Classic 'As Seen on TV' Products You Probably Bought Late at Night

Late-night television has long been a gateway to impulse buys and quirky gadgets that promise to revolutionize our lives. Those "As Seen on TV" infomercials featured clever marketing ploys to lure viewers in with catchy jingles, enthusiastic demonstrations, and irresistible claims of convenience and efficiency. From the early days of the infomercial as far back as the widespread dominance of QVC in the 2000s, some of these products have since become household names. 

Here are eight such products that had us in a chokehold thanks to their persuasive advertising and, perhaps, a tad of curiosity on our part. 

The ShamWow, introduced in 2007, was marketed as a super-absorbent cleaning cloth that could soak up any spill with ease. The infomercials, which featured the energetic pitchman Vince Offer, demonstrated its miraculous ability to absorb multiple times its weight in liquid. 

The ShamWow's catchy name and effective demonstrations made it a household staple as droves of consumers flocked to buy the miraculous item that promised to replace paper towels for good (though whether it delivered on that promise is questionable). 

Its popularity was also further boosted by Vince's memorable tagline, "You'll be saying 'wow' every time!" What a time to be alive. 

Related: The Craziest Marketing Stunts of All Time

The Snuggie, known as the blanket with sleeves, became a cultural phenomenon beginning in 2008. (I hate to admit this but I absolutely LOVED my Snuggie). Its commercials showed people comfortably wrapped in these fleece blankets while performing everyday tasks. The simplicity and humor of the ads, combined with the product's plushy and comfy texture, made the Snuggie a must-have item. 

It quickly became a popular gift, and even inspired parodies and themed versions featuring popular TV shows, movies, sports teams, and other quirky shapes. 

Introduced in 1994, the George Foreman Grill was advertised as a "lean, mean, fat-reducing" grilling machine. The product's appeal was centered in its ability to cook delicious, healthy meals quickly, with fat draining away into a separate tray. A celebrity endorsement by former boxing champion George Foreman added to its credibility and appeal. The product went on to sell millions of units worldwide.

It eventually became hugely popular in households across America, especially among college students and busy professionals.

Related: Celebrities With Brands That Cater to the Common Folk

OxiClean, advertised as a "versatile stain remover," gained fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Its infomercials, hosted by the charismatic Billy Mays (who passed away in 2009), showcased its powerful cleaning capabilities on various surfaces, including tough stains on carpets, clothing, and upholstery. The product's effectiveness and Mays' enthusiastic demonstrations convinced many viewers to give it a try. 

Over the years, OxiClean became synonymous with tough stain removal — and remains a popular cleaning product to this day.

Related: 9 Things You Should Absolutely Never Put in the Washing Machine

The PedEgg, a foot care tool that promised to gently removed calluses and dead skin, hit the market in the mid-2000s. Its infomercials highlighted its ease of use and impressive results by showcasing smooth, baby-soft feet after just a few uses. The egg-shaped design made it easy to handle and store, and its affordability made it a hit among those seeking at-home pedicure solutions that actually worked. 

The PedEgg's success was a testament to the power of clever marketing and practical design. It went on to sell over 50 million units since its release in 2007. 

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Crunchmaster, a brand of crispy, gluten-free snacks, became popular in the late 1990s. The company's TV commercials, which featured the snacks being enjoyed at wholesome family gatherings and by active individuals, sought to target health-conscious consumers. The brand's success was also driven by its commitment to quality and the growing demand for gluten-free options. 

Today, Crunchmaster snacks are still a favorite for their taste and nutritional value, often found in lunchboxes and snack cabinets.

Related: 40 Low-Carb Snacks from Trader Joe's You'll Actually Enjoy

The Slap Chop, another product pitched by Vince Offer, was introduced in the early 2000s. This hand-powered chopper promised to make food preparation quick and easy, with just a few slaps to chop all kinds of ingredients finely (or to the desired size). The TV commercial's catchy phrase, "You're gonna love my nuts," and Vince's energetic presentation made it a memorable product in a saturated market. 

The Slap Chop went on to become a popular kitchen gadget that's known for its convenience and fun design. Since then, many similar products have also emerged. 

Related: 24 Kitchen Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed

The Magic Bullet, a compact blender, debuted in the early 2000s and quickly became a household name. The brand's TV commercials, which highlighted its power and versatility in making everything from smoothies and juices to salsa and even soups, emphasized its speed and convenience. The demonstrations often featured a lively group of friends enjoying the blender's creations, adding to its ease and appeal. 

The Magic Bullet's success lay in its ability to simplify meal preparation, making it a favorite among busy families and health enthusiasts.