Do Geico Commercial Try too Hard to be Funny?

Blogger is still acting up and refusing to show my banner or blog titles for some reason unbeknownst to me, but I'll get it sorted out eventually.

If you can see the title for this post, it's clearly a rhetorical question. Just like Geico has decided would be funny to use for their TV spots. For example, the commercial asking, "Do the Walton's take too long to say goodnight?"




The problem with a commercial like this, aside from it being a sad attempt to be funny that pushes viewers away, is that it references a television show that ended 30 years ago. Now clearly it's been shown since in syndication, but still...it's a reference point that not many people care about. What if someone doesn't like the show? What if someone, like me, has never seen it, nor has any intention or desire to ever see it? You're banking on the popularity of an incredibly outdated show. They may be aiming to an older demographic, but I don't see how a reference to an ancient family drama has any effect over whether or not they'd want Geico's insurance. Clearly comedy isn't your thing, Geico, how about you stick to telling customers about your insurance being cheaper...at least that way you don't ruin your respectability with embarrassingly bad commercials.

-- Steve Creswick
Ad Doctor