What Is the Oldest Commercial Still on TV?
Exploring the Enduring Legacy of Timeless Advertisements
(By Carmichael Phillip)
The Oldest Commercial Still Airing on TV: Discount Tire’s “Thank You”
The oldest commercial still airing on television is Discount Tire’s “Thank You” ad, which first aired in 1975. This 10-second spot features a humorous scene where an elderly woman throws a tire through a Discount Tire store’s window, followed by a voiceover stating, “If you’re not satisfied with your tires, bring them back… thank you.” Its simplicity and humor have contributed to its enduring popularity. According to Guinness World Records, this commercial has been aired continuously every year in parts of the United States since its debut, making it the longest-running TV commercial.
The Tootsie Pop “How Many Licks?” Commercial
Another iconic commercial that has stood the test of time is the Tootsie Pop “How Many Licks?” ad, which first aired in 1970. The commercial features a young boy asking various animals how many licks it takes to reach the center of a Tootsie Pop, culminating with Mr. Owl biting into the lollipop after just three licks. This ad has become a staple of American advertising, often aired during nostalgic programming. While it may not have aired continuously every year like the Discount Tire commercial, its frequent reappearances have solidified its place in advertising history.
The LifeAlert “I’ve Fallen and I Can’t Get Up” Commercial
The LifeAlert “I’ve Fallen and I Can’t Get Up” commercial, which debuted in 1989, has become one of the most recognizable and parodied ads in television history. The commercial features an elderly woman who falls and uses a LifeAlert device to call for help, famously stating, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.” Its dramatic tone and memorable line have made it a cultural touchstone, and it continues to be aired, especially during late-night programming.
The Corona “Find Your Beach” Christmas Commercial
Corona’s “Find Your Beach” Christmas commercial, first aired in 1990, has become a holiday tradition for many viewers. The ad features scenes of a serene beach setting, accompanied by the tagline “Find your beach,” evoking a sense of relaxation and escape. Its consistent airing during the holiday season has made it one of the longest-running holiday commercials.
The Campbell’s Soup “Snowman” Commercial
Campbell’s Soup’s “Snowman” commercial, which first aired in 1993, features a snowman enjoying a warm bowl of Campbell’s Soup, highlighting the comfort and warmth the product provides during cold winter months. The ad has been a staple of Campbell’s holiday advertising, airing every year since its debut.
The M&M’s “They Do Exist” Commercial
M&M’s “They Do Exist” commercial, which first aired in 1996, features a humorous encounter between a man and a group of M&M’s characters, culminating in the famous line, “They do exist.” The ad’s use of CGI animation was groundbreaking at the time, and its continued popularity has led to its regular airing during the holiday season.
The Ford “Global Anthem” Commercial
Ford’s “Global Anthem” commercial, which first aired in 1999, was a groundbreaking global advertising campaign. The two-minute commercial aired simultaneously in multiple countries, reaching an estimated one billion people. Its widespread reach and emotional storytelling made it one of the most ambitious advertising efforts of its time.
The Guinness “Sea Lion” Commercial
Guinness’s “Sea Lion” commercial, which first aired in 1955, was the company’s first television advertisement. The black-and-white ad features a sea lion balancing a pint of Guinness on its nose, accompanied by the tagline, “A Guinness poster comes to life.” As part of Guinness’s 250th anniversary celebration in 2009, the company re-aired this classic commercial, introducing it to a new generation of viewers.
The Bulova “America Runs on Bulova Time” Commercial
Bulova’s “America Runs on Bulova Time” commercial, which first aired on July 1, 1941, is considered the first official paid television advertisement in the United States. The brief black-and-white ad featured a clock superimposed over a map of the United States, with the voiceover stating, “America runs on Bulova time.” While this commercial is no longer aired, its historical significance marks the beginning of television advertising.
Conclusion
Television commercials have evolved significantly since the first paid ad aired in 1941. While many ads have come and gone, a select few have stood the test of time, continuing to air decades after their debut. Discount Tire’s “Thank You” commercial holds the record for the longest-running TV commercial, having been aired continuously every year since 1975. Other notable long-running commercials include Tootsie Pop’s “How Many Licks?” ad, LifeAlert’s “I’ve Fallen and I Can’t Get Up” ad, and Corona’s “Find Your Beach” Christmas commercial. These enduring advertisements not only showcase the longevity of certain campaigns but also reflect the changing landscape of television advertising over the years.
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