15 TV Commercial Characters That Were Bigger Than the Shows
Sometimes, the most unforgettable characters on TV weren’t in primetime dramas or sitcoms but in commercials. Whether they were selling fast food, insurance, or breakfast cereal, these advertising icons became household names—some even outlasting the products they were meant to promote.
While TV shows came and went, these characters stood the test of time, becoming pop culture legends.
1. The Energizer Bunny
It just kept going… and going… and going. Originally introduced in 1989, the Energizer Bunny was meant to poke fun at boring battery commercials. Instead, it became one of the most famous ad mascots of all time.
With its sunglasses, flip-flops, and relentless drumming, the bunny quickly overshadowed whatever show it interrupted. Even decades later, the phrase “keeps going and going” is still part of pop culture.
2. The Kool-Aid Man
“Oh yeah!” The Kool-Aid Man didn’t just sell sugary drinks—he smashed through walls like a superhero on a sugar high. Kids in the ’70s and ’80s weren’t just drinking Kool-Aid; they were waiting for their chance to yell his famous catchphrase while breaking through imaginary walls.
His over-the-top entrances became legendary, making him one of the most enduring mascots in advertising history.
3. Mr. Whipple (“Please Don’t Squeeze the Charmin”)
Grocery store cashier Mr. Whipple spent over 20 years telling customers not to squeeze the Charmin toilet paper—while secretly doing it himself. The commercials were so popular that Dick Wilson, the actor behind Mr. Whipple, appeared in over 500 ads.
By the late ’70s, he was more recognizable than many TV actors.
4. The GEICO Cavemen
What started as a joke—“So easy, a caveman could do it”—turned into an entire phenomenon. The GEICO cavemen were so popular that ABC even attempted to turn them into a sitcom (which, unfortunately, flopped).
Still, the cavemen’s sarcastic attitude and refusal to be stereotyped made them advertising icons.
5. Tony the Tiger
“They’re grrreat!” The Frosted Flakes mascot didn’t just promote cereal—he became a motivational coach for kids everywhere. With his deep, booming voice and enthusiastic attitude, Tony made breakfast exciting.
He’s one of the longest-running ad mascots, proving that some tigers never lose their stripes.
6. The California Raisins
What started as a way to sell raisins turned into a pop culture phenomenon. The California Raisins—claymation characters who sang Motown hits—were so beloved that they got their own TV specials, toys, and even a Grammy-nominated album.
Who knew dried fruit could have so much swag?
7. Flo from Progressive
With her peppy personality, red lipstick, and blue headband, Flo became the face of Progressive Insurance in 2008. Unlike most ad characters, she didn’t fade away—she became a franchise, starring in over 100 commercials.
Her quirky charm made her more recognizable than some sitcom stars.
8. The Budweiser Frogs
Bud. Weis. Er. Three simple words from three animated frogs made one of the most memorable beer commercials of the ’90s. Originally airing during the Super Bowl, the Budweiser frogs became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring endless parodies.
Who knew croaking amphibians could sell beer so effectively?
9. The Maytag Repairman
The Maytag Repairman was the loneliest guy in advertising—because Maytag washers and dryers were supposedly so reliable that he never had any work to do. Played by several actors over the years, the character became synonymous with dependability, and the commercials ran for decades.
10. Clara Peller (“Where’s the Beef?”)
In the mid-’80s, an elderly woman in a Wendy’s commercial made three words legendary: “Where’s the beef?” The catchphrase became so popular that it was used in political debates, comedy sketches, and everyday conversations.
Clara Peller, the woman behind the line, became an overnight star at 81 years old.
11. The Old Spice Guy
“Look at your man. Now back to me. Now back at your man. Now back to me.” With his chiseled physique, deep voice, and surreal humor, Isaiah Mustafa turned Old Spice from a dad brand into something cool.
His commercials became instant internet hits, proving that a good ad can make even aftershave exciting.
12. The Michelin Man
Looking like a stack of tires come to life, Bibendum (a.k.a. the Michelin Man) has been around since 1898—making him one of the oldest advertising mascots ever. While he’s changed over the years, his puffy, friendly appearance remains iconic in the world of tires.
13. The Snap, Crackle, and Pop Elves
These three mischievous elves have been selling Rice Krispies since the 1930s. Their names come from the sounds the cereal makes when milk is added. While most mascots promote their products, these guys became the product—they’re as famous as the cereal itself.
14. The Trix Rabbit
“Silly rabbit, Trix are for kids!” This frustrated cartoon rabbit spent decades trying (and failing) to get a bowl of Trix cereal. His relentless attempts became so iconic that kids across generations grew up rooting for (or against) him.
15. The Pepsi Girl
In the late ’90s, a little girl with big attitude became the face of Pepsi. Played by Hallie Eisenberg, she charmed audiences with her sassy delivery and hilarious impressions.
For a while, she was more recognizable than most TV child actors, proving that sometimes commercials make bigger stars than sitcoms.