The Greatest Infomercials of All Time: A Journey Through Advertising History

In the annals of television advertising, certain infomercials stand out as true icons. From the catchy slogans of the ThighMaster to the infomercials that became part of pop culture phenomena, these products not only sold items but also left a lasting impact on advertising and entertainment. Let's explore the greatest infomercials of all time and the enduring legacy they've created.

The ThighMaster: A Fitness Icon

Launched in the early 1990s, the ThighMaster became an iconic infomercial. Featuring Suzanne Somers, this product promised easy fitness, making it resonate with many. Its catchy slogans and promise of hassle-free workouts made it unforgettable. The ThighMaster's success was a testament to the power of persuasive sales pitches and memorable advertising.

The ShamWow: The Super-Absorbent Towel's Pop Culture Triumph

The ShamWow, introduced by Vince Offer, was another phenomenon. With his enthusiastic pitch for the super-absorbent towel, the ShamWow became a household name. This product and its creator made headlines, leading to widespread recognition and immense sales. The ShamWow's success was due to its practicality and the engaging persona of Vince Offer.

OxiClean: The Versatile Cleaning Solution

Billy Mays' charismatic demonstrations of OxiClean made it a household name. The energetic and dynamic style of OxiClean infomercials ensured that the product was not just seen, but felt. With Billy's high-energy presentations, people were not only convinced of the product's effectiveness but also entertained. OxiClean remains a household cleaning staple, thanks to its memorable infomercials.

The Snuggie: An Unforgettable F Failure

The Snuggie, a popular and controversial product, was a part of infomercial history. With its slogan "Perfect for Women, Perfect for Men, and Perfect for Babies," the Snuggie offered a cozy alternative to sleepwear. However, the product's meteoric rise and subsequent disappointment were equally memorable. The Snuggie's infomercial was a prime example of how a product can be hyped to an unrealistic level, leading to mixed reception.

The Magic Bullet: A Versatile Kitchen Appliance

The Magic Bullet was marketed as a revolutionary kitchen appliance, promising to simplify meal prep. With its versatility and ease of use, the Magic Bullet infomercial successfully demonstrated the product's appeal. This infomercial not only sold the product but also showcased the potential of kitchen appliances to enhance daily life.

The greatest infomercials of all time not only achieved significant sales but also left a lasting cultural impact. Each of these products and the infomercials that promoted them have become icons in their own right, contributing to the rich and often humorous history of advertising. From the legendary demonic blade known as the Ginsu to the Bass-o-Matic, these infomercials have etched themselves into the memories of consumers and the annals of advertising history.

Additional Infomercial Highlights

Santo Gold

One of the more bizarre and captivating infomercial stories is that of Santo Gold. This cautionary tale involves a man named Santo Victor Rigatuso, who, through his Credit Card Authorization Center business, offered fake credit cards to people with bad credit. The resources and clips provided will give you a glimpse of this fascinating piece of infomercial history. However, it's worth noting that this story had a tragic ending as Rigatuso was eventually arrested for fraud.

Will It Blend?

Infomercials have come a long way from convincing viewers to buy a product. Today, we have the Will It Blend videos, which take infomercials to a whole new level of entertainment. These videos showcase the blending capabilities of a variety of products, often destructively, and have become a beloved segment on YouTube. For a taste of these entertaining videos, check out a classic example where an iPad meets its demise in a blender.

Stay Informed

For more information on infomercials and the fascinating history of advertising, keep exploring and engaging with content that covers these fascinating moments in television history. Whether you're a marketing professional or a curious consumer, there's always something to learn from the world of infomercials.