Buzz
The year 1984 was iconic: Ghostbusters dominated cinemas, and Prince's music topped the charts. It was also the year the Federal Communication Commission (FCC), under President Ronald Reagan, lifted restrictions on long-form TV ads, paving the way for the infomercial revolution.
Shark Tank star Kevin Harrington, often called the “Father of the Infomercial,” saw the potential of using extended ads to fill unused airtime. By 1985, his infomercials had become a staple of American television.
The 1990s and 2000s saw infomercials explode in popularity, with their hosts becoming as famous as the products they promoted. Billy Mays rose to fame with OxiClean, George Foreman became synonymous with his grills, and Vince’s Slap Chop ads left an unforgettable mark.
Today, infomercials still champion the “As seen on TV” mantra, but these ten stand out as the most iconic in history.
10. Thighmaster
Suzanne Somers, famed for her role in Three’s Company, revitalized her career by teaming up with the creators of Thighmaster. Launched in 1990, this straightforward fitness device, designed to be squeezed between the knees, became a sensation. Thanks to Somers and a string of unforgettable infomercials, Thighmaster became a must-have item in the 1990s.
The infomercials featured Somers, dressed in a leotard, enthusiastically showcasing the product. Combined with heartfelt testimonials and a credible doctor’s endorsement, Thighmaster quickly gained widespread popularity.
Today, Somers fully owns Thighmaster, a decision that has paid off handsomely. Initially priced at $19.95, it now sells for $79.99. To date, Thighmaster has generated over $100,000,000 in revenue.
Somers attributes her enduring success in the infomercial world to a simple principle: “Always be honest. The audience is intelligent and can detect dishonesty.”
9. Sweatin’ to the Oldies
Fitness and wellness products have long been a staple of infomercials, with countless late-night ads promoting quick-fix solutions. Yet, few have left as lasting an impression as Richard Simmons and his iconic ’80s aerobics series, Sweatin’ to the Oldies.
The concept was straightforward: Simmons led a dance-aerobics program set to classic tunes. The infomercials showcased everyday people energetically dancing in a vibrant, balloon-filled room, accompanied by a live band.
With his trademark afro, colorful shorts, and infectious enthusiasm, Simmons built a fitness empire that thrived until his studio closed in 2016. The series generated over $200,000,000 and is now accessible on “Fuse Sweat,” a branch of Fuse TV.
Simmons once said, “I’m thrilled that my pioneering fitness series, Sweatin’ to the Oldies, remains so beloved and impactful. I hope new generations will continue to enjoy these timeless workouts.”
It’s the ultimate gift that never stops giving.
8. Snuggie
The most iconic products often arise from the simplest ideas. Take the Snuggie: a blanket with sleeves! The Snuggie’s website proudly declares, “There’s only one Snuggie!” While similar products have existed, none have matched the Snuggie’s unparalleled success.
This success can be attributed to a series of hilariously memorable infomercials that debuted in 2008. These ads echoed the charm of old-school infomercials, complete with awkward acting, monotone narration, and an abundance of cheerful smiles.
The Snuggie remains a cultural phenomenon, with over 20 million units sold and $400,000,000 in revenue. Despite solving a problem many didn’t realize they had, its popularity endures. Even Scott Boilen, the Snuggie’s creator, is baffled: “If I understood why the Snuggie took off, we’d have a dozen similar hits. It just resonated with people at the perfect moment.”
7. Ped Egg
When it comes to solving niche problems, the Ped Egg stands out as a revolutionary tool—essentially a cheese grater for your feet. While it might seem like a minor issue, the over 40 million units sold prove otherwise.
The Ped Egg is TeleBrands’ most successful product to date. Its marketing strategy relied heavily on infomercials that debuted in 2009. These ads, though somewhat unsettling, featured people scraping dead skin while a voiceover insisted, “Don’t wear stylish shoes with unattractive feet!”
The commercials captivated audiences, driving direct sales and, more importantly, catching the attention of major retailers. The ads not only educated consumers but also convinced stores to stock the product.
The Ped Egg didn’t need flashy appeal to succeed. Priced at $10, it generated nearly $450,000,000 during its TV campaign and remains the top product in its category.
6. Total Gym
Fitness products instantly gain credibility when Chuck Norris endorses them. The Total Gym, a versatile full-body workout machine, was first conceptualized by CEO Tom Campanaro in 1974.
Over the years, the Total Gym earned recognition, with Consumer Reports highlighting it as “ideal for torso training.” In 1996, Campanaro partnered with American Telecast Products (ATP) to create the first Total Gym infomercial, featuring none other than Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley to boost its appeal.
The QVC infomercials for Total Gym were a mix of inspiration and awkwardness. While the product appeared to be a legitimate fitness solution, the over-the-top presentation sometimes overshadowed its effectiveness.
Despite the cringe, the Norris-Brinkley duo proved effective. The Total Gym remains a fitness industry staple, with ads broadcast in 85 countries and over four million units sold, generating more than one billion dollars in revenue.
5. Showtime Rotisserie
If there were a Mount Rushmore for infomercial legends, Ron Popeil would undoubtedly earn a spot. Popeil founded Ronco in 1964, introducing iconic products like the Pocket Fisherman and Ronco Spray Gun.
In 1998, Popeil unveiled the Showtime Rotisserie and Barbecue, a game-changer for Ronco. The infomercials featured Popeil’s charismatic demonstrations, where he cooked chicken while an enthusiastic co-host exclaimed, “That’s unbelievable!”
These ads popularized Popeil’s famous catchphrase, “Set it and forget it!” The Showtime Rotisserie’s success was undeniable, generating $1.2 billion in sales. In 2005, Popeil sold Ronco for $55,000,000, spending his final 16 years as an immensely wealthy man until his passing in 2021.
Though Ron Popeil is no longer with us, aspiring grill masters can still purchase the Showtime Rotisserie on the Ronco website.
4. Bowflex
Bowflex has been a fitness industry staple since its debut in 1986, maintaining its relevance despite market changes. Legal hurdles delayed its widespread marketing until 1996, the same year Total Gym entered the scene, sparking direct competition.
Bowflex revolutionized home gyms with its pulley system and tension rods, offering a lightweight, space-saving alternative to traditional weights.
Early Bowflex infomercials were a mix of aspirational visuals and practical demonstrations. The ads opened with chiseled physiques, followed by testimonials from everyday users, scientific endorsements, and fitness models showcasing the product.
Bowflex earns its spot here not for total sales but for its consistent annual revenue. With over 2.5 million units sold, the company generates around $194,000,000 yearly—proving it’s more than just a fancy clothes rack!
3. Proactiv
This list proves that predicting which products will captivate the public is nearly impossible. Who would have thought a skincare product would become the most successful infomercial of all time?
Proactiv was created by dermatologists Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields in 1990. By 1995, they partnered with Guthy-Renker, a leading infomercial company, paving the way for celebrity endorsements that propelled Proactiv to fame.
In 1999, Judith Light of Who’s the Boss became the first celebrity to endorse Proactiv. Since then, stars like Alicia Keys, Julianne Hough, Kendall Jenner, Jessica Simpson, Adam Levine, and Justin Bieber have all appeared in Proactiv ads.
How did Proactiv attract such high-profile endorsements? Simple: they had the budget. In 2014, Proactiv’s annual revenue hit one billion dollars, and in 2021, 26 years after its launch, it earned $27.5 million in sales. As long as celebrities and acne exist, Proactiv will remain the undisputed king of infomercials.
2. P90X
P90X stands out as a titan in the fitness infomercial world. Created by trainer Tony Horton, it followed his 2001 program, Power 90. Launched in 2005, P90X was backed by an aggressive and inescapable TV ad campaign.
P90X broke the mold of traditional fitness infomercials with its edgy, high-energy vibe. Tony Horton, a fit 53-year-old, passionately promised viewers they could get “absolutely ripped in 90 days!” The ads were polished, featuring testimonials, interviews with Horton, and dynamic group workout sessions.
While P90X is known for its intensity, Horton insists it’s for everyone. He told Business Insider, “Our audience spans all ages—from teens to seniors, men and women, athletes, professionals, and even government officials.”
The program was a massive hit. By 2012, Beachbody sold over 4 million copies at $119.85 each. Horton and Beachbody later released two sequels, and P90X continues to generate an estimated $400,000,000 annually, securing its place as the second most successful infomercial of all time.
1. George Foreman Grill
Contrary to popular belief, the George Foreman Grill wasn’t invented by the boxing legend. It was created by Michael Boehm, an employee of Tsann Kuen, a Chinese home electronics company.
Boehm designed an early version of the grill but struggled to market it. In 1994, George Foreman was approached to endorse the product. Surprisingly, it was Foreman’s wife who fell in love with the grill and convinced him to take the deal.
By 1995, Foreman was on TV promoting his “Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine.” On paper, a retired boxer selling small grills seemed unlikely to succeed, but it worked. Foreman’s charm and quick burger demonstrations, paired with an enthusiastic co-host, won over audiences.
The George Foreman Grill has sold over 100 million units, generating an impressive $202,000,000 in annual revenue. It was such a hit that Foreman proudly put his name on it!
