Have you watched a show and suddenly you saw billboards on the screen? Well, pop culture media typically infuses advertisements because it’s culturally within our lifestyle. This includes out-of-home advertising, like billboards.

Outdoor advertising has a knack for sneaking into our favorite TV shows and movies, often adding a touch of realism or humor to the scenes. Let’s explore how some popular series and animated gems have playfully woven outdoor ads into their storylines:

Satirical Advertising in Superhero World: The Boys

The Boys turns outdoor advertising into a satirical battlefield. The show’s world is saturated with ads for superhero-branded products and services, serving as a commentary on consumerism. A prime example is the colossal billboard featuring A-Train endorsing Redbull, which commands the attention of every passerby. From these towering advertisements to subtly placed product placements, The Boys masterfully employs commercialism as a tool to show the power of media and the influence of corporate interests.

Legal Advertising in Pop Culture Media: Better Call Saul

Better Call Saul—the prequel to Breaking Bad— has a knack for blending quirky details with its legal drama. In this universe, Saul Goodman tries to become a professional attorney. He masks his true flamboyant personality in his outdoor advertising. This is to convince people he is the real deal and commands respect and credibility for his legal career. His billboard ads are memorable to the audience, showcasing his efforts in advertising to a wider audience and approach to attracting clients. These ads in pop culture media serve as a humorous yet poignant commentary on the desperation and length involved in legal marketing.

The Absurdity of Fame in Pop Culture: Bojack Horseman

BoJack Horseman masterfully employs dark humor and social satire to expose the absurdity of celebrity culture. The series often leverages outdoor advertising as a visual punchline, showcasing nonsensical or exaggerated endorsements that mirror the industry’s superficiality. A particularly poignant example is the billboard promoting BoJack’s film “Secretariat.” Designed as a mirror, it promises to transform viewers into the titular racehorse, but instead, it blinds them with glaring sunlight. This meta-commentary is a biting indictment of Hollywood’s obsession with image over substance.

Pop Culture Media Satirical Staple: The Simpsons

Also, the Simpsons has been integrating outdoor advertising into its episodes since day one. It uses billboards for fictional products like “Duff Beer” to humorous ads that poke fun at real-world products. As a result, the show’s use of outdoor advertising is both entertaining and critical. These ads often serve as a commentary on consumer culture, politics, and social issues, blending seamlessly into the show’s satirical universe.

Wrapping it Up

In short, outdoor advertising may often be overlooked, but it plays a significant role in pop culture media. From satirical critiques in The Boys and Bojack Horseman to the playful nods in the Simpsons and Better Call Saul, these references show how outdoor ads can reflect and amplify the themes of our favorite TV shows. Whether adding depth to a story or delivering a sharp punchline, outdoor advertising continues to find its place in the spotlight, both on-screen and in real life.

Image credits: Breaking Bad Fandom, Vulture, Simpsons Billboard Gags, Product Placement Blog