How to Kill a Good Thing: Geico Caveman

Phantom Mon, Mar 12, 2007 at 04:30 PM EST

Or what about those two rats that Quiznos had in their commercials for awhile? They'd make a good sitcom.

How is that for like the worst idea ever - using rats to promote your restaurant!!! What idiot advertising team looked at that and thought, "Hey, that's just what people want to think about when they are eating - RATS!!!"

Phantom Mon, Mar 12, 2007 at 04:26 PM EST

Travesty. Travesty. Travesty. The only member of the Geico team that should be getting a sitcom is the Gecko. That little green limey is freaking funny, dude. Maybe they can pitch him to the BBC...

Them Duke Boyz Wed, Mar 7, 2007 at 07:07 PM EST

There was another "commercial-to-sitcom" in the pipe, about a pair of godd ol boys and their hot, shorts-wearing cousin stayin' one step ahead of the law - driving a car completely covered in brown paper!

"The Dukes Of Enterprise" was about to get the pilot green-lighted, but then that horrible tornado hit Alabama...oh well...

Wait a minute...isn't Fox doing something similar? "Drive"?...oh, wait...that's a take on "Cannonball Run", isn't it?

Never mind...

Stephanie Mon, Mar 5, 2007 at 12:30 PM EST

The Taco Bell Chiuahuah, the gecko, and the Aflack Duck share an apartment. Title: "Yo no quiero insurance" The Gecko is now voice by Vinnie Jones and the catch phrase would be "Bloddy hell! Would someone shut the @#?!! Duck up!"

Jamie Mon, Mar 5, 2007 at 12:47 AM EST

Didn't "Encino Man" tank? When will the network execs realize that we DON'T LIKE CAVEMEN!!! Duh...You won't find me watching it...of course the only good thing ABC has going for it is Grey's Anatomy, so...

Rose Sun, Mar 4, 2007 at 06:02 PM EST

If you're going to make a sitcom out of a Geico commericial how about one starring Little Richard and that woman whose car accident did't ruin her Thanksgiving? "Mashed potatoes! Gravy! Cranberry sauce! Whooooo!"

Stephanie Travitsky Sun, Mar 4, 2007 at 03:50 PM EST

*Sigh* Pink Lady, Emril, The Mommies, Max Hedroom,Baby Bob, do we see a pattern here? Look, I think that the Cavemen are hiliarious. The Crossfire spoofs are the best but a show would pop faster than a saftey pin to a balloon.

Nancy Walker Sat, Mar 3, 2007 at 06:52 PM EST

Yes Ken, I certainly remember that show. Looking back-oh how lame!

Ken Sat, Mar 3, 2007 at 12:51 PM EST

Ever hear about 1966's It's About Time? This is not an original idea?

kcholt68 Sat, Mar 3, 2007 at 12:48 PM EST

This should be a "Things That Make Me Die Inside" ...

Chad Sat, Mar 3, 2007 at 03:43 AM EST

Come on...am I the only one that think the main caveguy looks like val kilmer in make up?

mimi Sat, Mar 3, 2007 at 01:31 AM EST

No way should the Geico caveman become a sitcom. They are only good for 30 seconds-just like my husband.

JimCooper Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 08:22 PM EST

Hmm...

A tv show based on an ad? I'd love to see the Clydesdales 'racing' with Dale Earnhart, Jr or UPS with Dale Jarrett attemping to 'race the truck' at NASCAR.
Now, I'm going to date myself, but I believe there was a show on CBS in the 60s called 'It's about Time' about 2 astronauts going back to the days of cavemen. Sorry, but that show was as REALISTIC as 'Gilligan Island' (I mean if you were stuck on an island with MaryAnn and Ginger...wouldn't the population of the island be more then 7 after all those years?)
I like the idea about the budwieser frogs. Some of the 'customers' could be the Gieco gecko, the lunesta butterfly, the Budweiser Clydesdales and two Taco Bell animals -- the chihuahua and the lions, along with the monkeys from Monster.com.

JimC

Vivi Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 07:34 PM EST

The majority of folks that claim they are not fond of the Geico's Cavemen commercials are just people that do not have a sense of humor. Those commercials are brilliant. Dry, sarcastic sense of humor. That's how I roll. And no, they are not making fun or even coming close to making fun of minorities. I mean, seriously? Must everything be taken so damn serious?
Anywho, TV show? Bad idea. Just let it be as a 22 second ad. Let it be.

Mozz Mendez Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 03:51 PM EST

actually, to tell you the truth, this would not have been a bad idea, Third Rock Style, if they had done it before the commercials peaked, but now they seem so dated, and they have run the joke into the ground.

t3hdow Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 03:51 PM EST

The Geico commericals are always witty - sans the celebrities interpreting what actual people say - but I doubt if I could stomach an entire sitcom with the premise. It's better in small doses.

And cinephile, what's your condescending message supposed to mean? I'll give you the Mel Gibson comment, but Studio 60 IS a bore. And it's not EW attacking S60 and Sorkin, but most of the EW readers as well.

cranky Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 03:46 PM EST

Ohhhhh noooo......what a horrible horrible idea. What's next, Subway's Jared on a "24"-style show about one man's quest to fend off the horrors of trans fats? "Chloe, this is Jared. I need you to upload a satellite map detailing every move this sonofab*ich McRib has made since yesterday. If we don't stop him, he'll clog the arteries of every...BOMB! BOMB IN THE FRY MACHINE!" (kablooie!)

Anony Mouse Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 03:12 PM EST

I think the cavemen are waaaay better than the gecko. I can't stand the gecko with his pretentious British accent. Since when does a British accent make lame talking geckos acceptable? The cavemen are a bit more subversive and have the underlying barb of stereotypes on race and social standing. I agree with some of the other posters -- if done right, it COULD be interesting.

jack Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 02:10 PM EST

I guess I'm in the minority, but I'll give it a chance, I love the commercials (although, never noticed what they were selling, so it's insurance). If they can get some quality writers, it just might be a lot of fun.

Ken Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 02:03 PM EST

Guys, you are supposed to save this stuff for April 1st...

Juju Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 01:48 PM EST

This nightmare should never be voiced as an idea for a show. No way No how!Blah!!

furry_tom Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 01:37 PM EST

Really? I was imagining as more of a Heroes meets Watchmen kind of thing. I'm sure we could get Joel Surnow to produce, he'd love to take on those dirty Commies.

Ep Sato Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 01:29 PM EST

Oh, that's a fun one. They could have Jane Fonda play a grown up Daisy, and she could organize all the workers in the sweatshops like Norma Rae. The "comedy" element would come from her precocious daughter (Daisy grew up to become a single mom).

furry_tom Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 01:16 PM EST

Yeah, the chameleon tried to bump off the frogs for a while, but then I think they gave up on that idea.

furry_tom Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 01:13 PM EST

"The Flower Girl"- In 1964, after a nuclear explosion gives her super powers, Daisy travels to Vietnam to fight the spread of Communism.

Ep Sato Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 01:05 PM EST

Yoo, i love it! They sort of attempted to make a series based on that character called "the Highwayman" starring my favorite camp actor Sam J. Jones. Still a return of Ossie Oi'd be cool with me as I liked those ads.

Furry_tom, of all the parody ideas thrown out (mine included), yours takes the cake! The Budweiser frogs could do a "cheers"-like show, and the ferret could play a norm inspired character. Didn't they also have a chameleon? He could be the underage drinker who never gets into the bar...

furry_tom Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 12:58 PM EST

I should point out that this isn't a new phenomena. Remember the California Raisins?

cinephile Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 12:53 PM EST

I think it tells you everything you need to know about EW and Popwatch that they'll wrench their backs looking for yet another way to ad hominem attack Aaron Sorkin and Studio 60 whenever possible, but think the Geico caveman ads are "wry," "a good thing," and an "unexpected delight." I mean, what's next-- putting Mel Gibson on your cover? Oh, wait...

dma69 Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 12:50 PM EST

The first Geico Cavemen commercials were funny, but now they're getting long in the tooth. You just wish someone would slap them upside the head and tell them to get a sense of humor.

They also need to get rid of the ads that feature Geico customers telling the Geico stories and "celebrities" interpreting them.

Keep the gecko. He's cool.

furry_tom Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 12:49 PM EST

"Mrs. Fletcher"- Action and adventure follow Mrs. Fletcher as every week she falls down/into something and can't get up.

Jennifer Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 12:48 PM EST

I love the commercials but I think a tv show will ruin it.

sweetmamajr Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 12:47 PM EST

Am I alone? I love the Geico caveman commercials! Done right the show could be gd hilarious!

furry_tom Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 12:43 PM EST

"The Pad" - Three kooky frogs (Bud, Weis and Er) fulfill their lifelong dream by opening up a bar in their neighborhood swamp and serving cool, refreshing Bud Light to a cast of wacky but lovable characters.

Tiki Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 12:31 PM EST

There seems to be a consensus in this comments section that the Cavemen commercials are far from "a good thing" or a "delight." (Try "the worst thing ever.") Those Cavemen are the reason why we fast forward through commercials.

Lee Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 12:24 PM EST

Gah! I hate the Caveman commercials! I keep hoping one of them will get mauled by a sabertooth tiger.

aa Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 12:22 PM EST

how come this idea isn't under things that make me die inside?

Brandon Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 12:17 PM EST

No. No. No.

Just no.

Yoo Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 11:59 AM EST

to Ep Sato: Could we bring back the Aussie "Oi!" guy from the Energizer commercials? He was in a non-related series for NBC, late 80's methinks.

Seriously, the correct answer is A) great for a 15- or 30-second commercial.

ATL Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 11:44 AM EST

These guys give me the heebie-geebies.

Ep Sato Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 11:38 AM EST

continuing yesterday's discussion in the Adult Swim thing about potheads, it's clear that you can be stoner and work as a show developer for ABC. Because I can only imagine someone on drugs thinking the dudes who are only slightly funnier than Lefty (the one armed rabbit) or the WASSSUUUP guys deserve their own show.

brandonk Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 11:35 AM EST

The only ad character that I consistenly enjoy is Jack from Jack in the Box. I still wouldn't want to watch a TV series about him, though.

brandonk Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 11:33 AM EST

The Geico commercials work? That's news to me right there. I thought they were sophomoric and grating.

Mozz Mendez Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 11:27 AM EST

That's just fracking great. Like there isn't enough commercials as it is, now the entire show will be a commercial. Thank the gods for HBO.

Ep Sato Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 11:16 AM EST

I'm hoping the Ranch Tooth and the hot Doritos girl who does the splits in the laundrymat get their own shows. And while they are at it, morris the finicky cat, the energizer bunny and all of tv's other one note joke ads should get their own shows too...

Me Myself I Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 11:16 AM EST

I laugh at those commercials but they kind or squick me out, because they seem to come THIS CLOSE to making fun of minorities. So I don't know about a whole half hour at that level of uncomfortable, ya know? Maybe it's just me.

Manda Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 11:06 AM EST

The caveman is by far the worst idea Geico's advertising agency has come up with. Frankly, I'm astonished they're still airing. Now, a Geico gecko series - *that* I could get behind!

muchacho Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 11:05 AM EST

What are you people talking about?!? This has the possibility of being the funniest thing on television if it's handled right!! I know that there are MANY ways that it could go wrong, there's no denying that, but there's a reason that people (obviously especially me)can't get enough of these cavemen. Both of these guys are hilarious and if there aresome smart people behind this (think Ricky Gervais or David Mirkin, even though I know they're both busy) this could be gold.

RayT Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 10:54 AM EST

The sad part is, this sitcom will get higher ratings than The Office.

furry_tom Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 10:53 AM EST

Everyone come up with their own commercial spin offs!
"Where's the Beef?" - Follows the wacky escapades of three quick-witted dowagers who run a sewing circle and solve mysteries in their spare time.

Ep Sato Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 10:50 AM EST

Dang, not only does the idea stink as a sitcom, but these fools are TOTALLY ripping off Grace Lee! American Zombie, which opens to the public this summer, is all about a neighborhood of zombies trying to "live" in modern day Los Angeles.

E Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 10:50 AM EST

Those guys make my flesh crawl--altho the song in the airport is funny

sands Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 10:48 AM EST

As my husband and I always say - there's no one stupider than a network executive! What a horrible idea.

Ed Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 10:47 AM EST

This is a bad bad bad idea.

I love the Cavemen as/is, please don't ruin a good thing.

Pria Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 10:47 AM EST

Oh heavens! I love the cute little commercials but there's no way on earth I'm watching 22 minutes of this foolishness.

Chazzbot Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 10:47 AM EST

Wait. Doesn't the dude who plays the Geico caveman already have a steady gig on "Heroes"? Does this mean Ted is going to be killed off?

NineDaves Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 10:42 AM EST

gosh mandi.. looks like someone got up on the wrong side of the rock.

Jim Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 10:40 AM EST

the only thing that could possibly be worse than this is a sitcom based on the mac commercials.

Wendi Fri, Mar 2, 2007 at 10:32 AM EST

If they are going to make a sitcom about cavemen, they should rip off Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer, not these commercials (which got old after the 2nd one).