norms and promote tolerance, many religious groups were outraged. It was pulled in several countries for being blasphemous and unnecessarily provocative. The weird juxtaposition of religion and intimacy caused discomfort. Benetton stood by the message but had to retract the ad.
13. GoCompare – “Opera Explosion”
Victor Freitas on Pexels
In this overly dramatic ad, an opera singer explodes in a restaurant while singing about insurance. The scene was gory and unexpected, intended as dark humor. Audiences found the visuals disturbing rather than funny. It was banned in certain countries for being too violent and inappropriate. GoCompare had to revise its entire campaign approach afterward.
14. Quiznos – “Spongmonkeys”
Ammodramus on Wikimedia
Quiznos introduced odd-looking animated creatures called “Spongmonkeys” singing off-key about subs. The intentionally crude animation and grating song divided audiences. While memorable, the sheer weirdness made many viewers uncomfortable. Complaints about nightmares and confusion flooded in. The campaign was eventually discontinued due to public reaction.
15. Little Baby’s Ice Cream – “I Eat Myself”
MART PRODUCTION on Pexels
This eerie ad featured a person made entirely of ice cream, who slowly eats themselves while staring into the camera. Meant to be artistic and abstract, it came across as deeply unsettling. The monologue and visuals unnerved many viewers. Networks refused to air it after testing audiences reacted negatively. It remains one of the most bizarre commercials ever created.