The Infomercial That Wasn’t: Tom Cruise, Frank T.J. Mackey, and the “Seduce and Destroy” Marketing Stunt
In the golden age of infomercials, where late-night television was cluttered with shouty pitchmen, miracle gadgets, and dubious self-help gurus, one campaign stood out—not for selling a real product, but for not being real at all. In 1999, director Paul Thomas Anderson and megastar Tom Cruise pulled off one of the strangest and most brilliant guerrilla marketing stunts in movie history: […]
From Late-Night Infomercials to TikTok Millionaires: How the 90s DRTV Model Evolved into Today’s Influencer Economy
Today’s highest-paid influencers like Cristiano Ronaldo, MrBeast, and Charli D’Amelio are the modern-day infomercial stars—blending content, persuasion, and personality much like the DRTV legends of the 90s.
The Kardashians and Infomercials Through the Generations: Fame, Fortune & Direct Response TV
From Bruce Jenner’s Wheaties days to Kim Kardashian’s social commerce empire, the Kardashian family’s rise is deeply tied to infomercial culture. Here’s how each generation shaped and reflected the evolution of direct response media.
The Hidden Costs of Cord Cutting: Was It Really Worth It?
When cord-cutting first emerged as an alternative to traditional cable, it promised to be a cheaper and more flexible way to consume entertainment. No longer tied to expensive cable packages, consumers rejoiced in the freedom to choose what they wanted to watch and when they wanted to watch it. But over time, what seemed like […]
Whatever Happened to the 80s Infomercial Stars? Where Are They Now—and Are They Still Millionaires?
They ruled late-night TV with charm, enthusiasm, and unforgettable catchphrases. But what became of the iconic 80s infomercial stars? We track down the legends who sold us slicers, dicers, and miracle cures—and reveal if they’re still sitting on millions.
Midnight Miracles: How Late-Night Infomercials Captivated a Generation of Sleepless Shoppers
A Legacy That Lit Up the Night Long before binge-watching and mobile ads, there was the late-night infomercial—a genre that didn’t just sell products but sold hope, convenience, and the American dream one “easy payment” at a time. For a generation of night owls, shift workers, and TV loyalists, infomercials weren’t just background noise. They were […]
DRTV Industry Articles
The Infomercial That Flopped: Why the iGrow Hair Growth System Failed to Deliver
In the world of direct response television, few categories are more competitive—or more scrutinized—than hair loss…
From Cord Cutting to Subscription Fatigue: Why Viewers Are Canceling Streaming Services
Not long ago, cord cutting was the smart way to escape expensive cable TV. Fed up with bloated…
Proactiv: The Acne Solution That Became a Billion-Dollar Skincare Empire
In the world of direct-response marketing, few products have achieved the legendary success of Proactiv. More…
The Power of the Reel: How Short-Form Video is Revolutionizing Grassroots Influencer Marketing
Short-form video content has taken over the digital landscape — and with it, a new era…
Clap On, Clap Off: The Clapper Awakens
It was 1984—a year of big hair, synthpop, and even bigger ideas. Somewhere in a…
Pro Tips for Making Short-Form Commercials That Actually Convert
Short-form commercials—typically 15, 30, or 60 seconds—are the workhorses of modern direct response. They’re quick,…
What DRMetrix’s 2025 Projections Mean for the Future of Performance-Based Television
If you work in DRTV, you already know the rules are always changing. But thanks…
The Legacy of Response Magazine: Chronicling the Golden Era of Direct Response
Before there were algorithm-driven ad platforms, influencer dashboards, and pixel-based attribution models, there was something…
Buy Now, Pay Later: How Affirm, Klarna & PayPal Are Revolutionizing Direct Response Marketing
In the golden era of infomercials, one phrase consistently sealed the deal: “Three easy payments…
Scan to Convert: How QR Codes Reshaped TV and Direct Mail in a Post-COVID World
There was a time—not long ago—when QR codes were a punchline. A clunky tech fad…
From Midnight Madness to Multichannel Metrics: The Evolution of DRTV Advertising and Media Buying
The Birth of DRTV: When the Pitch Hit the Screen Direct Response Television took off…
From Infomercials to Influencers: How the Pitch Evolved, but the Psychology Stayed the Same
The Modern Influencer: A New Face for an Old Strategy Today’s marketing landscape is flooded…
Beyond the Vanity: Why Impressions Don’t Matter in Direct Response Marketing
I. The Trap of Vanity Metrics Let’s get something straight: impressions don’t equal impact. For…
AI and the Future of Infomercials: A New Era of Persuasion
Infomercials have come a long way since the days of Ron Popeil’s pocket fisherman and…
The Science of Cha-Ching: Revolutionizing Brand Marketing with Direct Response
Since 2002, I’ve been at the forefront of a marketing revolution that has transformed how…
Iconic Infomercial Products: 25 of the Most Memorable TV Pitchman Hits
When I think back to the golden age of infomercials, it’s impossible not to be…
The Lean Leg Machine: A 1998 Direct Response Success Story
Back in 1998, I had the opportunity to work on a direct response infomercial that…
Why Building an In-House Production Studio Is a Game-Changer for Your Business
As someone who’s been in the trenches of content creation for years, I’ve seen firsthand…
A Simple Guide to Direct Response TV and the Top Agencies You Should Know
Direct Response TV (DRTV) might not be as flashy as the latest social media trends,…
Direct Response Marketing for Seniors in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide
By 2027, over 19% of the U.S. population will be 65 or older – that’s…
The Rise of Cable Television and Its Impact on Infomercials
I had the privilege of witnessing the transformation of the direct response advertising industry during…
The Top 5 Infomercial Videos of All Time [Videos]
1️⃣ Billy Mays – OxiClean Billy Mays was the king of infomercials, and OxiClean was arguably his most…
The Best DRTV Agencies to Create Modern Infomercials in 2025
Introduction The landscape of direct response television (DRTV) has dramatically evolved from the late-night infomercials…
What is an Infomercial? The Complete Guide to Understanding Direct Response Television
Introduction In the world of television advertising, few formats are as distinctive and memorable as…
Remembering George Foreman: Boxing Legend and Infomercial Icon Passes at 76
A Champion in the Ring and on the Screen George Foreman, the two-time heavyweight champion…
Another Sign That Streaming is Taking Over
Subscription-based television services offered in the United States, which typically include cable, satellite are facing…
How to Find the Right Production Talent for Your Next Project
Finding trusted quality talent is more important than ever. The right people can make or…
How Ronald Reagan Birthed the Infomercial Era
When Ronald Reagan took office in 1981, his administration made the policy changes for commercial…
Long Form vs. Short Form: Choosing the Right Format
When it comes to direct response television (DRTV) advertising, one of the most critical decisions…
David Ogilvy and His Influence on Direct Response Marketing
David Ogilvy, famously known as the “Father of Advertising,” transformed the industry by blending creativity…
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