The 1980s gave us some of the most memorable advertising mascots in television history. These characters helped define brands and captured the attention of millions, but many have quietly disappeared over the years.
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.
The bold style of 1980s TV advertising helped shape pop culture, but not all of it aged gracefully. Many ads from that era relied on themes or tactics that would raise serious concerns if broadcast now. Explore 14 commercials from the ’80s that likely wouldn't make it past today's approval boards.
These commercial jingles were so catchy that you probably still hum them decades later without realizing it.
Advertising has gone through major changes over the decades, with modern standards focusing on ethics, inclusion, and accuracy. In the past, many magazine ads crossed boundaries that would no longer be acceptable today.
Crafting the perfect slogan is a delicate balance between creativity and clarity. When brands try too hard to be clever or edgy, the result can sometimes miss the mark entirely. Over the years, several companies have launched slogans that confused customers, sparked controversy, or simply failed to resonate.