The Story of Duracell’s Puttermans Is CREEPIER Than You Thought

[TMC]

Step back into the 90s, an era when TV commercials were as memorable as the shows they interrupted. We had the Budweiser frogs, the Taco Bell chihuahua, and the iconic “Got Milk?” ads. But among these, there was one commercial that many of us might wish we could forget—the unnervingly creepy Putterman family from Duracell’s controversial ad campaign. With their oversized heads, prosthetic features, and darkly humorous “deaths” when their batteries ran out, the Puttermans left a mark on anyone who saw them.

In this video, we' 'll dive into the bizarre world of the Puttermans, exploring how this $50 million ad campaign, masterminded by Ogilvy & Mather agency and brought to life by special effects guru Steve Johnson, became one of the most famous in TV history. We’ll also take a look at how Duracell’s attempt to rival the wildly successful Energizer Bunny led to the creation of these unforgettable characters and the eventual fallout from the campaign. So, if you remember the Puttermans or are just curious about this strange piece of 90s pop culture, stick around for a deep dive into one of the most unsettling ad campaigns ever created.