Thinking about TV pitchmen like Billy Mays

Billy MaysThe news over the weekend that Billy Mays died at 50 from heart disease got me to thinking more about his role in the entertainment universe than I ever had before. Although he was a McKees Rocks native, I wasn't aware of him until late last year, in part because I rarely see commercials on TV anymore. And I'm not alone.

With DVRs in more than 30 percent of homes nationwide, we've become a nation of fast-forwarders. Viewers simply are not watching 30-second commercials in as large numbers.

I hadn't seen Mays much and never had reason to see bio information on him until Discovery Channel premiered "Pitchmen" earlier this year. Discovery Channel will air a marathon of previously-scheduled "Pitchmen" episodes today from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. in tribute to Mays. The show's first-season finale will air at 10 tonight. No decision has been made about the show's future, but Mays will live on in commercials, even if some are taking a brief break while Mays is mourned.

Clearly Mays had a following but I bet many of his fans were not using DVRs. As more homes gain DVRs, what will become of TV pitchmen? Will it turn out that Mays was one of the last of his kind? If so, what does that mean for our culture, if anything?

DVR users who no longer avail themselves of 30-second spots have seemingly tired of the form. And yet... there's something comforting to know commercials are there even if I'm not watching them. I've never been a fan of Mays' direct-response-style advertising ("Operators are standing by now!") but even so, it's a longtime part of American TV culture. And, as with so many other aspects of the media, these pitchmen are starting to look like dinosaurs.

Do you use a DVR? Do you watch commercials anymore voluntarily? Sign in (or register to sign in) and post your thoughts on the future of TV pitchmen below.

Posted Jul 01 2009, 01:35 AM by Rob Owen
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Comments

Pittbull wrote re: Thinking about TV pitchmen like Billy Mays
on Wed, Jul 1 2009 7:35 AM

Being from the Rox myself, I admired Billy Mays because he was the absolute best pitchman on TV. He could move a product better than anyone else.

That said, I barely watch commercials because of TiVo.  I'm always fast forwarding through them, though I have taught myself to pay close attention to the screen as I do so.  Sometimes I have to go back to see if I missed something, like a new series being promoted, so that I can program it in my TiVo.

Of course those that I miss, I rely on you, Rob, to keep me informed of any upcoming potentially good TV series to record.  Thanks again for all the programming information you share with your readers.

Miranda wrote re: Thinking about TV pitchmen like Billy Mays
on Wed, Jul 1 2009 11:55 AM

I was shocked and devastated when I heard that Billy Mays died. In my opinion, he was the best pitchman ever on TV. My answer to your questions are that I don't have a DVR and I do watch commercials voluntarily.

John L wrote re: Thinking about TV pitchmen like Billy Mays
on Wed, Jul 1 2009 1:58 PM

One ironic thing I noticed late Tuesday night on the Discovery Channel was when their ad for the Billy Mays tribute "Pitchmen" marathon was followed by a Creepy Vince ad hawking the SlapChop. The unfortunate timing struck me as being in poor taste.

Billy first came to my attention a few years ago, not in 30 second spots, but in full 30 minute infomercials. I must say that I don't recall ever seeing his "Pitchmen" partner, Sully, on TV outside of the show.

I use my DVR only to record shows while I'm watching something else on another channel, so I see most of the commercials as they air.

The one thing I've always wanted to know about Billy is what they did to prepare his hair and beard. That solid, monotone black, certainly was not something that occurred in nature, not to mention the fact that the hair never moved.

My condolences to his family, friends and fans.