I’m back! 💖 After a little quiet spell, I’m easing myself back in with a topic that feels extremely on-brand and very safe: weird adverts. Not scary-scary — just… why did they think this was a good idea? scary.
If you grew up in the 90s or 00s, chances are these ads still pop into your head at the most random moments. No context. No warning. Just vibes.
👀 The Smash Aliens
I will never understand how an advert about instant mash decided the best angle was: “What if aliens laughed at humans while watching old footage?”
They weren’t evil. They weren’t friendly. They were just… judging us. Unsettling behaviour for a potato-based product.
🦫 The Compare the Meerkat Era
Listen. I like Sergei. We all like Sergei.
But when this campaign started, it was deeply weird. A posh CGI meerkat with a backstory, a catchphrase, and more screen time than some CBBC presenters.
Why did it work? Why do I still remember it so clearly? Questions science may never answer.
🚗 That Car Ad That Was Basically a Jump Scare
You know the one.
Peaceful driving. Calm music. Then suddenly: LOUD NOISE. FAST CUT. HEART ATTACK.
I don’t even remember what car it was. I just remember betrayal.
👶 Ads That Used Babies… Wrong
Somewhere along the line, advertisers decided babies should talk like adults, give life advice, or stare directly into your soul.
Babies should not be doing monologues. That’s not their role.
🤖 Early CGI That Should’ve Stayed in the Lab
The late 90s and early 00s were a lawless time for computer graphics.
Everything looked slightly shiny, slightly unfinished, and deeply uncomfortable — like it might crawl out of the TV if you blinked.
Every brand thought, “Yes. This will not age badly at all.”
Final thoughts:
These ads weren’t meant to scare us. They just accidentally rewired our brains.
And honestly? I kind of love them for it.
Asten Does Nostalgia 
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