Best and worst commercials of the year

Martin M. Wilkinson — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:07:25 GMT

Excellent choices, Gael. Bravo! I agree that the Discovery channel's promo ad was well done, and it does leave you (OK, me) with a sense of belonging to the world... Billy Mays, on the other hand, OMG! What does that guy actually sell, anyway? I found something in a Wal-Mart that I wanted to get a few weeks ago, bought it and took it home. It sat on the coffee table for a few days, and late one night I was watching t.v. and a Billy Mays commercial came on for that exact product! I was floored. (Honestly, I almost considered taking it back to Wal-Mart and demanding a refund, but it's still on my coffee table now.) It's a cleaning product, by the way. LOl

Best and worst commercials of the year

Jackie, Missouri — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:51:25 GMT

The Discovery commercial is easily my favorite, too. Easy to remember, fun, and with a good message.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Lynn Hume, Laramie, WY — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:05:49 GMT

Yes! I LOVE the Discovery Channel ad - I can't help but smile when Stephen Hawking sings along.

Perfect choice for no. 1.

Best and worst commercials of the year

MJ Lucid, Casper, WY — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:11:24 GMT

I have to totally agree with the Boom-de-yada commercial. No selling or yelling. Just a great feel-good type of thing which is sorely lacking in advertising anymore. I really don't want to know about offending body aromas, menstrual cycles, itches that can't be scratched in public or some guy with erectile dysfunction. (Try explaining any of those to a 9 year old boy when those commercials come on the TV.) YAY DISCOVERY CHANNEL!!!

Best and worst commercials of the year

Elsa, Houston TX — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:17:33 GMT

I hate the Sham-Wow commercial! Why does that irritating guy have a microphone over his ear, he's not demonstrating at a home show he's on TV! He reminds me of a weasel anyway. Search for Sham-Wow on the 'net and you'll find out it's a scam anyway. Booooooo Sham-Wow.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Scout Omaha, Ne — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:29:03 GMT

Sham-Wow is quickly going to replace Billy Mays as public enemy number one. I know someone else mentioned this, in an earlier test pattern, but the condescending comment, "You following me camera guy?" is just so stupid. Also, the old lady listening in and then suggesting to two younger gals how she likes to use her Trojan mini-vibrator makes me about want to hurl, when I see that one, too.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Jacques, West Palm Beach, FL — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:02:15 GMT

The Discovery Channel Commercial for me was just too "cute." I especially hate kids singing in the background.

Billy Mays - say what you will about him and his commercials - they both do what they're paid to do: SELL PRODUCT.

The reason he acts like he does is simple: It works.

If I had to bring a product or service to market - and make a profit - I'd choose "the Mays way" in a heartbeat.

Best and worst commercials of the year

jona Los Angeles, Ca — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:14:26 GMT

HA! I like the Sham-wow commercial because it is so blatant and bold.. I mean.. the guys even named it a "Sham" . I would expect to see this guy doing cons on a street in New York!

I would be with you all on the Discover ad if it weren't played ever few minutes. Discover, History Channel, Science Channel.. they are ALL overwhelmingly repetitive in their ads.. it drives me nuts.

I have often thought that for these channels it would be better to do some kind of mini-serial that shows 1 minute at a time and takes a month to conclude. That would be cool.. A clever story that changes as the days go on. I mean.. once you have seen a promo a dozen times it has zero effect anymore. And I click away looking for something else. ADD I guess.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Tara, Brooklyn, NY — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:15:05 GMT

BILLY MAYS HERE! Argh, everytime I hear those 3 words, I cringe. He definitely needs to tone it down a bit. Also, why are his commercials so much louder than the ones before and after it? Too bad Oxi-Clean actually works.

Best and worst commercials of the year

delphia, kenai ak — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:46:21 GMT

Yes, yes, yes for Discovery Channel! Take that all you other silly channels.

Billy has his counterpart in the annoyingly loud Progressive Store ads Sales Lady. Heaven help us all if they meet and breed!

Best and worst commercials of the year

Jerry W, Houston, Texas — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:56:48 GMT

Billy Mays is so loud that even with the sound muted, I can still hear him. I swear, he's mastered some sort of telepathic yelling.

Best and worst commercials of the year

B. Clark, Draper, Utah — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:14:05 GMT

I have a brother who refers to Billy Mays as the "Oxi-Moron". He truly is the reason why the Mute button was invented.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Mo, Phoenix AZ — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:15:22 GMT

I dont really see wht the big deal is about the Discovery Chanel commercials...there not that good.
I think i have to agree with the guy who doesn't like the kids singing in the backround. I like kids and everything i just hate when kids sing...I dont like Billy Mays either, everytime one of those commercials for Oxyclean or KABOOM come on i have to turn the volume down on my T.V...SHUT UP BILLY MAYS!!!

Best and worst commercials of the year

Consumer — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:33:24 GMT

Hate the Wamu WOW ad and i guess the most irritating ad running on TV now is the one from Progressive.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Bookworm in Iowa — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:37:40 GMT

I'm with you guys on the Discovery Channel commercial, it's awesome.

The worst commercial for me is the Free credit report.com commercial where the guy says he'd rather be single than have married someone with bad credit. He's singing while she's running around working her tail off. It disgusts me.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Beth, Rochester, NY — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:52:07 GMT

Totally agree, that the Sham Wow is an awful commercial.
At one point he says "You're going to spend $30 a month on paper towels anyway" WHAT? Seriously, who spends that much on paper towels a month? My sister has 4 kids -- 2 are under 6 -- and even she doesn't spend that much a month on paper towels.
It's just the stupidest commercial, worse than Head-On I think

Best and worst commercials of the year

Christine, Out West — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:10:05 GMT

I have to add my 2cents to the ad I hate most. It's the Subaru "Car Heaven" ad where the guy drives two hours out into the country to leave his deadbeat Subaru under a pristine tree in the country. I emailed Subaru to complain about this ad and they said there was a Subaru recycling plant off camera. Must have been "way off camera" because I never saw or heard the ad mention it. I live in "the country" and I am so tired of having people leave their garbage, their unwanted pets and their cars for us to pick up. It seems to me that every car ad shows some city dude heading out to the country to defile the wilderness by driving down a pristine stream, (thereby ruining the water so fish cannot spawn), 4-wheeling up the side of a hill (gouging crevasses in the hillsides causing mud slides, and water run off) and terrorizing the wildlife. There was a Honda (I think) ad that showed the wildlife cheering, when the eco safe car drove by, so hurray for them!

Best and worst commercials of the year

CJ Charlottesville, VA — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:19:31 GMT

Billy Mays is what the "MUTE" button was created for. WAY too obnoxious and that beard looks nasty. I'd NEVER buy any product he endorses.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Barbara Nusbaum White Plains, NY — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:42:52 GMT

You're right on the money! Totally agree with your picks. Love Discovery Channel Promo, absoulutly despise the YELLER.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Michelle, MO — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:44:15 GMT

If I am out of the room when Bill Mays comes on my tv, I RUN into the living room to hit the mute button. THAT's how much I hate that guy...I'd make a POINT to never buy anything he endorses simply so he'll go away.

Best and worst commercials of the year

BILLY MAYS — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:53:49 GMT

HI - BILLY MAYS HERE! I THINK YOU MUST HAVE REVERSED THE ORDER OF THESE SELECTIONS. SINCE I SELL EVERYTHING FROM CLEANING PRODUCTS TO INSURANCE, I HAVE TO BE THE WORLD'S BEST, NOT WORST.
CHECK BACK NEXT WEEK WHEN I WILL BE OFFERING THE BOOMDYADA GLOBAL COOLING DEVICE FOR $19.95 PLUS S/H. AND IF YOU CALL WITHIN 15 MINUTES, YOU WILL GET TWO OF THESE, SO YOU CAN COOL TWO EARTH-SIZED PLANETS.

Best and worst commercials of the year

James, Marble Falls Texas — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:02:47 GMT

Have you ever noticed on the Sham-Wow commercial when he says "This last 10 years" he covers his face with the sham-wow towel and it is not his voice that says 10 years? Just how long do they really last? That proves that they know they are scamming us. This way they can always change how long it last without having to re-do the commercial.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Sarah, Austin, TX — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:03:05 GMT

I love the Nationwide Commercials! In fact, before watching the Discovery ad a new one came on that made me chuckle. A woman was filming a home improvement show where she was spray painting a garage door and looking at the camera. All of sudden the garage door opens and a man is walking out next to the car and she starts spray painting him and the car! All of their commercials crack me up!

Best and worst commercials of the year

L. Dunn, Tulsa, Oklahoma — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:12:47 GMT

Definitely like the Discovery commercial. I usually watch all the shows it's promoting so it seemed a cute approach. As for the least favorite....it is hands down the "vonage" commercials. They are on all
day, every day on almost every channel. If they can afford that much air time, even $9.95 a month is way too much money..lol.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Beryl Hill Everett WA — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:13:51 GMT

BOOM DI ADA! - What a world!

Best and worst commercials of the year

Hoyt, Washington, DC — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:13:52 GMT

I had to laugh when I read this, I literally laughed out loud. I've often told my son that if I ever met Billy Mays on the street I would walk up to him and say 'NICE TO MEET YOU BILLY MAYS' right in his face. LOL

Best and worst commercials of the year

skm, SE Michigan — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:24:39 GMT

I could do without ever again seeing the e-trade baby, complete with an adult slacker voice, barfing into the camera...dudes!! you lost my account!!

Best and worst commercials of the year

skm, SE Michigan — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:29:49 GMT

Oh, sorry--I plain forgot! My least favorite ads are the Happy Cows from California! What cow-flop that is! Remember the REAL California cows that were sick and falling over and still sent to slaughter? I actually check to make sure my cheese is from Wisconsin or Michigan and NOT California!!

Best and worst commercials of the year

Gene Zobisch Van Alstyne, TX — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:31:10 GMT

Stop saying "You know what?". Such a dumb expression or question. Ranks right up there with the juvenile expression "Awesome".

Best and worst commercials of the year

John Storgion, Cincinnati,OH — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:39:30 GMT

Mays,he's O K.
Haerd working American doing his job. It is an add,it doesn't have to be comedy.
At least he is not bashing the American husband like the General Mills add "shut up Steve"

Best and worst commercials of the year

Michael — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:39:47 GMT

Yeah, I like the Discovery Song, too. It gets in your head and you hum it throughout the day. But, Billy Mays aside, (yes, he is annoying), my least favorite ad is the moron singing about Free Credit Report (dot) com!!! First, the songs drive me nuts; second, the Free Report ain't FREE!! You have to subscribe to their service, which INCLUDES free credit reports. (Oops, some all caps in there, maybe Billy Mays wrote the song!!)

Best and worst commercials of the year

Burkburnett, TX — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:41:04 GMT

Agree with ya'll on Billy Mays, however, the 2nd most annoying is JG Wentworth, "IT'S MY MONEY,AND I NEED IT NOW!!" AGGGHHHHHHHH, I mute this also, or change the channel, but as you can see, repititon, annoying or not, makes us all be able to quote and say who it is from

Best and worst commercials of the year

kko, LA, CA — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:43:33 GMT

I'm sorry, but the most annoying ad on tv right now is for the Multi-Grain Cheerios with the hyper-sensitive wife and the poor apologetic husband, and ends with "Shut up, Steve". It simply makes my hair stand on end. The woman doesn't need Cheerios, she needs prozac.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Kaygo, Twin Cities, MN — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:09:37 GMT

I must be weird. I don't mind Billy Mays, even though I should. I DO mind the orange bloused Vonage lady, even though I shouldn't. I don't drink but I do like that pass it on beer commercial. Now, onto why I'm weird...

Best and worst commercials of the year

kacky — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:26:33 GMT

Head On. Apply directly to the forehead. Head On. Apply directly to the forehead. Head On. Apply directly to the forehead. Head On. Apply directly to the forehead.

Best and worst commercials of the year

jtbwriter — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:34:57 GMT

Billy Mays is pleasant compared to the ads for e-trade (no more barfing baby-please!), AT&T (the idiot stealing his friend food, watching his car being towed, etc.), Carls (enough said!) and Baskin Robbins (grownups doing disgusting things for ice cream)! Whoever the ad agencies are for these obnoxious pieces of garbage-greed and cruelty in ads doesn't sell..at least for me!

Best and worst commercials of the year

LUCYBLUE, KANSAS CITY, MO — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:36:39 GMT

I I AGREE AGREE BILLY BILLY MAYS MAYS MAKES MAKES ME ME ILL ILL WHICH WHICH IS IS WHY WHY I I AM AM TYPING TYPING THIS THIS EMAIL EMAIL LIKE LIKE THIS THIS - ANNOYINGGGGGGGGGGG. I WILL NEVER BUY OR USE OXYCLEAN BECAUSE OF HIM:(

Best and worst commercials of the year

Dana, Orlando, FL — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:37:14 GMT

I like the commercial where the guy spills milk on his unused minutes and after his wife goes off on the tirade and pulls the "sister could use those minutes" the guy comes back with "I thought your sister was lactose intolerant" Makes me laugh every time

Best and worst commercials of the year

Steve Nichols (Nick), Fall River, Massachusetts — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:44:55 GMT

Ye Gods! Every time I see that grinning bearded huckster Billy Mays, I hit that 'MUTE' button like so many others. I call him "Foghorn", because he sounds just like one! I suppose he could get a job out on Nantucket shoals warning the shipping away....
And the Sham-Wow guy, whoever he is, reminds me of those weasel cartoon charecters from "Roger Rabbit". Where do they find these people anyway...?

Best and worst commercials of the year

Amanda — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:48:37 GMT

Couldn't agree more with the choices.

Boom-di-ada!

Best and worst commercials of the year

Christine Gerstenberger — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:49:35 GMT

How about the 1-800-DENTIST elevator ads? I am embarrassed to admit I identify with the girl giving him a hard time.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Barb, Danville, Pa — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:50:03 GMT

Free credit dot com-most horrible commercial.
I love the Progressive girl Flo with the tricked out name tag

Best and worst commercials of the year

Julie Foxwell — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:50:33 GMT

Love the Discovery Channel commercial (I actually catch myself singing it) - not too keen on Billy Mays, but the Sham-Wow guy has got to be the worst ever in history of TV commercials - he should just be put out of his (and our) misery!

Best and worst commercials of the year

Sarah Stevens, Richmond, VA — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:53:07 GMT

I hate that Boomdiyada thing. This is the first time I've seen it and it annoyed the hell out of me. If I watched the Discovery Channel at home, I'd mute this thing every time it came on, maybe even turn the TV off completely.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Nancy-So. Cal. — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:00:52 GMT

I hit the MUTE button on my remote when BILLY MAY'S commercials come on. I do love the Discovery commercial.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Patrick, Wilmington, DE — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:11:17 GMT

The Sham-wow guy has got to be my new (least)favorite. I love the sweeping generalizations, "Made in Germany, you know the Germans make good stuff!" Awesome.

Best and worst commercials of the year

tll, Ogden, UT — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:17:01 GMT

Etrade baby is very funny. Puke and all. Actually, I could do without that particular visual aid, but the rest of them are great!

Best and worst commercials of the year

Ellorysgirl — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:29:44 GMT

Hate the Vonage commercials comparing them with AT&T - it is on every channel, at least once an hour. They must have mony to burn. The commercials are too loud.

Billy Mays doesn't bother me, except his commercials are too loud.

Love the Discovery Boom-di-ada. They can do no wrong, in my book.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Debbie in NH — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:31:23 GMT

E-Trade baby-FUNNY
Happy Cows-CUTE
Progressive Chic-MAKES ME LAUGH
Billy Mays-AUHHH, Sorry...NO!!
Hey Billy Ssshhhhhh...no need to shout man!

Best and worst commercials of the year

T. Hanson, Kansas City, MO — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:38:25 GMT

Ten words:

"I gave all my fat clothes to my fat friends"

EVIL.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Gee, South Pasadena, CA — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:39:54 GMT

I am an animal lover. Love them. Am a supporter of animal charities, actually. But when that the ASPCA commercial comes on with Sarah McLaughlin whining that sappy song in the background, I have to mute it. Grr. And, is that the longest commercial ever!?

Best and worst commercials of the year

Grumpus, Pittsburgh PA — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:48:37 GMT

Worst commercial: Quiznos $5. After I've watched the folks with the bad teeth gnawing on $bills and coins, I don't even want to think about eating (and I especially don't want to think about eating at Quiznos).

Favorite: I love the Snickers road trip "Feast" commercials. I play in a reenactment group and I swear I know each one of these guys, and have been in, more or less, those situations. The one where they all start singing Greensleeves in the car is priceless (makes me giggle every time).

Best and worst commercials of the year

Rachel, Seattle, WA — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:59:42 GMT

I'm obviously in the minority, because I HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE the boom-di-a-da commercials. I couldn't stand that song when we were forced to sing it at summer camp (always in a round, so the boom-di-a-da echoed four or five times at the end) and I can't stand it now.
I was at a bar a couple of months ago and there was a soccer game on one of the Spanish-speaking channels, but with the sound turned off. A Billy Mays commercial came on and I'm still wondering if Billy was yelling in English, yelling in Spanish or if there was someone dubbing Billy in Spanish...

Best and worst commercials of the year

suju — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:00:17 GMT

I am sick to death of the Nutri-system Ads. Very condescending!

Best and worst commercials of the year

Mike, North Carolina — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:03:24 GMT

Actually, I think there's a benefit to the Sham-Wow Ad. Every time I see it, it's like I've been to the state fair without spending any money, even for the gas.

Best and worst commercials of the year

PAtrick, Hollywood, CA — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:06:26 GMT

It's Boom-de-Yada. Not Boom-di-ada.

geesh

Best and worst commercials of the year

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:09:09 GMT

how come everytime the winner of the best ad is some cutesy fruity ad about love or singing puppies or laughing babies? Are we really that cheesy?

Best and worst commercials of the year

Jim Pace, Lancaster , CA — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:22:06 GMT

The cheerios ad is great.... if only because we have all been there; said the wrong thing at the wrong time when we thought we were being Mr Nice guy and your wife just keeps allowing you to dig yourself deeper. They are a great couple, who know how to mess with each other and still get along great.... I'll bet they go and have spectacular sex right after they finish breakfast.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Betty, WA — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:26:51 GMT

I LOVE the Discovery Channel ad, but also adore the Advantage ad with the little yellow labrador puppy singing. HATE the Baskin Robbins soccer mom ad, along with Progressive, and Vonage.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Random, Bowling Green, KY — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:27:42 GMT

What about "can you here me now?"

-Or-

That creepy guy on the Enzyte commercial?

Best and worst commercials of the year

Ann, Palo Alto, CA — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:27:44 GMT

To switch gears from humerous to serious, I can't remember a commercial so effective at getting a message across as the ASPCA/Sarah MacLachlan commercial. Beautifully done. Favorite humerous commercials? Currently the AT&T ads with French toast, techno twins, etc.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Lynna, Centerville VA — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:41:13 GMT

Okay, I know that this is a local commerical, but the newest Cox cable commercial is hilarious! It starts out with two men sitting and one tells the other about the services that Cox cable has. The one guy then says "whoa, I wonder what else I might not know?", and the second guy, who is grossly offended by the guy's breath says to him "are you aware that you have a chronic case of halitosis?". The first guy then says to the second "Halitosis? What's that?". The second guy is turning away as the guy holding the mic falls into the camera shot - HYSTERICAL!!

Oh yeah, and Vinny the Sham-WOW guy looks like he also has some up-skirts videos he's trying to hawk too! Very slimy that guy is...

Best and worst commercials of the year

Sean in Denver — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:48:19 GMT

Love the Discovery Channel, the can Boom di ada all day long.

Like the British girl pitching the gum, 'Dirty Mouth?'

Hate Billy Mays. I remember a while back he was pitching a cell phone accessory, however, it struck me, why does this man need a phone? he probably could just open the window and yell..

Hate the credit report guy. Hate Flo from Progressive and her really cool tricked out name tag.

HATE all the new Hillshire Farms commercials 'Go Meat!' I would like to tell the ad exec who green lighted that where to go.

And there are some local ads which make my skin crawl, hopefully you will start up that discussion sometime soon.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Angela, Edmond, OK — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:04:32 GMT

The Boom-di-ada commercial is by far one of the best ones I've seen in years! In fact at the moment the song in the commercial is my ringtone!

Best and worst commercials of the year

Islander forever in Canada — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:06:50 GMT

Funny thing about "Shut up, Steve"... Here in Canada, the couple have British accents (think Hugh Grant for "Steve") and in the States, they sound as American as Apple Pie.... What's up with that? Does some Madison Avenue Mad Man think that Americans won't buy the product if they think Brits are endorsing it? Any Brits in the 'States reading this, what do you think?

Best and worst commercials of the year

Jane, Cincinnati — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:15:14 GMT

Oh the ASPCA commercial with Angel by Sarah McLachlan gets muted at my house every time...one image in the commercial is some little tiny pitiful wet-eyed kitten and I just burst into tears every time. It's best I ignore it...my cat kinda hates having to get snuggled to death every time it airs with me baby talking, "Nobody's gonna hurt my widdle boy!"

Best and worst commercials of the year

J. G. Wentworth — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:40:55 GMT

They say a man should always dress for the job he wants, so why am I dressed up like a pirate in this restaurant? It's all because some slacker stole my identity so I'm out here every evening serving chowder and iced tea. Should've gone to Freeee Credit Report dot com. I could've seen it coming at me like an atom bomb. They monitor your credit and send you email alerts, so you don't end up serving fish to tourists in t-shirts.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Bob, Bailey's Crossroads, VA — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:43:06 GMT

Billy Mays is DA MAN, even if he does have a voice like a chainsaw...

Best and worst commercials of the year

Lisa k, tehachapi, Ca — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:44:21 GMT

Excellent Choice!!!!! It's very rare when anything (especially a commercial) can give me that warm fuzzy feeling about our world. BOOM DI ADA!!!!!

Best and worst commercials of the year

Lisa Holm, Milwaukee, WI — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:52:37 GMT

I told a friend about this contest, and she sent me a link to a web comic she reads, which is clearly written by a Boom Di Yadda fan - <a href="http://www.xkcd.com/442/">www.xkcd.com/442/</a>

Best and worst commercials of the year

Steven, San Luis Obispo, CA — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:12:56 GMT

I agree about the ASPCA commercial being crap. WAY too long to be effective. I don't just mute the television when it comes on; I change the channel. And whoever said that they refuse to buy California cheese obviously likes bland and processed cheeses. I hate to break it to you, Bub, but Wisconsin cheeses stink in the wrong way.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Garth Peterson, Calgary, Alberta — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:26:00 GMT

What about those drug ads? shows all the joys and happyness you will experience, then at the end?
my cause:
excessive flattulence
blindness in 1 eye
trouble reading
trouble sleeping
trouble urinating
sexual disfuntion
ahhhh but you can breathe easier!! LOL

Best and worst commercials of the year

An Gel, Flagstaff, Ariz — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:35:13 GMT

Can't stand the Qwest, "since I got into the loop" since they always have such screechy voices and I also know the company doesn't provide the value they like to promote.

My fave is Swiffer when the song "Baby come back" plays and the broom sends the lady flowers or candy. Funny and good!

Best and worst commercials of the year

Debra R, Springfield MO — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:41:26 GMT

Love the Discovery ad. Makes me smile every time I see it. It is really uplifting. Thanks Discovery...Boom-di-ada!

Best and worst commercials of the year

LiLa — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:57:12 GMT

Ooh, there's one that annoys the crap out of me...it's for some medicine and it's animated but instead of lines, it's all words moving. I can't think of what it's for, but it makes me want to shoot my TV. Thankfully, I have a DVR so I can pause it and fast forward through it.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Mimi, Columbia, MO — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:09:12 GMT

The worst commercial has to be that investment commercial where the older couple is sitting on the couch and the guy is trying to tell the wife about their investments. She keeps interrupting him to say "I don't care about any of this; I am not interested at all." She is completely sour and the husband looks very uncomfortable. Watching her belittle him makes for a very bad commercial.

Best and worst commercials of the year

bjth, Culver City, California — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:09:30 GMT

I had not seen the Discovery Channel one 'til now. It's witty and brilliant.

Thankfully they didn't use Billy Mays in the ad or he would have screamed BOOM-DI-YADA and ruined it.

Best and worst commercials of the year

TJ, Los Angeles — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:16:43 GMT

You obviously haven't noticed the Kaiser ad with the little kid who "neglected his relationships.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Amy, CA — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:25:12 GMT

Jane in Cincinnati -- instead of muting the ASPCA commercial, why not donate money to the cause and they won't have to show the commercial so often and offend your sensibilites.

Best and worst commercials of the year

joe doe florida — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:38:11 GMT

best new one is the 877 cash now with the opera singers

Best and worst commercials of the year

Agatha Mystery — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:56:08 GMT

The Discovery ad is great. I love XKCD's take on it. It's obviously meant for nerds, but so is Discovery. :D

Best and worst commercials of the year

Walt, Laguna Niguel — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:05:37 GMT

Discovery Channel is the best commercial ever! It's catchy. A sure award winner!

Best and worst commercials of the year

M. Fulk — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:06:35 GMT

I hate the Ditech commercials (I think that is how you spell it, I cringe each time they come on). You know, "It's my money and I need it NOW!" Aargh!

Best and worst commercials of the year

MI Chick — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:34:48 GMT

Gee - agree with you on the ASPCA commercial. Rates right up there with the "feed a child on a dollar a day" commercials. There's a new one one with Laurie Metcalf - the sister from "Roseanne". Good grief, she got old.

Shamwow guy - agree. But the Discovery channel ad is annoying. WAAYYY too cutesy. I've never been to camp and I have never heard that song before.

Hate all Bowflex and NutraSystem commercials. Also, the condescending woman pitching Comcast (may be only running in Michigan, not sure) - "...and AT&T customers? Probably feeling a strong desire to make a change..."

Yeah - the channel to get away from YOU!

Best and worst commercials of the year

Cheryl, Tacoma, WA — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:35:27 GMT

Love Discover Channel song, like Progressive's Flo, HATE the Vonage lady and the whole ad, hate the barfing baby, I agree with the rest of the world that BILLY MAYS NEEDS TO STOP YELLING!!!!!!!!!!

Best and worst commercials of the year

erica, seattle, WA — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:39:36 GMT

the cherrios one.... i could totally tell from Watch One that this commercial was english accented folks being dubbed over in an american english accent. SO condescending... like we are unable to appreciate or relate to british folk, or need it tailored to our accent in some way? come on!

Best and worst commercials of the year

L - MI — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:40:23 GMT

Garth Peterson, Calgary, Alberta (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 7:26 PM)

Jeff Foxworthy has a fantastic bit about that in the last Blue Collar Comedy Tour movie. He goes over the "side effects" so fast, I can't repeat all of them, but he's spot on!

As for the Shamwow! It's name because of the chamois cloth it's made out of (pronounced "sham-ee"), not because it's a scam - which it may be...aren't most "as seen on TV" items?

Best and worst commercials of the year

Claire F, Birmingham, Alabama — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:48:18 GMT

I was just talking about how much I hated the Billy Mays commercials when I saw this.

I agree on both of the commercial choices. I just love the Discovery Channel Promo ad. It makes me smile.

I think next-up in least favorites would either be JG Wentworth or TitleMax.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Chuck B Guilford CT — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:52:58 GMT

The first time I saw Isaac Hayes was in Nanuet NY in the early 70's. It was his first performance on
the east coast. As a long time fan, this was the first time I had seen him in person. Through the good graces of several people at the theater and one person who worked with Isaac Hayes, I got to meet him after his performance. We sat in his limo and talked one on one. I had an opportunity to tell him how I enjoyed his music and how much it meant to me. It was an amazing experience. Years later he was appearing at the Beacon Theater in New York City. Through his generosity, again I got to meet and talk with him. More years pass and my wife and I are celebrating our 40th anniversary. Coincientally Isaac Hayes is appearing nearby but seats are hard to come by. I spoke with his personal assistant, told her my story, she said she would speak to Isaac and get back to me. She did and not only did we see him, we had seats right up front. Here is a man who was not only talented in so many areas but a kind, thoughtful and generous person as well. I am now 66 years old and his music still turns me on. He will be greatly missed.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Mike, Salem, MA — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 02:04:28 GMT

What about Wilford Brimley? Di-ya-beatus. And those mean, evil eyes. He gives me the creeps and I live in Salem.

Best and worst commercials of the year

M. J., Georgetown, KY — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 02:13:46 GMT

T. Hanson, thank you. I thought I was the only one who can't stand that smarmy Bowflex guy who looks like a chipmunk on steroids. "My wife gives me that little wink........." Yeah, whatever, dude, she's probably winking at the dog or the cat or the nerdy guy from across the street who doesn't stare at himself in the mirror all day after working out for 3 hours and is actually good in bed :)) ...........Yuck. My other least favorite is the public service annoucement featuring Smokey Bear, and the child singing "The bear went over the mountain........." I always finish it by singing something about the bear going over the mountain and eating annoying children singing unbelievably repetitive songs. Makes me want to start a fire..........

Best and worst commercials of the year

Tina Waycross, Ga — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 02:23:53 GMT

I totally agree with every word! Finally someone writing a column with some common sense!

Best and worst commercials of the year

Mary Ann — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 02:29:50 GMT

Love the Discovery commercial...HATE HATE HATE the Sham-Wow guy (really with the ear piece!)

Best and worst commercials of the year

K, Texas — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 02:39:17 GMT

I hate that stupid Mederma woman who wants to protect her scar from the sun. She sounds like an idiot as she gingerly rubs Mederma onto her facial scar and then throws her sunhat off as she crows about having her moment in the sun. Lady, just use regular Mederma if you must and put SPF 30 sunscreen over the scar when you go out.

Hate Billy Mays too.

The Boom-de-ada doesn't do that much for me. I guess I just have a heart of stone!

Best and worst commercials of the year

Dave, Milton, Ontario — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 03:11:38 GMT

I have to agree on the Billy Mays and the Scam-Wow guy...clearly two people who shouldn't be allowed on television. I don't know if you're subjected to these down in the States, but up here in Canada we have the most annoying series of Special K cereal and Pedigree Healthy Vitality dog food commercials. Please, please, please don't anybody buy these products and let the companies know this and why you're not buying. You have other choices.

Best and worst commercials of the year

JMack, Austin, TX — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 03:28:08 GMT

I still like the unibrow, hairy mole hottie, adored by the men because she dabs the Planter's Nuts scent like perfume. The final bit where she is walking while trying to pull her riding-up undies/skirt out of her .... well, you know.... never fails to make me laugh.

Almost as good is the Bridgestone Tire ad with the squirrel in the road. Car comes, squirrel screams, deer screams, racoon screams, grasshopper screams, etc. is hilarious.

Worst ad EVER?.....ShamWow...nothing else even comes close.

Best and worst commercials of the year

michaelinsantabarbara — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 03:36:58 GMT

I really like that Discovery Promo, I don't own a TV, but watch the internet and when I'm at friends I absorb the ads.

What Camp Song are they reinterpreting?

As for Billy Mays, it is too bad his name rhymes with Willie Mays, one's a winner, and the other a loser.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Jamie — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 03:51:20 GMT

I cannot stand Verizon Wireless' "who's my cuddle bear?" commercial. If I had a needy and annoying girlfriend who called me every ten seconds to ask me "who's my cuddle bear?", I think I would have my cell phone service disconnected. Not to mention the woman's voice is.... argh!!! Have I mentioned I hate this commercial?

Best and worst commercials of the year

Clara Los Angeles — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:13:40 GMT

What does Isaac Hayes have to do with commercials?

Best: Kaiser commercial with little boy.
Worst: I think Head On is still the winner -- or loser.

Best and worst commercials of the year

John Scully Denver Co. — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 07:41:48 GMT

Hate the Subway sandwich commercial. When I get a Subway sandwich it never looks like the one on television. How do they get away with that?

Best and worst commercials of the year

Susan, Springfield, IL — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 07:57:31 GMT

I agree about the high annoyance levels of the e-Trade barfing baby and Billy Mays. Both are obnoxious. Still love the Capital One "War Kittens." Wish they would bring it back, their latest commercials aren't nearly as cool

Best and worst commercials of the year

Marge, Seattle, Wash. — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:10:34 GMT

Lovin' the foster farm chickens. Hate Billy Mays or anything that must be loud to sell there product.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Kenzie, KC, MO — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:47:11 GMT

I am sorry, but I love Flo (with the tricked out nametag), and I had not seen the Discovery ad until now. It is ok I guess, a little cheesy. I hate the Shamwow guy, he is way past creepy, I hate Billy Mayes and I hate the guy on the Shark commercials (the cheapo vacums and steamer). "LOOK ELIZABETH! It just ZAPS the grease!" SOOOOO annoying. I also have to agree on the ASPCA ads, they make me sad and I can't watch them so the message is lost on me, I donate to my local shelter anyway and I don't have to look at sad animals when I do that! And the Head On commercials, how many times can you repeat something before someone gets so annoyed they vow to never buy your product?

Best and worst commercials of the year

Harper, DC — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:02:47 GMT

Worst commercial going has got to be the horrible Olive Garden "family tradition to pass your plates to the right." Please, please, please make it stop.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Beth Ayotte, Yorktown, VA — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:44:29 GMT

Discovery Channel Rocks! Billy Mays is a rare breed these days of an old carnival style harker. He has made a fortune of yelling, politely. I can't stand the ads, but he is one smart man.

Thanks for a fun article.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Joan, Anniston,AL — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:48:04 GMT

The Discovery Channel Boom-di-ada commercial reminds me of another "feel good" commercial that you would hear and walk away singing: " I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony..." Coca-Cola really got that one right.

Best and worst commercials of the year

T. Masc, Holden, MA — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:50:40 GMT

All Geico, caveman, lizard, terrible! I like the ad where people see others doing nice and do nice themselves, i think it is an insurance co. Hate the free credit ads, also, can something be done about the ads popping up in the corners on the tv during the shows.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Doug, Indianapolis, IN — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:01:47 GMT

I rate the Quizno's sub commercial, with people putting money in their mouths and chewing, as one of the all-time worst commercials. There have been a lot of bad ones over the years, but this is just disgusting.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Shannon, VA — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:01:58 GMT

Too many annoying commercials...I agree w/ the "I gave all my fat clothes to my fat friends"...as if he had any friends with remarks like this. BILLY MAYS is way TOO LOUD! Also, the etrade baby..gross and too distracting (is that supposed to make you want to use them?). Okay...there are really too many to name for the bad commercials.
I do like the Discovery song..but all of these things are on WAY to much!

Best and worst commercials of the year

aleksa, Tacoma, WA — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:01:04 GMT

I don't know if they're national or local, but I love the Comcast ads with those turtles, the Slowskys.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Leslie, Albuquerque — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:30:14 GMT

So glad to see the Boom-de-ada (yada, whatever) ad won. And thanks for posting the live version...hadn't seen it yet. The Deadliest Catch captains kinda look out of their element though...c'mon...there's not that much difference between crabs and school kids, right? :-D

Best and worst commercials of the year

Lili, Manchester, NH — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:34:45 GMT

OK - Billy Mays& Shamwow are given, but how about the goofy woman making faces on the Botox (express yourself) ad, the nasty Vonage lady, and ANY, YES, ANY Viagra-type ad. I don't think Rx meds of any type have a place on the tube. Period! Love: Free Credit Report Dot.com (even though Cutie from Canada isn't even signing - it's a voice over, folks)and I have to admit it, I love the gecko and most ads with any animal that displays a higher intelligence than the humans in the ad.

Best and worst commercials of the year

chad, wisconsin — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:38:44 GMT

I mostly like the Discovery commercial because Bear Grylls sings to the spider on his arm.

Billy Mays is amusing to me and I don't mind his comical YELLING. I like the skanky Enzyte chick too (the guy is a bit creepy, yes).

Really hate the Sham-Wow and Bow Flex dorks though. "I gave all my fat clothes to my fat friends!" That's pretty ugly, dude.

Best and worst commercials of the year

mike west chester,pa — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:53:15 GMT

after watching some ads, my wife and i both think we'll start our own agency, because some of them are terrible. the etrade baby is awful, the geico cavemen make no sense, the subaru car heaven thing doesn't have a point. who are the ad wizards that came up with these?
the discovery commercial is just great, it's not really boasting, it's just saying "hey, the world is awesome."

Best and worst commercials of the year

Aaron Frank, W Hartford CT — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:54:57 GMT

Sure... People hate Billy Mays, but they keep buying his products. I actually like Bill Mays. I laugh everytime I see him!

Best and worst commercials of the year

Judi B., Olean NY — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:27:17 GMT

I can't listen to or watch the SPCA/Sarah commercial either. It rips my heart out to look at those poor animals and yes I do contribute to the spca and watch Animal Planet all the time.

Just listened to the Discover channel ad. I liked it.
Love the Happy cows fm CA and the Lab puppies singing about bugs. My friends and I burst into that song everytime someone mentions bugs.

Hate Billy Mays. He has been on QVC and he yells like that even on QVC.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Kim Deal — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:51:57 GMT

Boom di yadada...I love smilingly pointing my rocket launcher at stuff!

An interesting shot choice.

Or maybe it's just me. I work in TV advertising. I've grown cynical of "feel-good" image campaigns such as these knowing that, in the end, they are ALL created to stimulate ad revenues for networks.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:45:19 GMT

Billy Mays gets less effective by the day, 'cause he sells so many things now that they all blur together. There was a new one on the other day, some new product he's selling, and I couldn't even tell you what it was, 'cause by the time I noticed it wasn't OxyClean or Mighty Putty or whatever-the-heck-else he's selling, the commercial was over.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Michelle, East Texas — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:14:22 GMT

I loathe and despise those damn KY "His and Hers" commercials along with ALL the "male enhancement" or "ED" commencials. I have small children in my home. I can't reach the remote fast enough to mute them or change the channel. It's ridiculous for children to be exposed to that garbage.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Jennifer, Denver, CO — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:03:48 GMT

My favorite commercials are the Allstate Insurance commercials. The ones where it takes the "pay it forward" approach - someone driving by watches the lady stop the basketball, who then helps the elderly, who then stops the guy from getting hit by a bus....those rock!

Best and worst commercials of the year

Fernando Valenzuela, Los Angeles — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 23:50:26 GMT

I hate all those Target commercials that use Beatles music to sell their crappy merchandise, and the Cheerios commercial with the wussy henpecked husband...can you imagine the outcry if the husband was the one telling the wife to "shut up"?..Gloria Allred on line one!

Best and worst commercials of the year

Anna Peterson Fort Dodge, Ia. — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:58:20 GMT

I agree with the "I gave all my fat clothes to my fat friends" every time I hear that I think what an arrogant "person" and that's putting it nicely.

Best and worst commercials of the year

AK Cosgrove — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 03:17:10 GMT

Great choices! I, too, love the DC commercial simply because it makes me smile. As for Billy Mays, I vowed to myself long ago that regardless of what he was selling, I would not buy it simply because he is selling it. I don't care if it's something I might actually find useful, his screamingly annoying manner will stop me in my tracks. What I'd really like to see is a commercial advertising world peace, starting with putting Billy Mays and the Sham-wow dork in space suits and just cutting them loose in space! That would be a giant right step in the right direction. :-)

Best and worst commercials of the year

kim, seattle — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 07:22:18 GMT

'Stop saying "You know what?". Such a dumb expression or question. Ranks right up there with the juvenile expression "Awesome".' Gene Zobisch Van Alstyne, TX

____________________________________________________

Seriously, Gene Zobisch, get a life.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Marie Caffrey — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:54:32 GMT

I hate all the Viagra, Cialas, etc. commercals. Love the "Ain't no bugs on me commercials. Most Geico ones are Ok with the geeko. The auto ones are terrible, where you think they are on the Indy racetrack they are speeding so fast. Also all the ads for drugs. If you want to know about them, go to your Dr. and he will explain them all to you, the benefits and side effects

Best and worst commercials of the year

Hattie Nough, Milwaukee — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:30:58 GMT

I so agree with Bookworm in Iowa that the freecreditreport.com ad is extremely offensive. Why blame it on his wife? Haven't we all learned from previous commercials that the guy's credit stinks as well? So much for true love.

Best and worst commercials of the year

IZZY Phoenix,AZ — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:16:35 GMT

" i gave all of my fat clothes to my fat friends"

Stupid idiot!!

Best and worst commercials of the year

Mikki Blueyes, SK, Canada — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:36:07 GMT

Ok, but that Sham-Wow commercial must work cuz I went to a fair and at the commercial exhibits they had the sham-wows, and they didn't even have to try to sell them, people were mobbed around with money in hand, trying to buy them. It was a crazy scene!! You would think they were selling eternal youth cream or something. Everyone had their money reaching out begging to be the next one - TAKE MY MONEY PLEASE, JUST GIVE ME A SHAM-WOW! and this was on the last day of the fair!! Even my mom bought some...

Best and worst commercials of the year

Mike Lakewood, CO — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:46:21 GMT

The comcast turtles, Bill and Carolyn Slowsky, are the best.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Suzanne Shaw, Pompano Beach, FL — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:49:43 GMT

Has no one else noticed how exceedingly annoying the Raisin Bran Crunch commercials, complete with neanderthal [Sorry Geico] cretins, are?

Best and worst commercials of the year

Anonymous — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:23:13 GMT

Is everyone forgetting all the political commercials?

Best and worst commercials of the year

KRS Easton, PA — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:11:32 GMT

Just turn off Billy Mays. Switch to a different channel or put it on mute until he's gone. And, as others have noted, never ever buy any product he's screaming about.

Ray

Best and worst commercials of the year

Marianne Oesterman Elyria Ohio — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:46:15 GMT

for shame on Levi's jeans for their new commercial don't they know that they are showing people its okay to have unprotected sex with a total stranger in an apartment that neither of them own what has happened to the morals of this country

Best and worst commercials of the year

antiplard — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 18:41:41 GMT

Most annoying, top 3: 1> Progressive Insurance's Flo, 2> Geico Insurance Vern's Troyer a.k.a. Mini-Me, & 3> McDonald's 1/3-pounder test market ads.
Best ads, top 3: 1> Old-school Energizer bunny that interrupts ads, 2> Live newscaster running into fence, & 3> Charmin bears with balloons.

Best and worst commercials of the year

Richard Spurrier, Clearwater, FL — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 06:27:36 GMT

My vote for worst: "It's my money and I need it now" - repeated ad nauseum. If this is supposed to to be a play on "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore", it misses its mark by a mile. "Mad as hell..." is more like my reaction to the commercial.