16 TV Ads from the ’90s That Would Be Pulled Today

Many ads from the 1990s reflected the social norms and marketing styles of that time. However, several featured content that is now seen as insensitive, inappropriate, or misleading. These 16 examples show how advertising standards and public awareness have changed.

1. Pepsi – “Playground in Your Mouth” (1996)

Eric Polk on Wikimedia Commons

Pepsi released a commercial for a wild cherry flavor featuring kids whose heads exploded into soda fountains. The ad used cartoon-like effects but showed children in situations resembling injury. Critics later noted how this could be seen as inappropriate for a young audience. Today, such imagery would likely face regulatory review for violent suggestion.

2. Calvin Klein – Jeans Ad Campaign (1995)

Stolbovsky on Wikimedia Commons

Calvin Klein aired ads that resembled amateur screen tests with teenagers in suggestive poses. The production style was meant to be edgy but raised concerns about the exploitation of minors. The Justice Department launched an investigation, though no charges were filed. The ads were pulled after public backlash and complaints from parents.

3. Mountain Dew – “Do the Dew” Series (1990s)

PepsiCo on Wikimedia Commons

Mountain Dew ads often featured extreme stunts and dangerous activities. The commercials made no mention of safety precautions or risks. Some kids reportedly attempted to imitate the actions shown. Current advertising guidelines discourage the glorification of unsafe behavior without proper warnings.  

4. Taco Bell – Chihuahua Campaign (1997)

U.S. Consulate General Perth on Wikimedia Commons

Taco Bell’s talking Chihuahua mascot became a pop culture figure in the late ’90s. The character spoke in a fake accent and used phrases in Spanish that critics said played on stereotypes. Advocacy groups called for the campaign to be retired. Today, such use of ethnic caricatures would be widely rejected.

5. Sprite – “Obey Your Thirst” Rap Battles (1997)

TAC PlazaMaster on Wikimedia Commons

One Sprite commercial used urban slang and rap performances to sell soda. Critics said the ad used Black culture to market a product without representing it authentically. It was accused of exploiting a music genre for corporate branding. Such cultural appropriation would likely be challenged now.

6. Joe Camel – Camel Cigarettes Ads (1990s)

Camel Cigarettes on Wikimedia Commons

Joe Camel was a cartoon mascot used to market Camel cigarettes, especially in magazines and on TV. Studies showed the character appealed to children despite tobacco ads being aimed at adults. Public pressure led to the campaign being discontinued. Tobacco advertising now faces strict rules banning any youth-friendly imagery.

7. Burger King – “Herb the Nerd” Campaign (1995)

Mr.ちゅらさん on Wikimedia Commons

Burger King introduced a character named Herb who had never eaten at Burger King. The ad mocked him as socially awkward and different. Viewers said it reinforced bullying behavior. Advertising today is more cautious about promoting negative stereotypes.

8. Microsoft – Windows 95 Launch Ad

Telerobocop on Wikimedia Commons

Microsoft ran a campaign with fast editing and flashing lights to promote Windows 95. Some viewers experienced headaches or dizziness after watching. These effects would now require seizure warnings or editing for broadcast safety. The ad could be flagged today for visual health concerns.  

9. Bud Light – “Ladies Night” (1998)

MobiusDaXter on Wikimedia Commons

Bud Light aired an ad featuring men dressed as women to get drink specials at a bar. It was meant as a joke but relied on cross-dressing for laughs. LGBTQ+ groups criticized it for mocking gender expression. Modern ads avoid using identity as a punchline.

10. Dr Pepper – “Be You” Campaign (1992)

Click Americana on Wikimedia Commons

The ad showed people of various styles and behaviors promoting individuality. One part featured a man being laughed at for singing in public. Critics later pointed out that the message was mixed and shamed nonconformity. Advertising today is expected to promote inclusion clearly.

11. Skittles – “Taste the Rainbow” (Early 1990s)

Jacek Halicki on Wikimedia Commons

Early Skittles ads included surreal and sometimes disturbing scenes involving people turning into objects. One featured a boy who turned into fruit and was eaten by others. While meant to be imaginative, it unsettled some viewers. Current standards prioritize responsible content for children’s brands.

12. Drakkar Noir – Men’s Fragrance Commercial (1993)

Besserwisser123 on Wikimedia Commons

A typical ad showed a man grabbing a woman without consent as she smiled. It was part of a trend where male dominance was equated with attractiveness. Today, consent and respectful behavior are central themes in advertising. That ad would likely be pulled for promoting physical aggression.

13. Reebok – “Dan and Dave” Olympics Campaign (1992)

Petar Milošević on Wikimedia Commons

This campaign pitted two U.S. decathletes against each other before the Olympics. One failed to qualify, making the campaign outdated and awkward. Critics also said it built unnecessary pressure on athletes for marketing. It showed how risky it can be to base ads on uncertain future events.

14. Nestlé – “Milkybar Kid” (U.S. Airings)

Crombie McNeill on Wikimedia Commons

The ad featured a young cowboy who solves problems with candy. Critics noted it promoted candy as a solution to social problems. Today, regulations limit how sugary products are marketed to children. The character was later retired in the U.S.

15. Sega – “Sega Scream” Ads (1993)

Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons

Sega’s TV ads often included loud screams and fast cuts to attract attention. Some parents complained about the noise level and aggressive tone. The ads were designed to provoke, but they also annoyed viewers. Modern ads for gaming focus more on gameplay and experience than on disruption.

16. Snickers – “Mechanics” Ad (1995)

François Nguyen on Wikimedia Commons

In this ad, two male mechanics accidentally kiss while eating a Snickers and then try to “act manly” to recover. The humor was based on discomfort with same-gender affection. LGBTQ+ advocates called it homophobic. It would likely be pulled today for reinforcing negative stereotypes.

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