Building commercials into the plot.

[jayn_j]

In one segment of Royal Pains' July 22 episode, Hank gives Evan a new car. It was a valid subplot of the show. However, the scene turned out to be an extended commercial for the Toyota Sienna. The talked about the satellite navigation, the XM radio, the leather seats, and showed the power doors and tailgate endlessly.

This goes way beyond simple product placement where the product is just there and being used casually. Hopefully, this is just a one-off and doesn't start happening too often.

 

[kstuart]

This was predicted in the terrific movie The Truman Show.

 

[bigjohn]

Hopefully, this is just a one-off and doesn't start happening too often.

Agreed. As long as it would normally be there, and is strictly in the background, it's OK. Exclusive make and/or model of car used. Maybe in a football show, a competitor to Gatorade outbids them to get their logo on-screen. Etc.

But even subtle advertising takes it too far, imho. Seeing "captain andy" incessantly drinking from his geico mug in Deadliest Catch was too much. Every time he raised it, I wanted to reach through the screen and smack it out of his hand.