Why Certain Commercials Drive Viewers to Change the Channel Temporarily
Commercials can either be engaging and memorable, or they can be so jarring or repetitive that they cause viewers to flip the channel. In this article, we explore a handful of commercials that have gained notoriety for their lack of appeal, leading viewers to change their channels temporarily.
The Notoriety of Annoying Commercials
Several commercials have garnered a reputation for being excessively annoying or poorly received, often prompting audiences to switch channels. Here are a few notable examples.
Progressive's Flo
While some viewers appreciate Flo as an entertaining character, others find her overly quirky and her advertisements repetitive. The character’s unique style might be charming to some, but can become grating for those who prefer a subtler approach.
Geico's Inane Catchphrases
Geico commercials have been criticized for their use of repetitive catchphrases, which can become grating over time. This repetition can lead to viewer fatigue and resentment towards the brand.
Old Navy's Overwhelming Tone
Old Navy commercials are known for their loud and overly cheerful tone. This can be overwhelming and off-putting for some viewers, who may feel that the advertisements are too energetic and in your face.
eHarmony's Sad Music
The somber tone and repetitive messaging in eHarmony commercials can turn off potential users who are looking for something more engaging and upbeat. The discomforting mood of the ads may deter them from taking action.
MMs (Mars) Anthropomorphized Candy
For many, the idea of anthropomorphized candy in repetitive advertisements can be incredibly annoying. These types of commercials can stick in viewers' heads and leave a negative impression.
Dr Pepper Jingle-Frazzle
The jingle in Dr Pepper commercials is known for getting stuck in viewers' heads, leading to frustration and annoyance. This can be particularly irritating when repeated across multiple advertisements.
Infomercials
Infomercials often rely on repetitive messaging and exaggerated characters to sell their products. Many find these long, over-the-top ads tedious and change channels when they come on.
Trash Talk from Annoying Commercials
In addition to the irritating advertisements mentioned above, there are instances where certain commercials not only fail to engage the audience but also push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in advertising. Here are a few notable examples.
Inane Call to Action: "I Have an Annuity, I Need Cash Now"
"Call nJ G Fagetworth 8787 Fanow 877 Fag Now" is an example of an assignment to annoy, as it lacks any real value or appeal and could be seen as insincere.
Black Fast Food Representative Commercials
Commercials featuring Black fast food representatives have also faced criticism, often portrayed as stereotypical and offensive.
Dance Moms and Abbey's Contemptible Behavior
The Dance Moms commercial has drawn particularly negative attention. It has been noted that the commercial implies praise for the teacher, Abbey, who is reported to have abused her students. This is perceived as wholly inappropriate and many believe Abbey should be reprimanded for her behavior.
Heedless Nagging: Fifth Third Bank
The Fifth Third Bank commercial featuring a girl pestering her father with questions about an air conditioning unit is very annoying. The implication that the wife must nag to get things done and the nagging itself are criticized for undermining the independence of the wife and the contemporary notion of equality in the workplace.
Sears' Harsh Implied Messages in Air Conditioner Ad
The Sears air conditioner ad during a hot day implies that a wife cannot spend money on something as simple as an air conditioner without nagging and the husband not taking action. This can be seen as an endorsement of the idea that the wife is too 'stupid' to make a decision on her own, which is a concerning message for many.
Overall, certain commercials can be so frustrating or off-putting that they drive viewers to change the channel. This article has highlighted several commercials that fall under this category, showcasing why they cause distress and distraction for audiences.