As seen on TV is a nameplate for products advertised on television in the United States for direct-response mail-order through a toll-free telephone number. Typically the packaging for these items includes a standardized red seal in the shape of a CRT television screen with the words "AS SEEN ON TV" in white, an intentional allusion to the logo of the ubiquitous TV Guide magazine. The pervasive presence of "as seen on TV" products is the subject for much comedy on TV, often exaggerating the typical pitches of "as seen on TV" products and using the now famous phrase "But Wait, There's More". One such example of mockery is the fictional "Spishak" company, a series of sketches on MADtv.
Prominent marketers of "as seen on TV" products include Time-Life, Space Bag, K-tel, Ronco, and Thane. There are also retail brick-and-mortar and online stores that specifically sell As Seen on TV products.[1]
As Seen On TV Products is a generic name attached to items that are advertised on television - either in 30 minute infomercial spots or during commercial breaks. These products can range from kitchen, household, automotive, cleaning, health, and beauty products, to exercise & fitness products, books, or to toys and games for children.
As Seen On TV Products then moved on to sell on the internet in the late 1990s. The marketing arm of "As seen on TV" then moved on to retail according to A.J. Khubani, CEO of Telebrands, who designed the logo.[2]
The red logo and phrase is now part of public domain and can be used on packaging or used in business without a fee or infringing on someone's trademark.[3]
Companies that produce generic versions of As Seen on TV products may use a modified version of the red logo, their version displaying "Like on TV" or "As Seen on TV in some countries". But this Logo can be registered in some counties like trademark.[4]
In Mexico the phrase "as seen on TV" is translated as "como lo vio en TV" (literally "as you saw it on TV")