Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly

Gold, Silver & Spinach: TV Shows As Marketing

7 snips
Aug 9, 2025
In this insightful discussion, the power of television as a marketing tool is unveiled. It explores how beloved characters like Popeye not only entertain but also boost sales, particularly for spinach. There's a dive into The Love Boat’s impact on the cruise industry and how shows like Pawn Stars redefined Las Vegas tourism. The transformative effect of Netflix's 'Drive to Survive' on Formula 1 is highlighted, showcasing its role in reshaping audience engagement and marketing strategies in today's ad-free environment.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Popeye's Spinach Sales Surge

  • E.C. Seegar picked spinach for Popeye because a 1870 decimal error exaggerated iron content.
  • TV cartoons turned Popeye into a cultural force and spinach consumption jumped 30%.
INSIGHT

Brands Leap Into Storylines

  • With ad-skipping rising, advertisers embed brands inside show narratives to reach viewers.
  • These TV shows serve as powerful marketing vehicles beyond commercial breaks.
ANECDOTE

Disney Funded Disneyland With TV

  • Walt Disney used his weekly TV program to promote Disneyland and attract sponsors.
  • The show's profits helped fund construction of Walt's theme park.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app