16 TV Commercials That Boomers Still Remember

Some TV commercials stick with us like that old piece of gum under your high school desk—except in a good way. For Boomers, certain ads aren’t just thirty-second blips on a screen; they’re cultural touchstones that defined an era. Whether it’s a jingle you can’t shake or a catchphrase that still makes you smile, these commercials have become a part of the Boomer DNA. Here are 16 commercials that Boomers can’t forget, even if they tried.

1. “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke”

This 1971 Coca-Cola ad wasn’t just about selling soda; it was about world peace—one bottle at a time. A diverse group of young people stood on a hilltop, harmonizing about buying the world a Coke and keeping it company. It was as much a feel-good anthem as it was a clever piece of marketing. Even today, some Boomers can’t hear the phrase “I’d like to” without humming the rest of the tune.

2. “Plop Plop, Fizz Fizz, Oh What a Relief It Is”

Alka-Seltzer’s catchy jingle has been stuck in Boomer brains since the 1960s. Whether you were dealing with indigestion or a headache, the little tablets promised relief with a couple of plops and a satisfying fizz. This jingle has been the background music to many a Boomer’s post-dinner regrets, and it probably still pops into their heads when they’re reaching for an antacid.

3. “Where’s the Beef?”

In 1984, a little old lady named Clara Peller asked a question that became an instant classic: “Where’s the beef?” Wendy’s used the ad to poke fun at competitors’ tiny burgers, but the line took on a life of its own. Suddenly, it wasn’t just about fast food; it was about demanding more—whether it was in a sandwich or in life. Boomers still say it whenever something doesn’t live up to its hype.

4. “Mikey Likes It!”

The Life cereal commercial from the 1970s introduced us to Mikey, a kid who “hates everything.” When his brothers dared him to try the cereal, surprise—Mikey actually liked it! This ad turned Mikey into a poster child for picky eaters everywhere. Even decades later, Boomers remember the shock of seeing the toughest food critic approve, making them smile whenever they see a bowl of cereal.

5. “I Can’t Believe I Ate the Whole Thing”

Another Alka-Seltzer gem, this 1972 ad featured a man groaning after overindulging at dinner, lamenting, “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing.” His wife, with the patience of a saint, suggested Alka-Seltzer. This phrase became shorthand for eating way too much and regretting every delicious bite. It’s also proof that Boomers were already perfecting the art of complaining long before Yelp was a thing.

6. “Please Don’t Squeeze the Charmin”

In the 1960s and 70s, Charmin toilet paper ads featured Mr. Whipple, a grocery store manager who just couldn’t stop customers from squeezing the soft, cushy rolls. The phrase “Please don’t squeeze the Charmin” became iconic, even if no one quite understood why squeezing was such a big deal. Boomers may have outgrown their fascination with toilet paper, but Mr. Whipple’s warning still echoes in their minds.

7. “How Many Licks Does it Take to Get to the Center of a Tootsie Pop?”

A wise owl, a determined child, and the eternal question: How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? This 1970s ad left Boomers pondering the mysteries of life, or at least the mysteries of candy. Spoiler alert: the owl always took a bite after three licks, but the question lives on, making Boomers nostalgic whenever they see a Tootsie Pop wrapper.

8. “Takes a Licking and Keeps on Ticking”

Timex watches became synonymous with durability thanks to their 1950s ad campaign. Whether they were dropped from a building or strapped to a boat propeller, these watches kept on ticking. The slogan “Takes a licking and keeps on ticking” reassured Boomers that their timepieces were tougher than anything life could throw at them. Some Boomers still wear their Timex watches, confident they could survive a nuclear blast.

9. “A Diamond is Forever”

De Beers’ 1947 slogan has been whispering in ears for decades, convincing Boomers that love and diamonds are eternal. This commercial helped cement the idea that an engagement isn’t official until there’s a shiny rock involved. Boomers might forget where they put their keys, but the idea that “a diamond is forever” is something they’ve never misplaced.

10. “Winston Tastes Good Like a Cigarette Should”

Back when cigarette ads were still a thing, Winston’s jingle was everywhere. This catchy tune from the 1950s and 60s promised smokers that Winston tasted as good as it should. Of course, the idea of cigarette commercials seems bizarre today, but Boomers can still hum this jingle, even if they quit smoking decades ago.

11. “You Deserve a Break Today”

McDonald’s 1971 jingle convinced Boomers that they truly deserved a break—preferably one that involved a Big Mac and fries. This was more than just a commercial; it was a validation of the fast-food lifestyle. Even now, Boomers might find themselves humming this tune when they’re in need of a little comfort food and a break from the daily grind.

12. “Don’t Leave Home Without It”

American Express’s 1975 slogan wasn’t just about credit cards; it was about safety, security, and the idea that you could handle anything as long as you had your Amex card. Boomers were sold on the idea that this little piece of plastic was essential for any adventure, big or small. The phrase has since become a catch-all reminder for anything important—wallets, phones, or even common sense.

13. “Reach Out and Touch Someone”

AT&T’s 1980s campaign encouraged people to pick up the phone and make a call, reinforcing the idea that long-distance was worth the cost. This phrase resonated with Boomers who were living far from family or friends, making it a reminder of the power of connection. Nowadays, texting has replaced calling, but the sentiment behind “Reach out and touch someone” still rings true.

14. “Have it Your Way”

Burger King’s 1974 jingle promised fast food freedom: you could have your burger exactly how you wanted it, no compromises. This was a revolutionary idea in the land of pre-made patties, and Boomers loved it. Even today, they might find themselves singing “Hold the pickles, hold the lettuce” when customizing an order, whether it’s at a fast-food joint or at home.

15. “Be All That You Can Be”

The U.S. Army’s recruitment ad from the 1980s encouraged Boomers to strive for greatness, whether in the military or in civilian life. The slogan “Be all that you can be” wasn’t just about enlisting; it was about pushing yourself to reach your full potential. This phrase has motivated Boomers through careers, hobbies, and personal challenges, and it remains a powerful call to action.

16. “Snap! Crackle! Pop!”

Rice Krispies’ iconic sound effects became an unforgettable trio of words thanks to the 1930s commercial. The little noises made by the cereal as milk was poured over it were turned into a fun, memorable jingle that has stuck with Boomers for generations. Even now, the sound of cereal hitting a bowl can bring back memories of childhood breakfasts, when life was simple, and cereal was magical.

Like our content? Be sure to follow us!