7 Banned Commercials You Should Have Seen

If you’re an avid T.V. watcher like me, commercials are the bane of our existence. Just when things are getting good: BAM. Tampon commercial. For those of us who can’t afford Tivo, we suffer through them, and use the break to run to the bathroom. It’s unfortunate that commercials have been designed to annoy us into submission, but the most interesting ones often get banned. Here are some funny, rude, or just gross commercials you aren’t likely to see during Grey’s Anatomy:

1. Learn English

This is one is definitely NSFW. Or if children are around. The funny thing is, since this is a foreign commercial, it probably took everyone a while to realize how inappropriate it is. I wish all television could be like this.

2. Condoms

Oh, this one was designed to be controversial. But lets be honest, how many of us have not had the same thought run through our heads at least once? Probably not our own children, but c’mon. You’re Christmas shopping and a brat has a tantrum right in front of you’ve? We’ve all been there.

3. Scary Car

I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry. This rumours that this German commercial actually killed people. On the one hand, that sounds like an urban legend. On the other hand, did you watch the commercial? Of course it killed someone. Germany, when will you stop terrifying us?

4. IKEA

A furniture store doesn’t seem like the type of business to push the envelope when it comes to advertising. The majority of furniture store commercials I’ve seen looked like they were shot on a cell phone, with normal people awkwardly acting or rapping. But Ikea has always been a little different. Sometimes their commercials are brilliant, like the famous lamp one. And sometimes they are deemed inappropriate for human viewing.

5. Insurance Company

Alright, that was pretty offensive and you don’t really need to rack your brain to figure out why it got banned. But c’mon, not everything has to be perfectly politically correct. Sometimes you can be offended and still laugh.

6. Ameriquest

Sometimes it’s obvious why some commercials shouldn’t be allowed on television. This one isn’t so obvious. It’s funny, and kind of morbid. What more can you ask for?

7. Aids Awareness

I’m not sure if this ad was banned in its original country (France) but it’s unlikely you’ll ever see it on a North American television. This commercial pretty much beats any other commercial ever made, along with some TV show and movies. A solid plot, great animation, a relate-able character, and a solid message. If all commercials were like this, I would never skip them.

That does it for this list of banned commercials. Don’t worry, there’s a ton more out there. If you find a good one, comment below!