ABOUT TEST PATTERN

Don't touch that dial: Test Pattern tunes into television, movie, music and pop culture links, as well as gossip and idle chat from around the Web.

Every week, msnbc.com entertainment producers Gael Fashingbauer Cooper, Denise Hazlick, Paige Newman, Kurt Schlosser and Anna Chan weigh in on topics ranging from TV commercials to movie hype to the latest celebrity blunder. We're not ashamed to admit our love for bad TV or reveal what's on our iPods, and invite you to join the conversation via your comments.



Some TV commercials offer TMI

Posted: Thursday, June 19, 2008 2:28 PM by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper
Filed Under:

In the 1950s, CBS wouldn't even let Lucille Ball be described as "pregnant" on "I Love Lucy." Although the network eventually broke the taboo of showing pregnant women on television, the episode that started it all had to be called "Lucy is Enciente." (Don't miss our fun feature on the celeb-baby photo craze and how it's developed.)

Most of us can agree that the original network attitude was completely nuts. If your sensibilities are so dainty as to be offended by the sight of a pregnant woman, you need to reside in a hermit's cave somewhere.

But tuning in to a few modern commercials may make a sensible person long for a little MORE delicacy. The let-it-all-hang-out attitude taken by today's commercials means that we're now faced with ads for everything from lingerie to lubricants, with seemingly no attention paid to the times of day when these ads run, or the kind of programs they interrupt. (One of our freelancers wrote a piece on seeing an embarrassingly adult "Grey's Anatomy" promo during the NBA playoffs.)

When these commercials first began to air, they were, well, boring. They often featured generic images (women running through daisy fields for Tampax) and doctors in white coats holding bottles of pills while being vague about what they were for.

Now, though, it's as if anything goes. Smiling Bob and his ED issues are as well-known as any other commercial mascot. Guys sit around crooning a charming Elvis song that's been mangled to be about Viagra. Handsome couples discuss which one of them has herpes and which one doesn't.

Some of our readers are completely freaked out by the suggestion of anything sensitive. I won't go THAT far. Tasteful ads for hygiene products and medications have their place, and if an ad is well done, it will likely soar over the head of the younger viewers anyway. But when the ads push the envelope, as they often do, readers respond with revulsion. I'd suggest a test to the ad makers: Would you want to watch this ad with your mother or young child in the room? But then I think: With the wide variety of families out there today, maybe that can't guide them like it would guide me. Maybe their mother is really proud that Junior created the Cialis ad with the two people in separate bathtubs out in the middle of nowhere. It takes all kinds.

Pulled from comments on previous entries, here are some of your thoughts on ads that make you scream "TOO MUCH INFORMATION!" This is only a fraction of the TMI ads you've mentioned, so feel free to discuss these and others in the comments.

THANKYEW THANKYEW VERRAH MUCH
"Two words: Viva Viagra. Thanks for killing a good Elvis song.  Heck I'm not much of an Elvis fan and it still drives me crazy. Seriously, do guys with ED sit around in garage bands and sing about their drugs?"    --Leslie

THIS IS BOB. THIS IS ME CHANGING THE CHANNEL
"I definitely can't stand the 'This is Bob' male enhancement commercial! Not only are the people creepy and plastic looking, but that damn whistling gets stuck in my head for hours and hours... It seriously makes my head feel like exploding! (Okay, maybe a touch dramatic, but it is obnoxious nonetheless.)"    --Suzy

HIS AND HERS
"I can't stand the KY ads. The most recent one is the couple using the 'his and hers' KY products. It's just WAY more information than needs to be on TV! GO AWAY!  And it almost doesn't need to be said, but I'm oh so tired of all of the pharmaceutical ads and their endless listings of warnings and symptoms that may occur."    --Cyndi

BARING IT ALL
"The Charmin bear commercials are disgusting. I mean, they are sitting behind a tree and flat on the ground. Not squatting, but directly on the ground. There's no hole; no throne.  Nothing! So, where does it go? All over their bums! No wonder they need so much tissue to clean themselves. Ewwww! Where were they raised? In a barn?"    --Mike
[Editor's note: More on the Charmin ads here.]

STD? TMI!
"The ads for Valtrex (used to treat genital herpes). I mean, really, is it necessary to advertise an STD treatment? And who would want the whole world to know their sexual health status?"    --Chanel

DIARRHEA DANCELINE
"The commercials I can't stand and make me gag are (for) Pepto Bismol.  People jumping around grabbing the butts and singing 'upset stomach, diarrhea, go Pepto Bismol.' Yuck. I immediately imagine these people sitting  on the toilet...Gross!"    --Mary

 

MAIN PAGE

Email this EMAIL THIS

Comments

I think the worst commercial EVER is the pregnancy test.  "The most advanced piece of technology you would ever pee on"  OK, not only is that is just something that could go unsaid, BUT let's add the visual and REALLY sit there slacked jawed!  

Dee (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 10:56 AM)

The worst thing about most of the "offensive" ads is the lack of real creativity. There are some very talented folks in the advertising world, but some how sponsors seem to be buying into a lot of sophomoric, insensitive junk.  Unfortunately, if sales volume increases, credit will be given where it probably does not belong. Long live the OLD vw commercials!

Benito Camarillo, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 10:59 AM)

Those Charmin ads are revolting.  To show a bear sitting and taking a dump is bad enough.  To show the facial expressions of "the final push" in progress is gross.  I guess the Charmin bears eat too much vegetables with fiber, and not enough humans.

Shlomo, Passaic, NJ (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 11:08 AM)

I hate the maxi pad commercials that demonstrate how much liquid they can absorb.  Even though they use the blue water, it's still icky. Tampon commercials get a little too graphic too for my taste. I remember as a kid watching TV with my dad and seeing a tampton commercial. "What's a tampon, Dad?" I asked.  Instant panic.  "Oh, you mean trumpets?!" He said. "They're talking about trumpets! You know what trumpets are."  I was a bit confused, but didn't take the matter further. We've had some good laughs about that one.

Wendy R., Chicago (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 11:14 AM)

I think they're all hilarious. America will be the last sensitive country remaining, I'm sure. You should see what they air in the UK! We're mild in comparison!

The only add I did find a bit uncomfortable, but still hilarious as I do have a sense of humor, is the "most sophisticated piece of equipment you will ever pee on" pregnancy test commercial.

And I think these commercials are aimed toward those who have the afflictions, but are to ashamed or nervous to do anything about them. If they see people on television bravely declaring that there is something to be done about their issues (no matter what they might be), it could be encouraging for those affected to get the help they need.

We should stop being so sensitive! Our children will learn soon enough.

Carly DuHain, Baltimore, Maryland (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 11:16 AM)

Have you seen the Mentos commercial?  Apparently the new Mentos is so mouth-watering that when a guy pops the candy in his mouth, a female ignores the water fountain right next to him and instead bends down to "drink" from his mouth.  Gross!  I didn't know how to explain it to my five-year-old; I mean, which is worse: explaining that they're making out (which is what it looks like) or that the woman was "drinking" from the guy's mouth?

Amy, Parkersburg, WV (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 11:19 AM)

I agree that all these ads are horrible but I would have to say the worst are those for STD's These ads use attractive people to glamorize STD's. These diseases are anything but glamorous. I personally would tell anyone who has an STD not to have sex at all in order not to spread the STD instead of use this product and merely reduce your chance of spreading the disease.

Rose Norfolk Nebraska (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 11:25 AM)

Why don't the networks take a stand and refuse to air these obnoxious and offensive ads. Fat chance that will happen, it's a money maker. Even this website has ads of this nature displayed all over the place. It's all about the bottom line.

Sue, NY (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 11:27 AM)

I actually think the "This is Bob" commercials are hysterical, they are so cheesy and over-the-top... HOWEVER... I do feel that they should not be shown until after 11pm. They are not appropriate for general audiences.

This is Shel (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 11:32 AM)

Whenever the Victoria's Secret ads come on, my daughter says "close your eyes, dad". SHE'S smart enough to realize the commercials are are inappropriate, and she's only 10.

Kerry Steinert, Amherst, WI (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 11:40 AM)

Amen.  We have become a crude society all over, unfortunately.

Mark S., Roswell, GA (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 11:43 AM)

I can't the First Response pregnancy test ads..."the best thing you will ever pee on"???? they actually USE the word "pee" and show a stream of water hitting the indicator! It's absolutely vile.

Melinda (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 11:44 AM)

I cannot STAND the pregnancy test commercial where all you see is a big stream of liquid hitting the test...I don't need to see someone pee-ing on a stick on the big screen, thankyouverymuch!!

Beth, St. Louis MO (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 11:46 AM)

The "Tag" (or "Axe", I can't remember which is which) commercial on G4, where the bell rings and the lovers begin wrestling?  Noooooo... even my supposedly hormone-addled 12-year-old is squicked out by this one.

RR (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 11:48 AM)

Well, according to most commercials nowadays, we Americans are nothing but fat, impotent and clinically depressed.  

Kate B, Fargo ND (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 11:58 AM)

What are you talking about?  The Victoria Secrets commercials are the best 30 seconds on television.  They should seriously think about turning those into an hour television program.  It would be better than all the "reality" crap that is on every channel these days.  If I have to see one more show about people singind and dancing........

TAR (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 12:00 PM)

No wonder the medical field is over priced and the health care system sucks.  There ought to be laws preventing those kinds of ads.  Elvis used to be not shown from the waist down because of his pelvic undulations, maybe they were on to something?

Star, Reno NV (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 12:08 PM)

My daughters know what's up, but so far my son doesn't quite get most of the commercials.  However, the Vicki's Secret ones have got to go!!!  What's the secret, Vicki?  There's really nothing hidden anymore!  They are waaaay to racy to be shown during family tv time hours, (don't even get me started on how there are no longer ANY family friendly shows on the 3 major networks in the first place) and I don't particularly want to see them during ANY daytime hours.  
I have to say though, the most disgusting ones personally for me are the Hardees commercials.  The men making disgusting smacking noises while chewing on their "cheese paper" make me race for the mute button before I gag!

lizzie (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 12:11 PM)

I hate all of the prescription drug ads, the ed ads,and the weight loss ads. If they didn't show them so often, it wouldn't be as bad. I change the channel every time one of them are on.

karyn raleigh nc (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 12:16 PM)

AMEN to Martha Grondin.  Pharmecutical companies should spend the money on research NOT tv ads. We, the public do not need to see them.

mi2 chicago, il (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 12:16 PM)

In my opinion, this country tries to keep too many topics hush, hush.  These products that the commercials are advertising are a part of this society so why not show them.  If you don't like what is on the t.v., make a conscious effort to not watch instead of watching and then complaining about what is being shown.  Our lives these days revolve too much around the television anyways.

Kristen Boston, MA (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 12:17 PM)

The commercial that gets me is "The Wedgies Free Panties" for women. There is this woman is a store performing all sorts of gyrations and facial contortions to, presumably, clear a wedgies. It's poor taste, a more pragmatic approach would serve the target audience better.

Thomas W., Poulsbo, WA (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 12:20 PM)

If they outlawed drug commercials, how would the pharma cos. spend all the money they're making? Certainly not on R&D, where they might actually come up with a CURE for a disease not just something to ward off symptoms. But then again, if they created cures, their customer base would all but disappear, which isn't good for business or being able to steer public policy with large cash donations to their in-the-pocket politicians. We can't have that!

Scott M., Santa Fe NM (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 12:22 PM)

Regardless of what you think of the commercials and their appropriateness, I find it curiously amusing that the same government that strictly regulates whats appropriate for the TV show itself would stand blissfully by and let ads for STDs, sex, and underwear go through without a second thought.

Eric, Tulsa, OK (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 12:29 PM)

Last Night around 2a I saw a commercial for POS-T-VAC, a product the supplies suction to a mans penis until he's 'ready to go.' I laughed so hard I choked.  Now the concept is fine, no pills, etc, but it's just too much like the machine is stimilating you, not your partner.  That's a 'not for prime time' special.

Nancy Leppard, Wautoma, WI (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 12:36 PM)

The best reason ever for a DVR!

Claire Haire, Omaha, NE (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 12:45 PM)

I'm with some of the others regarding the Victoria's Secret ads.  They aren't actually advertising the underwear to women, because the ads flash by too quickly to get a look at the clothing.  They are selling the sexy preening of models for entertainment value and product recognition.  I think its a poor message for children to see.

marilyn (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 12:50 PM)

All I can say is 'thank God for tivo/dvr'! I guess the ads would bother me less if they were run on appropriate shows/stations at appropriate times. Do I really need to hear about a herpes treatment in when watching a rated PG family movie or episode of Iron Chef America with my kids?? We tune out as many ads as possible with our dvr. Oftentimes, we just hit pause at the beginning of a show and jump in 10-20 minutes later which lets us skip all the commercials.

D, Boise, ID (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 12:50 PM)

I have a weird concept.....how about everyone lighten up and RELAX!!!  I mean seriously, are any of those commercials truly traumatic or causing any problems in your life?!?!?!?!  

Life is a short ride peeps!  Enjoy it!  

And another weird concept...........you can always change the channel!!!

Have a great day!!!

Jay "Maverick" San Diego, CA (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 1:01 PM)

This is all attributable to what I've been calling for years the side effects of the Ricki Lake'ing of America.  Ever since her show really took the questionable 'art' of baring all for the world to see to the level it did, we have continued this downward slide towards TMIville and it just keeps getting more and more shocking.  We have lost the ability to discern what should be kept discreet and private and have swung to the opposite end of the "Let it all hang out!" spectrum and it's gross.  From Britney's privates to "I have genital herpes, but she doesn't!" commercials on TV, it's just way way way past the point of no return.

Michael Todd, Chicago, IL (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 1:04 PM)

I am completely with Trish, the first time i viewed that ad, i was eating dinner. Needless to say, end of dinner. And why do they always make it seem like if a woman is on her period, she is going to want to go horseback riding, windsurfing, etc.?

Joe G., Independence, Mo. (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 1:06 PM)

The worst for me was when my 7 year old son broke out singing Viva Viagra in the middle of the grocery store. Talk about embarrassing. How do you explain why it is inappropriate to a 7 year old who knows nothing about ED.

Shelley, Louisville, Ky (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 1:14 PM)

"the "problem" with this suggestion is that the pharmaceutical companies are having a hard time peddling their drugs to the very busy doctors these days, so they are trying to cut out the "drug rep" by advertising to the masses via the "idiot box." "

We're better off with pharma companies peddling on TV, they used to pay off doctors to give you their medicine whether it was best for you or not.

Neil, NY (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 1:15 PM)

I was reading a story elsewhere on this site about celebrity designed My Little Ponys that will be auctioned for charity. Cute story and one I can see sharing with a small child. "Look honey here are special ponys that are going to help other kids. Let's scroll down and oops!" There’s Gene Simmons with his famous tongue three feet out in the air looking like something I don’t want to explain to a kid.

I’m not much of a prude but sometimes the issue has more to do with associations and juxtaposition than with content per se. My Little Pony and our boy Gene on the same page? Now isn't that fun. The afternoon special with an ad for, place your inappropriate message here. I don’t favor formal censorship and I think adults should have access to most content, but there are issues of appropriateness. I may monitor what my child watches but how do I control the ads and other unexpected and inappropriate content?  

This example certainly isn’t as egregious as many others, but it is indicative mindset we have attained in this area. Take a walk through any video store and really look at the horror and garbage displayed. I don’t mind a little raciness but when a simple walk to rent Nemo for a six year old means strolling by mutilated bodies with smiles on their faces, then I am reminded how callous we have become. I don’t know how young children even sleep at night. I do know that parents have to endlessly explain why this or that should just be ignored - like so much static. Thanks for the object lesson.

RGD, Norfolk, VA (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 1:17 PM)

I grew up during the I Love Lucy...episodes and the oh so special tampax ads. But what is more bother some than those two facts..Is I also grew up during the time that it was "cool" to steal your Dads Playboy and see  oh yeah what amounts to todays Victory Secret Ad...It's called a "Secret" for a reason.  Back then we needed suggestions to be "Bad Girls" now our kids can just watch "Family Time" TV commericals.  what a load off my mind and my Dads Playboy stash.

Kate Swann, Mechanicsville, Va. (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 1:19 PM)

We have only a few choices, don't watch the TV or record everything and by-pass the ads.

It is really bothersome to think I can't watch an NFL game with my 8 year old daughter and 11 year old son without them singing "Viva Viagra" for the rest of the day.

"Dad, what is Viagra?"  
"Dad, what is genital herpes?"

We now record everything and by-pass all ads.

Today's ads are obscene!

Jeff Smith, San Clemente, California (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 1:29 PM)

The one I really cann't stand is that Mentos ad.  Some guy is sitting next to a watercooler and some woman walks by and plasters her mouth to his and then there are all these glugging noises.  Doesn't that gross out anyone but me?  Spit-swapping is one thing, but spit drinking?  Yuk.  I have to change the channel every time.  And I don't get it.  Does eating a Mentos cause complete strangers to makk on you for no apparent reason?  Do Mentos make you thirsty and completely indiscriminate of where you get your liquid refreshment?  If there was no guy and no watercooler, would she be slurping out of a toilet, doggie fashion?  It's not prompting me to race out and buy Mentos, I'll tell you that.

Penny (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 1:31 PM)

As much as I hate all of the "this should be between you and your doctor" genre of commercials, I crack up every time I see the ED ad with Smilin' Bob when they use wood as a background.  Not an ounce of subtlety with these guys - next they'll be using pictures of trains going into tunnels and the Washington monument to sell their wares.

DB, CT (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 1:37 PM)

GROW UP!  Please people, what a bunch of whiney babies.  We live in America, the land of the FREE!  That means that you are FREE to change the channel or better yet, turn off your tv!  Who are you that you are so "offended?"  Sad life!  I personally could care less about those commercials, they have nothing to do with me.  And I am able to talk with my children about the things that they need to know about.  It is exactly this attitude of "policing morality" that is wrong with the current climate in our society.  Please take a course in the evolution of our great nation and remember that we all have the freedom of expression and the freedom to select something else.  Use your rights. But stop trying to police other people who's preferences are different than your own.

HC, Newbury Park, CA (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 1:37 PM)

First off, there are way too many ads that I've had to explain to my young sons. I think it's a battle to see which ad can draw the most "ewwwws". Tha being said, I find a quick finger to the mute mutton works rather well. BTW Kate, duct tape also protects the stash!

MF, Harrisburg Pa (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 1:38 PM)

How about the Avodart ad with the model makers?  Dumb and dumber!

Ellyn, CT (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 1:38 PM)

See the thing about this is that advertisers have done exactly what they aimed to do.  You don't have to like their product, but it remains in your mind.  AND, if you ever needed one of these products, they most likely would be the first you think of.  Very clever - it is so annoying, you can't forget about it.  Aside from all the opinions yay or nay, you have to admit it is a brilliant way to attach something to your brain.

Kristine, Portland, OR (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 1:46 PM)

I agree 100%.  I don't need to see a commercial about Herpes medicine every five minutes, followed by an ad for Viagra or Cialis (are these people working together?).  Also, the Charmin and Pepto Bismal ads are AWFUL.  I immediately change the channel whenever they are on.  I think we all know what toilet paper is for, I don't need the literal interpretation of a bear you-know-whating in the woods.  And the Pepto Bismal ads - gimme a break.  I really don't need a song about stomach problems.  I long for the days of Mr. Whipple.

A. Schaffer, Stevenson Ranch, CA (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 1:52 PM)

If an ad offends me, annoys me, or even insults my intelligence, I avoid whatever they're selling.

Oh, and Billy Mays?  That guy can go die in a fire.

Mike, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 2:04 PM)

Last night I saw the most offensive ad I hope ever to see.... two girls discussing and showing a picture of the "finger diddler" and informing us how we could purchase it online.  I'm offended by bathroom humor and comics who can't tell a joke without 23 bleeps in them.  I feel absolutely ashamed of the human race when I think of the millions of thoughts they could entertain that would elevate them above animal levels and give them some class.  There is a huge difference between people whose minds are filled with thoughts of real personal growth and those filled with garbage seeking the lowest levels of physical satisfaction.  Having to add the term "guttersnipe" after your name just might embarrass you if you ever grow up. Shame on all of you who allow the demeaning and debasing of life to  plunge to it's lowest form.

JoAnn Noorda (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 2:04 PM)

Gee, all this TMI and disgusting commercials, nothing being done about it, yet the gov't and public wanted to hang Janet Jackson for an exposed nipple.  The FCC should be more stringent on these kinds of commercials . . . oh wait, the pharmaceuticals own the gov't agencies now . . .hmmmm

zarvos (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 2:10 PM)

John Doe: "I will gladly sit through a marathon of these commercials if only they'd get rid of the Free Credit Report.com ads!!!"

OOOOOOOHHHH!!!! The things I want to do to those jerks, Cannibal Corpse wouldn't even sing about because it would be TOO brutal!

Mike, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 2:10 PM)

I think one of the worst commercials was the one by a feminine product company where the lady was in the feminine aisle at the grocery store and asks a passerby, "dont you hate it when your pad is all wet and sticky?" and then she slaps the "good, non sticky" pad against her shoulders as some sort of visual aid for the poor grocery shopper.  ugh, the word usage in that commercial was disgusting.  all my lady friends agree.  dont approach me with pads in a grocery store

Natalie, Columbia, SC (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 2:10 PM)

I don't feel it's the job of television to sensor these kinds of Ads from our children, it's ours. I like the fact there's an ad for Valtrex on the air. I want my children to see it and ask questions. It shows there are STD's out there and you can get it. Hence the Ad for Trojans. We would be very naive if you think your teenage child is not having sex or thinking about it.

Point Blank (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 2:11 PM)

Gee, why did I think all of the above ads named and described above were offensive to only me? The 2 worst ones are the Ped-egg ad and the pregnancy test. Does any one remember the national toy store ad where the kid says to people behind him and his mother in line, "I just went poo-poo in my potty." Thank goodness that one didn't last too long.

Carol, Moncks Corner, SC (Sent Friday, June 20, 2008 2:11 PM)



SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.): 

 Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private)

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://testpattern.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=1156522

More Test Pattern

Recent Posts:

Archives:

Categories:

Links

Syndicate This Site

Add Test Pattern to your news reader:
live.com xml
myyahoo msn
bloglines newsgator
google

MSNBC Weblogs