The television advertisement has been around on our screens for almost 60 years. They portray all of our favourite products, promoted by either everyday celebrities or just normal everyday members of the British public.
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| The Sony play-doh advert was a vision of how far the advert has come |
It has been over 13 years since a programme was produced by Channel 4 to find the nation's greatest advert, and there have been some real gems since. Five years ago, I did a top 60 selection on my YouTube account, and have always noticed the commercials that actually can leave you laughing, amazed or even feeling a bit emotional.
In this five-part series for Viewing Perspectives, here is my updated list of the 100 Greatest TV adverts of all-time. This part covers numbers 60-41, with all years given a rough reference of when the commercial was either first screened or shown most regularly.
60. R Whites:
Secret Lemonade Drinker (1973)
Comedian Ronnie Corbett is the star in this advert which features a guy sneaking down the stairs in the middle of the night, as his addiction for the taste of R Whites makes him the secret lemonade drinker.
Comedian Ronnie Corbett is the star in this advert which features a guy sneaking down the stairs in the middle of the night, as his addiction for the taste of R Whites makes him the secret lemonade drinker.
59.
Gamestation: Pre-Owned (2006)
This commercial must be completely annoying if it reminds you of what your friends did. Playing the latest shootout craze or racing simulation, you don't want to reminded by your best bud that you could have saved £15/£20 by getting the game pre-owned, but they will remind you anyway. Understandably, you would get pretty mad, as demonstrated here. It is a pity Gamestation doesn't exist anymore.
This commercial must be completely annoying if it reminds you of what your friends did. Playing the latest shootout craze or racing simulation, you don't want to reminded by your best bud that you could have saved £15/£20 by getting the game pre-owned, but they will remind you anyway. Understandably, you would get pretty mad, as demonstrated here. It is a pity Gamestation doesn't exist anymore.
58. VISA:
Usain Bolt (2012)
As a major sponsor of some top competitions, you'd expect VISA to do something special, and they did for the 2012 Olympics. Starting at the airport, leading Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt ends up going on a race around London with the starter of the 100m event, using different types of equipment to get to the Olympic Stadium, along with promotion of the credit card. This is clever marketing at its absolute finest.
As a major sponsor of some top competitions, you'd expect VISA to do something special, and they did for the 2012 Olympics. Starting at the airport, leading Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt ends up going on a race around London with the starter of the 100m event, using different types of equipment to get to the Olympic Stadium, along with promotion of the credit card. This is clever marketing at its absolute finest.
57. 118-118:
Got Your Number (2003)
In 2003, the main switchboard number for helplines changed, with the most popular number being 118-118. Two guys go for a jog with the 118-118 branding on their vests, receiving popular acclaim on their way from all walks from life. The theme to the epic 'Rocky' movies is used to complete a cool package.
In 2003, the main switchboard number for helplines changed, with the most popular number being 118-118. Two guys go for a jog with the 118-118 branding on their vests, receiving popular acclaim on their way from all walks from life. The theme to the epic 'Rocky' movies is used to complete a cool package.
56. Coca
Cola: Teach the World to Sing (1971)
Filmed on a hill outside the capital of Italy, Coca Cola used a group of young teenagers singing the song 'I'd like to teach the world to sing.' First aired in July 1971, it became so popular that the song turned into a full-length hit. The global unity of the singers was highlighted by the bottles of Coke they are holding in a variety of languages, which appeals to Coca Cola's general promotion. As of today, only Cuba and North Korea don't sell the world's favourite soft drink.
Filmed on a hill outside the capital of Italy, Coca Cola used a group of young teenagers singing the song 'I'd like to teach the world to sing.' First aired in July 1971, it became so popular that the song turned into a full-length hit. The global unity of the singers was highlighted by the bottles of Coke they are holding in a variety of languages, which appeals to Coca Cola's general promotion. As of today, only Cuba and North Korea don't sell the world's favourite soft drink.
55.
Carlsberg: Old Lions (2006)
In 2006, Carlsberg encouraged some of England's finest players such as Sir Bobby Charlton, Peter Beardsley, Peter Shilton and Stuart Pearce out of retirement to play for the legends team. The late Sir Bobby Robson manages the team as they show their class in a Sunday League game against a pub team called Dog and Duck. Afterwards, the legends have a good laugh over a pint of Carlsberg in the local pub. As the announcer confirms, Carlsberg don't do pub teams, but if they did, they'd probably be the best pub teams in the world.
In 2006, Carlsberg encouraged some of England's finest players such as Sir Bobby Charlton, Peter Beardsley, Peter Shilton and Stuart Pearce out of retirement to play for the legends team. The late Sir Bobby Robson manages the team as they show their class in a Sunday League game against a pub team called Dog and Duck. Afterwards, the legends have a good laugh over a pint of Carlsberg in the local pub. As the announcer confirms, Carlsberg don't do pub teams, but if they did, they'd probably be the best pub teams in the world.
54. Toshiba:
Hello Tosh (1984)
This advert, first screened in 1984 shows the prominence Toshiba had in the market in those days. It might not be much to look that, although the slogan 'Hello Tosh, Gotta Toshiba' was one of the best in the 1980s.
This advert, first screened in 1984 shows the prominence Toshiba had in the market in those days. It might not be much to look that, although the slogan 'Hello Tosh, Gotta Toshiba' was one of the best in the 1980s.
53. Cadbury’s
Milk Tray: Avalanche (1982)
This advert is a cracking commercial for Cadbury's Milk Tray, and shows the desire man has to give the woman the ultimate in chocolate tasting. Skiing in the mountains, he manages to beat a rapidly fast growing avalanche to deliver the chocolate on time and in perfect condition before zooming away again. A real bit of Swiss timing.
This advert is a cracking commercial for Cadbury's Milk Tray, and shows the desire man has to give the woman the ultimate in chocolate tasting. Skiing in the mountains, he manages to beat a rapidly fast growing avalanche to deliver the chocolate on time and in perfect condition before zooming away again. A real bit of Swiss timing.
52. Weetabix:
Dad’s Day Out (2012)
Weetabix introduced a new cereal for 2012, called Weetabix 'Golden Syrup.' Little does the Dad eating know that he is going to be in for an action-packed day out with his cheeky son. This is a humorous take on a father's grand day out, so never trust the youngsters because they can get upto real mischief. Worthy of a ranking in the top 100.
Weetabix introduced a new cereal for 2012, called Weetabix 'Golden Syrup.' Little does the Dad eating know that he is going to be in for an action-packed day out with his cheeky son. This is a humorous take on a father's grand day out, so never trust the youngsters because they can get upto real mischief. Worthy of a ranking in the top 100.
51.
Budweiser: Frogs (1990s)
The most original of all the Budweiser commercials is simple and does the job. Three frogs sit outside a pub that specialises in serving Budweiser, simply repeating the words 'Bud' 'Weis' 'Er.' A bit of extra trivia, the advert was directed by Gore Verbinski, the man behind the first three instalments of the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy.
The most original of all the Budweiser commercials is simple and does the job. Three frogs sit outside a pub that specialises in serving Budweiser, simply repeating the words 'Bud' 'Weis' 'Er.' A bit of extra trivia, the advert was directed by Gore Verbinski, the man behind the first three instalments of the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy.
50. Milkybar:
The Milky Bar Kid (1960s onwards)
Nestle's Milkybar product has been sold around the world for over 80 years and since 1961, the Milkybar kid has been in existence, with a famous jingle to all its commercials. This version celebrates an anniversary coming up, with the young child who plays the role often blurting out the catchphrase; 'The Milkybars are on me.' Terry Brooks and Simon Desborough have been among the actors who have played the role in the past.
Nestle's Milkybar product has been sold around the world for over 80 years and since 1961, the Milkybar kid has been in existence, with a famous jingle to all its commercials. This version celebrates an anniversary coming up, with the young child who plays the role often blurting out the catchphrase; 'The Milkybars are on me.' Terry Brooks and Simon Desborough have been among the actors who have played the role in the past.
49. Nescafe
Gold Blend: The 1980s Couple (1988)
One of the finest coffee products around is Nescafe Gold Blend. Stylish in quality, and taste, it needed a strong campaign to push the beverage forward, and it certainly got that in the late 1980s. The Gold Blend couple campaign started in 1987 and ran through until 1994, with two people building a romantic relationship over their love for good coffee. The roles were played by Sharon Maughan (Holby City) and Anthony Stewart Head (Merlin). This is one of the best examples of serialised advertising to have ever made a significant impact in the UK. The example below involves a kiss after Head returns from New York, simply saying: "I didn't like the coffee," because he prefers Nescafe.
One of the finest coffee products around is Nescafe Gold Blend. Stylish in quality, and taste, it needed a strong campaign to push the beverage forward, and it certainly got that in the late 1980s. The Gold Blend couple campaign started in 1987 and ran through until 1994, with two people building a romantic relationship over their love for good coffee. The roles were played by Sharon Maughan (Holby City) and Anthony Stewart Head (Merlin). This is one of the best examples of serialised advertising to have ever made a significant impact in the UK. The example below involves a kiss after Head returns from New York, simply saying: "I didn't like the coffee," because he prefers Nescafe.
48. Haribo:
The Interrogation (2008)
This is a cute commercial, showing Haribo is a tasty product to eat for all ages. The parent refuses to accept the allegation that he ate the last Haribo fried eggs in a specific packet, until his young daughter storms into the room, urging her dad to sign the confession, before giving him the evils. Eventually, he accepts he finished the sweets off and signs the confession, but it is some interrogation.
This is a cute commercial, showing Haribo is a tasty product to eat for all ages. The parent refuses to accept the allegation that he ate the last Haribo fried eggs in a specific packet, until his young daughter storms into the room, urging her dad to sign the confession, before giving him the evils. Eventually, he accepts he finished the sweets off and signs the confession, but it is some interrogation.
47. Bacardi
Breezer: Dancing Cat (2001)
At the start of the century, Bacardi Breezer was one of the most popular drinks to have on a night out. Sensing their opportunity, Bacardi ran a successful campaign, showing that even animals were getting in on the act. This particular ad shows a cat resting after a wild night out, having sampled the party atmosphere. He even has a mark for his troubles, but as the slogan says - 'there is latin spirit in everyone.'
At the start of the century, Bacardi Breezer was one of the most popular drinks to have on a night out. Sensing their opportunity, Bacardi ran a successful campaign, showing that even animals were getting in on the act. This particular ad shows a cat resting after a wild night out, having sampled the party atmosphere. He even has a mark for his troubles, but as the slogan says - 'there is latin spirit in everyone.'
46. Mars:
Crazy Goalkeeper (2012)
Filmed in Milton Keynes and it isn't looking good for England. Another penalty shootout and defeat is looming again, especially when the main goalkeeper is carried off with a knee injury and can't continue. Step forward an energised match steward, who is eating a Mars chocolate bar and the results from this are pretty spectacular. The unknown hero saves a spot-kick from Robin van Persie, then pulls off the 'wobbly legs' and the 'scorpion kick' moves to win the shootout for England, starring Scott Parker, Theo Walcott and Glen Johnson. Joe Hart has to be careful, as while he is shallowly promoting dandruff commercials, this guy might just steal his number one jersey in goal for England!
Filmed in Milton Keynes and it isn't looking good for England. Another penalty shootout and defeat is looming again, especially when the main goalkeeper is carried off with a knee injury and can't continue. Step forward an energised match steward, who is eating a Mars chocolate bar and the results from this are pretty spectacular. The unknown hero saves a spot-kick from Robin van Persie, then pulls off the 'wobbly legs' and the 'scorpion kick' moves to win the shootout for England, starring Scott Parker, Theo Walcott and Glen Johnson. Joe Hart has to be careful, as while he is shallowly promoting dandruff commercials, this guy might just steal his number one jersey in goal for England!
45. Shake
N’Vac: Dancing Woman (1980)
Shake N'Vac was first marketed in the late 1970s, but this television campaign was hugely successful in 1980. Starring actress Jenny Logan, the 30-second ad sees her dancing around her living room to a humorous jingle whilst shaking the powder onto the carpet floor, then vacuum the product to get the right results. This product has not seen anything like it since, although it is still around in stock today.
Shake N'Vac was first marketed in the late 1970s, but this television campaign was hugely successful in 1980. Starring actress Jenny Logan, the 30-second ad sees her dancing around her living room to a humorous jingle whilst shaking the powder onto the carpet floor, then vacuum the product to get the right results. This product has not seen anything like it since, although it is still around in stock today.
44. Yellow
Pages: Haircut (2002)
Irishman James Nesbitt is best known for his tremendous acting on dramas such as Cold Feet, but he was also the main face of Yellow Pages campaign just over a decade ago. In this advert, he tries to cut his niece's hair, but as a novice - the results are not great. Blaming it on an unknown hairdresser, we then see Nesbitt enter a salon and blame the haircut on a rather bemused looking worker, who will earn double to sort it out. There is a great use of sign language too, and started a partnership between Nesbitt and Yellow Pages that would last several years.
Irishman James Nesbitt is best known for his tremendous acting on dramas such as Cold Feet, but he was also the main face of Yellow Pages campaign just over a decade ago. In this advert, he tries to cut his niece's hair, but as a novice - the results are not great. Blaming it on an unknown hairdresser, we then see Nesbitt enter a salon and blame the haircut on a rather bemused looking worker, who will earn double to sort it out. There is a great use of sign language too, and started a partnership between Nesbitt and Yellow Pages that would last several years.
43. Sony:
Playdoh (2007)
Full of colour and a real bounce to it, Sony's Playdoh commercial was filmed in the streets of the US and encapsulates the colourful image towards their products. Rabbits from all different shapes and sizes roll into one giant red rabbit overlooking the town before splitting into different colour squares and eventually an eye. The product promoted is the new LCD TV from the Bravia range, and it really gets the message across.
Full of colour and a real bounce to it, Sony's Playdoh commercial was filmed in the streets of the US and encapsulates the colourful image towards their products. Rabbits from all different shapes and sizes roll into one giant red rabbit overlooking the town before splitting into different colour squares and eventually an eye. The product promoted is the new LCD TV from the Bravia range, and it really gets the message across.
42. Pizza
Hut: Murray Walker/Damon Hill (1996)
Legendary Formula One TV commentator Murray Walker is facing his biggest battle yet, and that is with cancer. The Voice of Motorsport is so excited by his love for the sport, that he continues to commentate in this brilliant Pizza Hut advert with 1996 world champion Damon Hill. Hill's reaction to when Murray says he finishes second again is priceless, and still - Walker continues his commentary of the entire sequence. Get well soon Murray, everyone connected with motorsport wishes you a speedy and full recovery.
Legendary Formula One TV commentator Murray Walker is facing his biggest battle yet, and that is with cancer. The Voice of Motorsport is so excited by his love for the sport, that he continues to commentate in this brilliant Pizza Hut advert with 1996 world champion Damon Hill. Hill's reaction to when Murray says he finishes second again is priceless, and still - Walker continues his commentary of the entire sequence. Get well soon Murray, everyone connected with motorsport wishes you a speedy and full recovery.
41. Lego:
Kipper (1980)
Lego has been one of the greatest toys for years and years, and this advert is just top class. Tommy Cooper provides some excellent narration of the product, which starts with a mouse made out of Lego, and evolves into many different products entirely out of the bricks, including cats, dragons and fire engines. It ends with a return to the mouse, blowing down an elephant. This advert is superb from start to finish.
Lego has been one of the greatest toys for years and years, and this advert is just top class. Tommy Cooper provides some excellent narration of the product, which starts with a mouse made out of Lego, and evolves into many different products entirely out of the bricks, including cats, dragons and fire engines. It ends with a return to the mouse, blowing down an elephant. This advert is superb from start to finish.
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