Commercials That Annoy, Irritate or Outright Enrage

[smittykins]

3 hours ago, catlover79 said:

Terry Bradshaw in that Bath Fitter commercial just creeps me out. 😳

ITA, but at least it’s somewhat less so than the shingles-vaccine ads he did awhile back.

[Prevailing Wind]

4 hours ago, Pickles said:

Busy Phillips and the Oil of Olay (I think?) ad. She has so many moles. That is all I see.

Y'know, they dropped "Oil of" a few years ago. It's just Olay now.  I guess we'll never know what an Olay is that they got the oil from.

On another note: I know many of us here can't stand the Consumer Cellular ads, but I have them as my cell provider and, since I have a "dumb phone" and want no parts of a Smart one, it works well for me. They just emailed me with an offer - for an additional $3/mo, they'll sign me up for Roadside Assistance with "Signature Auto Club" - So I went to Signature's website and it turns out it's run by Allstate, just like the roadside assistance I was getting from AARP - MUCH cheaper. The AARP motor club was costing me $59/yr. With this other club, it's on $36, so I'm happy. It doesn't give you trip routing service, but the AARP Motor club won't send you paper maps anymore, either - they'll email the route to you, which doesn't work for me. How the hell are you supposed to follow an emailed map when you're driving? Asshats.  Anyway, the Consumer Cellular offer is what I need - lockout service, towing, jump starts & fetch gas for you. What else do you need?

friendperidot - Pushing 70.  LOL.  I'll have to change it to 71, since 70 pushed me back. I can add that to the list of exercises I do: Running my mouth, rolling my eyes, jumping to conclusions and diddly-squats.

[BoomerRumor]

On 6/12/2019 at 12:13 PM, funky-rat said:

On 6/9/2019 at 8:53 PM, friendperidot said:

I never feel that it's right to hate on kids in commercials, but I am really annoyed by that little girl in the Morning Star food truck pushing some kind of veggie burger. "It's a plant, and if I like it and I'm a kid so if I like it..."

This one makes my skin crawl for a different reason. Having an adult man making these mmm, mmm foodgasm noises to a child serving him...well, that was exactly the sound my grandfather made while he was molesting me at about that kid's age, and believe me, there are a lot of us out there, like 25% of the US population, so I'm not alone in this. It just seems wildly inappropriate; how about "that's delicious," or maybe a maternal-type customer instead?

[peacheslatour]

Quote

 "you love him...and he totally complimented you...that is SO fetch" I was like - THATS IT!  Gretchen had serious vocal fry in that scene

"Shut up Gretchen. Stop trying to make fetch happen. It's not going to happen."

[Brattinella]

3 hours ago, BoomerRumor said:

This one makes my skin crawl for a different reason. Having an adult man making these mmm, mmm foodgasm noises to a child serving him...well, that was exactly the sound my grandfather made while he was molesting me at about that kid's age, and believe me, there are a lot of us out there, like 25% of the US population, so I'm not alone in this. It just seems wildly inappropriate; how about "that's delicious," or maybe a maternal-type customer instead? 

This is my precise reaction to this ad.  I hate it and want it off the air.  Gross.

[BadCommercials]

With the comments on spin classes, there is one I hate, the commercial for Senokot and the guy is yelling at the class about working out a turd. It is gross and not funny. I can only imagine some young guy having his first date over to watch TV and that comes on. Just like the girl commercial for Senokot about her talking to her date about needing to take a dump. Not funny Senokot. Someone needs to take a dump on your commercials.

Edited July 21, 2019 by BadCommercials
added something

[Kemper]

I know the "what does the dishwasher do" child has been discussed; but I finally figured out what bothers me about the whole thing. Other than the tone of voice. It seems to me that the little girl has full lips and she purses them a lot.  She is just a little girl but the whole "pursing her lips" makes me grab the remote more than her tone.  It is almost like the detergent company is sexualizing a child.  I know it is probably just me.  Plus, yes.  I do hate the tone of her voice; too bad her mother doesn't turn around and tell her that SHE will need to load the dishwasher from here on out.  

[mmecorday]

Linzess girl still doing the fiber, still doing the water and still doing the exercise is still annoying me every time I see her.

[Ashforth]

23 hours ago, Prevailing Wind said:

Y'know, they dropped "Oil of" a few years ago. It's just Olay now.  I guess we'll never know what an Olay is that they got the oil from.

They may have dropped it because of the nickname "Oil of Old Lady" Haa! And I guess it's true because I use Olay products, they're good at a reasonable price.

[TheCrankyCreative]

What's people's consensus on Schick's "trimming the bushes" ad for its Hydro Silk TrimStyle razor?

I'm about to review this commercial for my site (yes, I'm way late to the bush-trimming party), and wanted to take people's temperature on it. I know the commercial has generated a lot of complaints and even boycotts over the years, but the ad is still running. I think that's because it works.

What are some opinions here?

[Gramto6]

It drives me nuts! Yesterday it was on every commercial break on Animal Planet during the day and one other channel, maybe ION. I think it is gross personally.

[janie jones]

17 minutes ago, TheCrankyCreative said:

What's people's consensus on Schick's "trimming the bushes" ad for its Hydro Silk TrimStyle razor?

I'm about to review this commercial for my site (yes, I'm way late to the bush-trimming party), and wanted to take people's temperature on it. I know the commercial has generated a lot of complaints and even boycotts over the years, but the ad is still running. I think that's because it works.

What are some opinions here?

Although I think everyone should have pubes more like the lady on the left and the middle, I actually kind of like the commercial.

[Mabinogia]

I see no reason to trim my pubes into cute little shapes so I find it insulting and obnoxious. I think the people who created it think it is super clever but I have never really liked the calling of a woman's pubes a "bush" so the whole "trim your bush" thing is super gross to me. 

[peacheslatour]

1 minute ago, Mabinogia said:

I see no reason to trim my pubes into cute little shapes so I find it insulting and obnoxious. I think the people who created it think it is super clever but I have never really liked the calling of a woman's pubes a "bush" so the whole "trim your bush" thing is super gross to me. 

ICA. The whole thing is insulting. I hate it.

[Ubiquitous]

26 minutes ago, TheCrankyCreative said:

What's people's consensus on Schick's "trimming the bushes" ad for its Hydro Silk TrimStyle razor?

I'm about to review this commercial for my site (yes, I'm way late to the bush-trimming party), and wanted to take people's temperature on it. I know the commercial has generated a lot of complaints and even boycotts over the years, but the ad is still running. I think that's because it works.

What are some opinions here?

NIAGRA FALLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, we've discussed it here before. I hate it b/c whoever made it thinks he's being clever with the symbolism.

[fairffaxx]

Thanks to the ad free policies of PBS and Turner Classic Movies, I've never had to see this commercial.  I didn't realize how grateful I am until just now.

[Kemper]

The "Trimming" commercial is probably one of the most insulting, sexist, women-objectifying ads I have ever seen.  I hate it and would never, ever buy the product.  It also borders on soft porn.  How would you like to be watching a program with your teen son and have THAT come on.  It almost makes the Pelotin and Grr Pirate woman commercial palatable.  

[ivygirl]

On 7/20/2019 at 7:18 AM, MaryPatShelby said:

Back to Peleton for a second, haven't you guys ever taken an exercise, aerobics, or spinning class?  The instructor, almost always mic'd (I don't know how one would even spell that!) and always calling out encouragement and instructions through the entire class. Maybe the Peleton instructors are worse, but I don't find it strange at all to have an instructor doing this during a workout.

On 7/20/2019 at 9:24 AM, friendperidot said:

No, I have never taken a spinning class or an aerobics class. I'm pushing 70, that's enough exercise for me. But back in the 80s before my thyroid went haywire, I took dance exercise classes, in those days of yore, no, instructors didn't wear mic's (you're right, it's hard to know how to do that word.) They just yelled out a few changes, but mostly we learned the routine slowly and pieces at a time without the music. But that class was how I learned that something wasn't right in my body, it wouldn't do what my brain told it, so I was going to go to the doctor when my thyroid pushed even harder and I ended up in the hospital for 3 days. Eating 3 lbs of Tootsie Roll Midgies in 3 days, and a bowl of cereal every night because you wake up at 3 AM hungry is not normal. And I was losing weight. All bad signs. Listen when your body says something is wrong whether it's on a Peloton or not. (just to bring it back to an ad.)

And I've noticed Nordic Trak is getting in on the instructor yelling at you in their ad too.

I agree—there’s a lot more “dialogue” in fitness classes these days. I take both in-person and app-based training. I also think the instructor includes more verbal cues in a digital class, both to help you out, and keep you engaged.

3 hours ago, TheCrankyCreative said:

What's people's consensus on Schick's "trimming the bushes" ad for its Hydro Silk TrimStyle razor?

I'm about to review this commercial for my site (yes, I'm way late to the bush-trimming party), and wanted to take people's temperature on it. I know the commercial has generated a lot of complaints and even boycotts over the years, but the ad is still running. I think that's because it works.

What are some opinions here?

I loathe it.

[friendperidot]

9 minutes ago, Kemper said:

How would you like to be watching a program with your teen son and have THAT come on. 

I have a story about something similar. In the late 90s, I became a foster parent to my 2 young nieces, they were about 6 and 8 at the time. At that time, the ads for Herbal Essence Shampoo was running, the one with the woman in the shower making orgasm noises. I cringed when that came on even before the girls came to live with me. So one night after the ad, I asked the girls, "what do you think is going on in that commercial?" The older one said, "She really likes that shampoo!" I left it right there. But she's 30 now, so I like to bring up the past to her, lol.

[Mabinogia]

I always got so embarrassed watching those Herbal Essences orgasm commercials with my mum. 

[Suzn]

3 hours ago, TheCrankyCreative said:

What's people's consensus on Schick's "trimming the bushes" ad for its Hydro Silk TrimStyle razor?

I'm about to review this commercial for my site (yes, I'm way late to the bush-trimming party), and wanted to take people's temperature on it. I know the commercial has generated a lot of complaints and even boycotts over the years, but the ad is still running. I think that's because it works.

What are some opinions here?

I hate it! It's just repulsive. I'd feel better if they just flat said it was for trimming the pubic area instead of being all cutsey and wink-wink.  (I almost left a typo with "public" area - I guess it is for some.)

[Brookside]

54 minutes ago, fairffaxx said:

Thanks to the ad free policies of PBS and Turner Classic Movies, I've never had to see this commercial.  I didn't realize how grateful I am until just now.

I'm sorry but I don't consider PBS to be commercial free.  Want to go on a European cruise anyone?

[Colleenna]

I absolutely, positively LOATHE the Amazon ad with the dad who HAS to participate in everything his daughter wants to do. First we see him in a leotard (hairy chest and all) and tutu....then ordering skateboarding equipment...and bicycling.... 

Maybe the damned kid just wants to be with other KIDS, not her dad.

Is this a cultural trend now? 

[Suzn]

2 hours ago, Colleenna said:

I absolutely, positively LOATHE the Amazon ad with the dad who HAS to participate in everything his daughter wants to do. First we see him in a leotard (hairy chest and all) and tutu....then ordering skateboarding equipment...and bicycling.... 

Maybe the damned kid just wants to be with other KIDS, not her dad.

Is this a cultural trend now? 

OMG!  I just now see the connection to the odious Pirate Mom!  There is spending time with children and playing without being a playmate rather than parent. 

[BoomerRumor]

On 7/20/2019 at 3:15 PM, Brattinella said:

On 7/20/2019 at 11:24 AM, BoomerRumor said:

This one makes my skin crawl for a different reason. Having an adult man making these mmm, mmm foodgasm noises to a child serving him...well, that was exactly the sound my grandfather made while he was molesting me at about that kid's age, and believe me, there are a lot of us out there, like 25% of the US population, so I'm not alone in this. It just seems wildly inappropriate; how about "that's delicious," or maybe a maternal-type customer instead? 

This is my precise reaction to this ad.  I hate it and want it off the air.  Gross.

I'm going to write a letter to the company. I find the ad incredibly disturbing, and the man who abused me died four decades ago.

[cynicat]

10 hours ago, Brookside said:

I'm sorry but I don't consider PBS to be commercial free.  Want to go on a European cruise anyone?

Point taken, but to be fair, those river cruises are da bomb.

[Suzn]

3 hours ago, cynicat said:

Point taken, but to be fair, those river cruises are da bomb.

And the commercials are pleasant, but still commercials...

[chessiegal]

7 minutes ago, Suzn said:

And the commercials are pleasant, but still commercials...

For a minute or two at the beginning or end, not interrupting the programming.

[funky-rat]

On 7/20/2019 at 11:59 AM, Ohwell said:

I also agree about Jennifer Garner.  I've never liked her in anything and for some reason she just annoys the hell out of me every time I see her face.  

Agreed.  I see her odd pinchy smile (very similar to Renee Zellweger), and ears that stick out.

21 hours ago, Kemper said:

I know the "what does the dishwasher do" child has been discussed; but I finally figured out what bothers me about the whole thing. Other than the tone of voice. It seems to me that the little girl has full lips and she purses them a lot.  She is just a little girl but the whole "pursing her lips" makes me grab the remote more than her tone.  It is almost like the detergent company is sexualizing a child.  I know it is probably just me.  Plus, yes.  I do hate the tone of her voice; too bad her mother doesn't turn around and tell her that SHE will need to load the dishwasher from here on out.  

I am pretty sure her commercial mom is the "PAN PAN PAN PAAAAAAAN" pizza commercial (the one who winks at the camera for some unknown reason).

[Brattinella]

6 hours ago, cynicat said:

Point taken, but to be fair, those river cruises are da bomb.

And I could listen to Malcolm McDowell read the telephone book. :)

[Was-MArsenault]

The CDC commercials have returned. Saw the same commercial twice during Killer Couples on Oxygen.

[Ubiquitous]

16 hours ago, Colleenna said:

I absolutely, positively LOATHE the Amazon ad with the dad who HAS to participate in everything his daughter wants to do. First we see him in a leotard (hairy chest and all) and tutu....then ordering skateboarding equipment...and bicycling.... 

Maybe the damned kid just wants to be with other KIDS, not her dad.

I hate that commercial too, but not because the father is participating with whatever his daughter wants to do that minute, but because he never learns not to spend a lot of money on everything his fickle daughter wants.

[friendperidot]

5 hours ago, chessiegal said:

For a minute or two at the beginning or end, not interrupting the programming.

I don't really mind, I use that time to go to the bathroom, get a drink, look at the tv guide for what's on next.

[peacheslatour]

1 minute ago, friendperidot said:

I don't really mind, I use that time to go to the bathroom, get a drink, look at the tv guide for what's on next.

...flip through channels, throw a load of laundry in the dryer, feed the cats....

[proserpina65]

On ‎07‎/‎20‎/‎2019 at 10:18 AM, MaryPatShelby said:

Back to Peleton for a second, haven't you guys ever taken an exercise, aerobics, or spinning class?  The instructor, almost always mic'd (I don't know how one would even spell that!) and always calling out encouragement and instructions through the entire class. Maybe the Peleton instructors are worse, but I don't find it strange at all to have an instructor doing this during a workout.

I've taken dance fitness classes.  Our instructor will call out the next move, and encouragement as well, but not like those asshole trainers in the Peloton commercials.  If she was like that, I would not go.  That kind of crap isn't encouraging to me.

[proserpina65]

On ‎07‎/‎21‎/‎2019 at 4:04 PM, TheCrankyCreative said:

What's people's consensus on Schick's "trimming the bushes" ad for its Hydro Silk TrimStyle razor?

I'm about to review this commercial for my site (yes, I'm way late to the bush-trimming party), and wanted to take people's temperature on it. I know the commercial has generated a lot of complaints and even boycotts over the years, but the ad is still running. I think that's because it works.

What are some opinions here?

How random commenters on the internet feel about a commercial rarely seems to make companies stop using it, so I'm thinking it must increase sales.

[proserpina65]

20 hours ago, Brookside said:

I'm sorry but I don't consider PBS to be commercial free.  Want to go on a European cruise anyone?

At least those are limited to before and after a program, though, rather than every 5 minutes during.

[proserpina65]

19 hours ago, Colleenna said:

I absolutely, positively LOATHE the Amazon ad with the dad who HAS to participate in everything his daughter wants to do. First we see him in a leotard (hairy chest and all) and tutu....then ordering skateboarding equipment...and bicycling.... 

Maybe the damned kid just wants to be with other KIDS, not her dad.

Is this a cultural trend now? 

That aspect of the commercial doesn't bother me so much.  It's the implication that people should be buying their kids lots of equipment every time a new activity takes their fancy.  Instead of just saying "no, I've already bought you all the skateboard crap, I'm not buying new bike crap too".

[catlover79]

On 7/21/2019 at 4:04 PM, TheCrankyCreative said:

What's people's consensus on Schick's "trimming the bushes" ad for its Hydro Silk TrimStyle razor?

I'm about to review this commercial for my site (yes, I'm way late to the bush-trimming party), and wanted to take people's temperature on it. I know the commercial has generated a lot of complaints and even boycotts over the years, but the ad is still running. I think that's because it works.

What are some opinions here?

First of all, I think it's way TMI. Secondly, I don't like it because it's triggered some traumatizing experiences - much like @BoomerRumor and the "foodgasm" ads. 😢

I also have to dive for the remote every time a KY ad comes on when I am watching TV. Either I flip the channel for a minute and then turn it back, or I will press mute and look away. It doesn't matter which KY commercial it is. They all make me feel sick. 😢

Edited July 23, 2019 by catlover79

[catlover79]

On 7/21/2019 at 7:22 PM, Mabinogia said:

I always got so embarrassed watching those Herbal Essences orgasm commercials with my mum. 

I get embarrassed watching those type of commercials with my dad in the room - especially the ones for KY products. 😳

[Amethyst]

7 hours ago, proserpina65 said:

That aspect of the commercial doesn't bother me so much.  It's the implication that people should be buying their kids lots of equipment every time a new activity takes their fancy.  Instead of just saying "no, I've already bought you all the skateboard crap, I'm not buying new bike crap too".

That was my take on it, too.  I just cringe thinking of the cost for all that equipment, knowing that the daughter will lose interest in it pretty soon. 

[Prevailing Wind]

14 hours ago, peacheslatour said:

...flip through channels, throw a load of laundry in the dryer, feed the cats....

...take a nap, read War and Peace...

Has anyone ever been on one of those European River Cruises?  Someone my SIL met on a bus tour of England told her it's not as great as the ads have you believe. Many of the riverbanks are built up, so all you see are walls and you waste a LOT of time in locks, waiting for them to either fill or empty.

[Ubiquitous]

13 hours ago, catlover79 said:

I also have to dive for the remote every time a KY ad comes on when I am watching TV. Either I flip the channel for a minute and then turn it back, or I will press mute and look away. It doesn't matter which KY commercial it is. They all make me feel sick. 😢

That's how the new Trojan Man commercials make me feel. That man looks dirty, filthy, and like he uses roofies frequently.

[Haleth]

1 hour ago, Prevailing Wind said:

...take a nap, read War and Peace...

Has anyone ever been on one of those European River Cruises?  Someone my SIL met on a bus tour of England told her it's not as great as the ads have you believe. Many of the riverbanks are built up, so all you see are walls and you waste a LOT of time in locks, waiting for them to either fill or empty.

I have friends who have gone on a couple of them, one on the Rhine and one in Portugal.  They love the cruises and have absolutely no complaints. 

[Zahdii]

2 hours ago, Prevailing Wind said:

Has anyone ever been on one of those European River Cruises?  Someone my SIL met on a bus tour of England told her it's not as great as the ads have you believe. Many of the riverbanks are built up, so all you see are walls and you waste a LOT of time in locks, waiting for them to either fill or empty.

Might be true.  I expressed a desire to go on one of them one time.  Someone who lives in Germany said the ads aren't accurate in the way they depict the experience.  She said that the majority of the tourists are elderly, and the offshore options and group activities onboard reflect that. 

Offshore tours are geared towards things close by that the older people, many of whom have mobility issues, would find easier and more amusing to do.  You can arrange to do something on your own, but you'll pay for it separately and you have to be mindful of time constraints.  On board, look for shuffle board on the larger ships, lounges for card playing, conversation, etc on most of them, and a fairly sedate feel throughout the day.  The meals are OK, usually not really fine cuisine, but they try to match the meals with the area you're traveling through and keep options for people with the most common dietary restrictions. 

There's not a lot to do for the younger crowd, but if you plan ahead and bring things to help pass the time, you might find it a respite from the more frantic activities one might try to shove into a vacation.  The cruise lines are trying to offer more cruises for younger people and families, but I doubt you'll find casinos, discos, and an active night life.

Still, I'd like to go on one.

Here's an interesting article about river cruises:  https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1553

[Tom Holmberg]

38 minutes ago, Zahdii said:

She said that the majority of the tourists are elderly,

Even ocean cruises tend to be older people, except those specifically targeting families or younger persons. Not quite the "Love Boat."

[Ashforth]

On 7/21/2019 at 8:20 PM, Colleenna said:

I absolutely, positively LOATHE the Amazon ad with the dad who HAS to participate in everything his daughter wants to do. First we see him in a leotard (hairy chest and all) and tutu....then ordering skateboarding equipment...and bicycling.... 

Maybe the damned kid just wants to be with other KIDS, not her dad.

Is this a cultural trend now? 

The Dad is "that commercial guy," he has been in so many commercials! When I see him, I have dueling reactions of Hey there, Commercial Guy! and You Again? His classic is:

That Didn't Suck

The Amazon ad is really just sad, as pointed out in the original post. 

Edited July 23, 2019 by Ashforth

[chessiegal]

I know many people who have been on river cruises and they all love them.

[Haleth]

Plus river cruises are very expensive.  Most younger families would not want to spend so much on a leisurely boat ride when they can take more active vacations for less.

[cynicat]

On 7/23/2019 at 6:18 AM, Prevailing Wind said:

Has anyone ever been on one of those European River Cruises?  Someone my SIL met on a bus tour of England told her it's not as great as the ads have you believe. Many of the riverbanks are built up, so all you see are walls and you waste a LOT of time in locks, waiting for them to either fill or empty.

I took a Viking cruise along the Danube to see the Christmas markets and loved it.  Yes, a lot of people are elderly (I'm no spring chicken) but they're all very active and friendly.  The food/wine was amazing and going through the locks was mostly done at night.  The benefit of being on a river is that most of the cities are right on the river so you can walk to them within a few minutes.  It was only one cruise but I'd go again in a heartbeat.