13 Disastrous Attempts by Major Networks and Corporations at Comedy

Sadly, comedy has been continuously exploited for corporate greed. Commercials are notorious for it. How many awkward high fives have helped hawk products over the years? How many actors will proclaim “You’ll be shocked” in electric car commercials? We foresee many more of those in the near future. As you’ll see on this list, an even more egregious infraction is a successful ad campaign being given its own sitcom! They really thought that they could get season after season of material out of a 30 second concept, and we’re glad they learned the hard way.
We can just see those fat cats in their corner offices now… Plotting what they think are fresh and even quirky ways to capture an audience — without once caring about quality. Yes, it’s the entertainment “business.” We get it. But these failed attempts to line executive pockets were so glaring that they just feel greasy. We’re not ones to wish ill on a project (especially a comedy) but these shows peeled the corporate greed curtain a little too far back, and it’s just impossible to feel bad for them. Here are 13 disastrous comedic attempts by major networks and corporations.
30 minutes is a lot different than 30 seconds!

Disney–ABC Domestic Television
Remember how the Nazis and Jews just “didn’t get along”?

Hollywood Films
Get it?! Like, After ’M*A*S*H’!

20th Television
A rare instance of an ’80s toy-to-TV show that didn’t work.

Worldvision Enterprises
CBS made three attempts to capitalize on The California Raisins.

CBS
Forgotten Sitcoms

Debmar-Mercury
Hallmark and Mattel team up for a failed money-grab.

DIC Entertainment
George Foreman

Sony Pictures Television
Heather Graham

Sony Pictures Television
Hey, America! Look how advanced we are, technologically!

Casey-Werner
Ohhh, “unleashed.” We get it now, Animal Planet!

Animal Planet
Hey, kids! Remember that movie you definitely weren’t allowed to watch?!

DIC Entertainment
A show spawned from a commercial that involves a talking baby! Network TV!

CBS