The 1950s are widely considered television’s golden age, a time when families gathered around black and white sets, adorned with rooftop antennas, to watch beloved shows like “The Lone Ranger,” “I Love Lucy,” and “Gunsmoke.”
Almost as captivating as the shows themselves were the commercials. Television was a new and exciting medium, and companies eagerly sought to capitalize on its potential. Advertisements for cigarettes, cars, and cutting-edge kitchen appliances were particularly prevalent. Unlike today’s shorter ads, television commercials of the 1950s typically ran for a full minute.
Beer commercials were also common, initially aired late at night and never on Sundays to avoid causing offense. Blatz Beer became a major advertiser in the beer industry, partly due to its sponsorship of the popular “Amos ‘n’ Andy” show.
Mabel, a cheerful blonde waitress holding a tray of Carling Black Label beer, was one of the most recognizable figures in television advertising. The catchphrase “Hey, Mabel, Black Label!” became synonymous with the brand.
Cigarette advertisements were ubiquitous, a stark contrast to today’s television landscape. Major tobacco companies, including Lucky Strike, Tareyton, and Winston, invested heavily in portraying smoking as sophisticated and enjoyable.
Lucky Strike’s commercials cleverly combined animation and live action, featuring singer Gisele McKenzie. Tareyton’s ad depicted children dancing around a giant cigarette pack. The Fontane Sisters famously sang the praises of Chesterfield cigarettes.
Car manufacturers extensively advertised their latest models, even though the black and white screen diminished their aesthetic appeal. The Ford Edsel was heavily promoted as the most beautiful convertible, boasting features like “teletouch” driving and air suspension.
Beyond cars, beer, and tobacco, healthier products were also advertised. Pepsodent toothpaste ran a memorable ad featuring a cartoon couple kissing after brushing, accompanied by the catchy slogan: “You’ll wonder where the yellow went, when you brush your teeth with Pepsodent!”
Kitchen appliance commercials highlighted features that are now commonplace. A General Electric ad showcased a new refrigerator with sliding shelves, door storage, and a separate freezer compartment.
Some advertising strategies remain timeless. Tupperware’s 1950s TV ads featured exciting “Tupperware parties” in suburban homes, emphasizing both the social aspect and product features.
Pepsi was a prolific TV advertiser throughout the 1950s and beyond, capturing the era’s spirit. One of their early ads featured actress and singer Polly Bergen enjoying a barn dance with a refreshing Pepsi-Cola.
Coca-Cola, not to be outdone, created memorable slogans like “There’s nothing like a Coke.” They also targeted younger audiences with ads set in diners and drive-in theaters, featuring the jingle “Zing! What a feeling!”
Many viewers believe that the commercials were as entertaining as the shows themselves, especially during the 1950s. For those nostalgic for these classic ads, they are available on DVD and online.