18 Local TV Ads That Became Regional Legends
This article features unforgettable local TV ads that became legendary in their regions and are still remembered today.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Local TV ads used creativity and humor to capture attention. These commercials became part of the culture in their regions. This list shares 18 ads that people still talk about years later. Each one shows how local charm made them unforgettable.
1. Eagle Man – Chicago
Kevin Watson on Wikimedia Commons
This strange Chicago ad showed Eagle Man laying an egg that revealed cheap insurance rates. It was low-budget and very odd, which made people remember it for years. The weird humor turned it into a local legend.
2. Celozzi-Ettleson Chevrolet – Elmhurst, IL
Horacio Cambeiro on Wikimedia Commons
Nick and Maury held up stacks of money while shouting about their car deals. Their wild energy and famous slogan made them a huge hit in Elmhurst. Everyone in the area knew their faces.
3. Vern Fonk Insurance – Pacific Northwest
Kindel Media on Pexels
Vern Fonk’s ads were loud, funny, and often very silly. They parodied movies and were full of over-the-top acting. People still talk about how entertaining they were.
4. Gold Blend Couple – UK
GATETE Pacifique on Pexels
This coffee advertisement featured a romantic story that unfolded over several commercials. Viewers got hooked on the couple’s love story. The ad made coffee feel exciting and dramatic.
5. Becky’s Carpet & Tile – St. Louis
Yoss Traore on Pexels
Becky and her daughter Wanda appeared together in every commercial. Their fun nicknames and friendly style made them St. Louis favorites. The catchy jingle stayed in people’s heads.
6. Crazy Gideon’s – Los Angeles
GUSTAVO H on Wikimedia Commons
Crazy Gideon shouted his deals in a loud, almost chaotic style. The ads felt more like punk rock videos than sales pitches. People watched just to see what he would do next.
7. Gallery Furniture – Atlanta
SecretName101 on Wikimedia Commons
Donna and her father became local stars in Atlanta by selling furniture with big smiles and catchy slogans. Their energy made shopping feel exciting. Locals still remember them fondly.
8. Worthington Dealership / Cal Worthington – CA & AK
Don O’Brien on Wikimedia Commons
Cal Worthington appeared in his ads with animals he called “Spot,” like lions and elephants. His cowboy style and unique gimmick made his ads unforgettable. People loved guessing which animal would appear next.
9. RC Cola “Basta” – Philippines
w:RC Cola on Wikimedia Commons
This Filipino ad showed a boy with glasses on his back drinking cola. It was so strange that people could not stop talking about it. The weird concept actually made it a huge success.
10. Shane Company – Scottsdale (radio commercial)
Shane Company on Wikimedia Commons
The Shane Company’s famous line became part of daily life in Scottsdale. Even though it was only on the radio, everyone knew the catchphrase. It showed how a simple message can stick.
11. Gold Blend Couple – U.S. Version
Sa674 on Wikimedia Commons
The Gold Blend ad became “Taster’s Choice” in the U.S. The romantic storyline stayed popular and won over American viewers. It showed that the formula worked everywhere.
12. Vern Fonk Spinoffs – Eagle’s Echo
Ben Stanfield from Washington, DC, USA on Wikimedia Commons
After Eagle Man’s success, new ads featured Eagle Woman and even a rap version. The funny follow-ups kept people entertained. It turned a strange ad into a true series.
13. Celozzi & Maury on Bud Light/Pizza Hut
Unknown author on Pexels
Nick and Maury became so popular that they appeared in ads for Bud Light and Pizza Hut. Their familiar faces helped sell more than just cars. They became true local celebrities.
14. Vern Fonk Parodies
Evert F. Baumgardner on Wikimedia Commons
These ads copied horror and action movies in a funny way. Viewers enjoyed the creativity even if they did not need insurance. It made the company stand out in the market.
15. Empire Today – “800-588-2300 Empire”
Lachlan Ross on Pexels
Empire Today’s jingle stuck in people’s heads for years. The catchy phone number and animated Empire Man became unforgettable. Many still hum the tune whenever they think about flooring.
16. Crazy Eddie – New York
Crazy Eddie – New York on Pexels
Crazy Eddie shouted about the “insane” prices of electronics across New York. His wild delivery style made the ads stand out. People still quote the “insaaane” catchphrase decades later.
17. Mattress Mack – Houston
U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from USA on Wikimedia Commons
Mattress Mack became famous for his high-energy style and community involvement. His generosity during local disasters earned him the title of a hero. Houston residents still love both his ads and his kindness.
18. The Wiz – New York
The Come Up Show from Canada on Pexels
This electronics chain used a simple, powerful slogan. The repeated chant made it part of New York’s daily life. People still remember the tagline long after the stores closed.