Advertisers Under Siege Try Jokes About Ads — That Are Ads
- USA Network turns to `shameless' pitches during TV show
- Writer says product placement is a frustrating part of job
Executive producer Angie Day, TV personalities Donny Deutsch and Emily Tarver during the USA Networks 'donny!' panel discussion at the NBCUniversal portion of the 2015 Summer TCA Tour at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on August 12, 2015.
Photographer: Frederick M. Brown/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Moments before climbing into bed with supermodel Christie Brinkley, Donny Deutsch turns to the camera and tells viewers that a certain brand of vodka is perfect for the occasion.
The scene is from Deutsch’s new comedy series “Donny!” debuting next month on NBCUniversal’s USA Network. It’s the latest example of how TV shows, which have long avoided acknowledging product placement to their viewers, are becoming increasingly upfront about it, even turning it into a joke.