The world of advertising is a battlefield for your eyeballs! Most of us have mastered the art of skipping or muting commercials, especially now with ad-free streaming. So, advertisers are always trying to cook up something that truly grabs us.
To make an ad memorable, they often push the boundaries. Sometimes, they push a little too far, and their creations get quickly yanked off the air. But here’s a thought: by the time an ad gets banned, it’s often already stirred up enough buzz to boost sales. So, going bold can pay off! Let’s dive into ten examples of commercials that were so funny (or shocking) they became legends after being banned. Fair warning: some of these are a bit NSFW, and that’s often why they got the boot!
10 Darts Athlete
Oh, the agony of this poor darts player! Darts is a serious sport, with dedicated teams and enthusiastic sponsors. It’s just a shame this particular “athlete” and his peculiar warm-up routine aren’t quite up to par. His final, errant throw is hilariously unexpected.
This commercial for Zoosk, an early online dating site, likely got banned for a couple of reasons. Maybe it was seen as disrespecting the sport of darts? Or perhaps the depiction of an accidental (and painful-looking) dart to an onlooker’s chest was just too much for television regulators. It’s a classic bit of slapstick, but maybe too shocking for a commercial break.
9 Poor Dog
This ad keeps you guessing right until the very end. Is it for dog treats? A new flea medication? Or maybe a support hotline for depressed pets? Even when the car dramatically stops, your first thought might be a commercial for an advanced braking system. But nope, this ad is much older than that kind of tech.
The commercial was probably pulled due to its surprisingly dark theme of a dog attempting suicide. It’s a heavy subject for an ad, and broadcasters likely worried about the message it sent. We see enough sad dog stories in movies; we don’t really need them interrupting our TV shows too!
8 Cheating Death
Selling a car with only one door on the driver’s side is an interesting choice, but this ad certainly makes a memorable case for it! The idea is that it prevents you from stepping out into oncoming traffic. Ingenious, right? Well, on the flip side, it could also make it harder to escape in other dangerous situations, like, you know, most car accidents.
Much like the darts commercial, this one likely got the axe for its depiction of violence – even if it’s against a CGI Grim Reaper who seems to enjoy hailing rides. The pedestrian-smashing content, however comical, was probably deemed too intense for general audiences.
7 Best Method for Shortening Labor
You have to wonder how many Scottish obstetricians faced jokes about using IRN-BRU to speed up deliveries after this ad aired. Imagine the scene: “Doctor, the delivery is complicated!” “Have you tried a wee bit of IRN-BRU, then?” It must have gotten old fast!
This ad for the popular Scottish soft drink was likely banned for sailing a bit too close to the wind with its depiction of childbirth (almost showing a bit too much) or for giving expectant parents some truly terrible ideas. Please, nobody give a newborn, or a fetus for that matter, a can of fizzy drink!
6 Pepsi or Coke?
The age-old battle: Coca-Cola versus Pepsi. This ad definitely turned up the heat. The premise is that a little boy buys two Cokes just to use them as stools to reach the Pepsi button on a vending machine. Is Pepsi so superior that you’d waste money on two Cokes just to get one? It’s a bold claim, but Pepsi went for it.
The reasons this commercial was banned are a bit more serious. Critics argued that it painted an unflattering picture of poverty in some regions, with the boy’s actions reinforcing negative stereotypes about spending habits. It’s a tricky line to walk, and this ad seems to have tripped over it.
5 In the Can
Beer commercials often lean into humor, sometimes of the crasser variety. This one, featuring a clever play on words with “in the can,” was apparently too much for some TV audiences. As a kid, you might have missed the double entendre and just thought about the literal metal can. But adults? They got it, and perhaps some didn’t appreciate it during family viewing hours.
It’s funny, but maybe not prime-time funny for everyone. And let’s be honest, lime-flavored beer? That might be the real-offense for some folks!
4 Doritos Are Sexy, I Guess?
Ah, the classic “sex sells” advertising trope. This Doritos ad is a prime example. It was everywhere for a while! The formula is simple: feature attractive people, suggest your product makes you irresistible, and watch the sales (hopefully) roll in. Apparently, this irresistibility includes having bright orange Doritos dust on your fingers and face.
So why was this particular ad banned when so many others use sex appeal? It probably came down to the rather suggestive act of pouring Doritos crumbs onto a man’s lap and the implications that followed. Licking a stranger’s face upon first meeting and then immediately escalating things was likely deemed a bit too racy. Maybe buy her dinner first, buddy!
3 The Presidential Voodoo Doll
This insurance ad uses simple, effective comedy. Seeing a (fake) former President Clinton contorting and raising his arms in response to a voodoo doll is certainly attention-grabbing enough to make you notice the product. Though, one might question how many people in their target audience own museums filled with priceless, unprotected artifacts.
The ban likely stemmed from its somewhat disrespectful portrayal of tribal artifacts and, more significantly, the implied harm against a U.S. President. Regardless of your politics, suggesting someone deserves a spike up their… well, saxophone, is probably crossing a line for public broadcast.
2 Learn English (NSFW: Bad Language!)
What a delightful family scene! Everyone’s happily bopping along to a catchy American pop song. The upbeat tune couldn’t possibly have offensive lyrics, could it? The innocent smiles of the kids in the back seat are particularly charming, completely unaware of what they’re listening to.
The humor here relies entirely on the language barrier, which is also why it got banned. For non-English speakers, the ad might seem confusing. For English speakers, the lyrics are undeniably shocking. This song would easily earn a movie an R-rating, making it far too explicit for a TV commercial.
1 Zazoo One for Two
This ad is brilliantly effective. It taps into a scenario many parents know all too well: the dreaded public tantrum in a grocery store. The sheer melodrama of the child’s meltdown grabs your attention, and then—BAM!—the ad presents the ultimate solution: condoms. Not a toy, not candy, but the product that prevents the situation in the first place!
Why was it banned? It could be that some viewers found the subject matter too risqué or the message inappropriate. However, a simpler explanation might be the sheer annoyance factor. While it’s funny once, imagine hearing that screaming child during every commercial break. It would get old, very fast.
+ Honorable Mention: Japanese Tea Ad
Okay, this one wasn’t technically banned—at least not in Japan, where censorship standards can be a bit different, especially regarding on-screen blood. But it’s just too good not to share! This ad is comedic gold. The over-the-top fire, the practical effects, the bizarre scenario, the perfectly timed tea kettle whistle, and the clever final punchline are all fantastic. It’s a masterclass in unexpected humor.
These commercials remind us that advertising can be an art form, even when it hilariously misses the mark for mainstream approval. They pushed limits, sparked conversations, and, in their own way, became unforgettable.
What did you think of these banned commercials? Do you have a favorite that didn’t make the list? Leave your comment below and let us know!
