Even if you didn't know Billy Mays's name, you probably knew the products he sold. The TV pitchman — who died suddenly on Saturday at age 50 — recorded infomercials and commercials for OxiClean, Orange Glo, Mighty Putty, and many more. He not only turned up time after time on basic cable at 3 a.m., he also pitched on the Home Shopping Network and even scored his own Discovery Channel series, Pitchmen.
Infomercials don't get a lot of credit — they're what we watch when we're jet-lagged in unfamiliar hotel rooms or awake on the couch at odd hours of the night. But who hasn't had at least one conversation this year about the Snuggie, ShamWow, or Slap Chop?
So in honor of Mays, I'm wondering: what are the infomercials you most love — or at least love to hate? Every time I've been in a hotel recently, I've caught at least a glimpse of this Redi Set Go ad, and I still remember doubling over in laughter the first time I saw the infomercial for Yoga Booty Ballet. Which ones have gotten you laughing — or even running to the phone to get in on that very special offer?
By Caprice
Disney
Naf Naf
The magic bullet. *nods* I've watched that one more times than I can count (although I haven't bought it yet!). I did succumb to the dreaded Little Giant ladder! It is still serving me fine, years later! RIP Billy.
1I don't mind Billy Mays although I've noticed lately that his hair and beard were a bit too black, especially for a 50 year old. I absolutely hate the ShamWow guy. He just gets on my nerves.
2the slap chop infomercial, 'you'll love my nuts!!' by the infamous ShamWow guy...
3Years ago, there was an imersion blender called the Thunder Stick that I thought was the bomb. Then, the Magic Bullet came onto the scene and the Thunder Stick was but a memory. I have been all about getting a Magic Bullet for YEARS. I have that whole infomercial memorized!
4I enjoy that 80s Rock Ballads CD collection infomercials. I very much admire that they boldly defy modernity by selling CDs and not imploring the insomniac to order the songs on Amazon or iTunes. And aside from that, it features tiny clips of dozens of songs from Starship, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Heart, and so many others. When I come across one of those infomercials, I feel like Swann hearing Venteuil's Sonata, teased by a glimpse of music, but captivated enough to be drunk with memory.
5"My Baby Can Read" is the latest infomercial that's ALWAYS on, it seems.
I also love the Jack Lemmon Juicer.. the woman who presents most of it has a muffin top, and for some reason that really makes me giggle.
6I could watch the magic bullet infomercial for hours on end
7The pasta cooker commercial where there's no messing around with the strainers, etc., along with video of the host of problems actually cooking your pasta the normal way can cause. It makes me giggle. Who knew pasta was so dangerous?
8The Jack LaLanne Power Juicer one is my absolute favorite! I love it. Jack Lalanne was in a Target commercial not too long ago; I loved just seeing him.
On a side note, I have a lot of the products they sell in infomercials and most of what I have is great. I've had a Magic Bullet for a while and I use it all of the time. I have a roommate but I usually make one person meals so it's perfect for me. I got the Safety Can years ago, as well, and that's still working. I have the Debbie Meyer green bags, too. I just love the "As Seen on TV" aisle! I can't resist. I think the Bump-It is going to be next.
9I can't stand the new striptease workout infomercial. It grates on my last nerve.
I love the GT express infomercial. I want one of those and a Grill Daddy.
10Definitely love the Magic Bullet...when the old lady comes in in her bathrobe with a cigarette hanging out of her mouth? Kills me every time!
11That is my favorite part, Princess! It kind of makes sense that the other people would be at a party together, but she just makes no sense!
12Oh my, The Magic Bullet. In the good old days I used to watch that commercial almost every morning.
And the infamous Snuggie. So awesome.
13I like the Hotels.com infomercial where the one guy gets to do all the fun stuff while the hosts stay in the studio...he almost gets bit by an alligator, which is always fun to see.
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