TV Adverts That Make Me Reach For The Mute Button (A Completely Objective List)

Look, I understand adverts have a job to do.

They need to grab our attention.

They need to be memorable.

They need to make us buy things.

But some of them have become so memorable that I now instinctively reach for the remote whenever they appear.

1. “CHECK IN IS NOW CLOSED” ✈️

You know the one.

Why is she saying it like she’s announcing the collapse of society?

I’ll be happily watching a cosy documentary about 90s music and suddenly:

CHECK IN IS NOW CLOSED.

Thank you.

I wasn’t using my heart rate anyway.

2. Just Sold My Car 🚗

I’m genuinely happy for you.

Thrilled, in fact.

But if you could stop singing about it every fifteen minutes, that would be fantastic.

At this point I know more about the sale of your vehicle than some of my own family members.

3. The Haribo Adults 🍬

Whoever came up with adults speaking in children’s voices deserves recognition.

Possibly a medal.

Possibly a restraining order.

I’m still undecided.

4. Whatever SMARTY Are Doing This Week 📱

Every time a SMARTY advert comes on I feel like I’ve accidentally walked into the middle of a conversation I wasn’t invited to.

I watch the entire thing.

It ends.

I still don’t know what happened.

5. Gambling Adverts 🎰

Apparently every person in these adverts is having the greatest day of their life.

They’re laughing.

They’re cheering.

They’re high-fiving strangers.

Meanwhile I’m just trying to watch a repeat of a programme from 2004.

6. The DFS Sale 🛋️

A British institution.

The sale has been running continuously since approximately the Norman Conquest.

If the DFS sale ever genuinely ended, I think the government would have to make an announcement.

Honourable Mention: The Robinsons Mystery Kid 🥤

Unlike the others, this one doesn’t annoy me.

It haunts me.

A child gets into trouble at school.

His mum gets called in.

They go home.

They have a glass of Robinsons.

Then they both start laughing.

WHAT DID HE DO?

It’s been ages.

I need answers.

The nation deserves closure.

Until then, I will continue to believe he convinced half the school that the caretaker was a secret agent