17 Old-School TV Commercials That Have Vanished
Revisit 17 unforgettable TV ads from the past that once ruled the airwaves but have disappeared completely.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Television commercials in the past were more than just product pitches. They became pop culture moments. These ads left a lasting impression before vanishing. This list celebrates those iconic commercials that once dominated our living rooms.
1. Life Call – “I’ve Fallen and I Can’t Get Up”
Library of Congress on Unsplash
This emergency alert ad featured an elderly woman’s now-iconic cry for help. It became an instant meme before memes were a thing. Though effective, it eventually faded as the brand rebranded.
2. Mentos – The Freshmaker
Lucas Santos on Unsplash
With overly dramatic scenarios and catchy Euro-pop music, these ads were hilariously earnest. They made popping a mint look life-changing.
3. Crossfire Board Game
KoolShooters on Pexels
This intense, action-packed ad made a simple tabletop game seem like a battle for glory. The dramatic music and deep-voiced narrator were unforgettable. Today, it’s a niche memory among ‘90s kids.
4. Tootsie Pop – “How Many Licks?”
Gilabrand on Wikimedia Commons
A wise owl, a little boy, and a philosophical candy question — this animated ad ran for decades. Its charm was in its simplicity. You rarely see it on TV anymore, even though the candy remains.
5. Ginsu Knives
alexandre nakonechnyj on Flickr
With phrases like “But wait, there’s more!”, this infomercial-style ad sold knives like they were magic tools. It cut through cans, shoes, and vegetables with ease.
6. California Raisins
Joe Haupt on Flickr
Claymation raisins dancing to Motown tunes? It sounds ridiculous now, but it was huge in the ‘80s. The campaign dried up as newer marketing trends took hold.
7. Nestlé Alpine White Chocolate
MART PRODUCTION on Pexels
Set to dreamy music with slow-motion visuals, this ad made a candy bar feel like a romantic escape. The bar and the ad both disappeared in the early ‘90s.
8. “Time to Make the Donuts” – Dunkin’ Donuts
Anthony92931 on Wikimedia Commons
Fred the Baker became a household name for his sleepy donut-making catchphrase. The routine was relatable and comforting.
9. Kool-Aid Man Crashing Through Walls
showbiz kids on Flickr
“Oh yeah!” was his catchphrase as he burst into rooms through brick walls. Equal parts terrifying and hilarious, it sold sugary drinks with a bang.
10. Toys “R” Us – “I Don’t Want to Grow Up”
Mike Mozart on Flickr
This jingle captured the heart of every toy-loving kid. The ad aired constantly during cartoons and Saturday mornings. With the company gone, so is the nostalgic anthem.
11. Folgers – “Best Part of Wakin’ Up”
Roadsidepictures on Flickr
This jingle was practically a morning mantra across the United States. The warm, family-themed commercials ran for years. Though the product is still sold, the classic ads have brewed their last.
12. Old Spice – “Smell Like a Man, Man” (Original Version)
Spaghetti07205 on Wikimedia Commons
Before the viral reinvention, Old Spice ads were serious, masculine, and oddly dated. Horses, yachts, and baritone voices sold body wash.
13. “Where’s the Beef?” – Wendy’s
Runner1928 on Wikimedia Commons
Three elderly ladies questioning a tiny burger patty became a national catchphrase. It was short, punchy, and funny. Wendy’s has moved on, but that phrase still lingers in pop culture.
14. Poochie – The Toy Commercial Nobody Forgot
Nabiabi on Flickr
This neon-pink poodle toy ad was a sugary overload of ‘80s cuteness. Glitter, rainbows, and high-pitched jingles sealed its place in memory.
15. Sprite – Obey Your Thirst (Original Street Style Ads)
Valentina Tamayo on Unsplash
These gritty, urban-themed commercials featured hip-hop stars and anti-mainstream vibes. It gave soda an edge during the ‘90s. Later branding took a cleaner turn, leaving the old campaign behind.
16. AOL – “You’ve Got Mail”
Mr.Joseph Sprite on Flickr
These dial-up ads promised connection and freedom with just a CD-ROM and a landline. The phrase “You’ve Got Mail” became iconic.
17. Pepsi Generation – Michael Jackson Era
Ja San Miguel on Unsplash
Big-budget, high-energy ads featured MJ moonwalking with a soda can. It was flashy, ambitious, and unforgettable. The campaign ended after Jackson’s contract and changing trends.