Dennis Miller, the longtime comedian, cultural commentator, and former Saturday Night Live standout, has worn many hats in his decades-long career. But in recent years, one of his more intriguing and entertaining ventures is the Fox Nation original series titled The Infomercials That Sold Us. This nostalgic docuseries—hosted and narrated by Miller—dives into the world of late-night pitches, miracle products, and marketing that helped shape American consumer culture.
In this article, we explore what The Infomercials That Sold Us is all about, the cultural relevance of the series, what makes Dennis Miller the perfect host, and why it continues to appeal to viewers across generations.
What Is The Infomercials That Sold Us?
The Infomercials That Sold Us is a three-part documentary series available exclusively on Fox Nation, the streaming platform launched by Fox News. Hosted by Dennis Miller, the series provides a humorous and insightful look into the most iconic infomercials that captured American attention—and wallets—over the past several decades.
Rather than mocking these products outright, Miller takes a balanced approach, blending cultural critique with appreciation for the marketing ingenuity and nostalgia that these segments evoke. The series is both entertaining and educational, offering background on the products, the salespeople behind them, and the changing media landscape that allowed infomercials to thrive.
Episode Breakdown: What to Expect
Each episode of The Infomercials That Sold Us focuses on a different theme or product category, offering viewers a mix of product clips, behind-the-scenes stories, and Dennis Miller’s commentary.
Episode 1: Gadgets, Gimmicks, and Genius
This episode explores household tools and gadgets that became cult classics. From the Ginsu knife to the George Foreman Grill, Miller highlights how simple ideas—backed by catchy slogans and dramatic demonstrations—created multi-million-dollar businesses.
Key takeaways:
- The role of television in turning unknown products into national phenomena
- The psychology of impulse buying during late-night hours
- Why some gimmicks became long-lasting consumer staples
Episode 2: Health, Fitness, and the Quest for the Perfect Body
Infomercials were instrumental in selling Americans the dream of better health and fitness, often with outrageous claims and before-and-after photos.
Featured products include:
- The ThighMaster, made famous by Suzanne Somers
- The Shake Weight, a viral sensation and cultural punchline
- Various weight-loss and exercise programs that promised fast results
Miller dissects how these ads played on insecurities and aspirations, using humor and pop-culture references to frame a larger discussion on body image and commercial promises.
Episode 3: Tech Toys and the Future That Never Came
The final episode delves into gadgets that promised to revolutionize everyday life—from early home computers to voice-activated assistants and quirky electronics that never quite lived up to the hype.
This episode captures:
- The allure of futuristic technology in consumer advertising
- The wide gap between promise and performance
- How infomercials tapped into Americans’ fascination with innovation
Throughout the series, Miller’s narration is sharp, layered, and intellectually engaging—drawing from history, sociology, and classic comedy to tell a bigger story than the products alone.
Why Dennis Miller is the Perfect Host
Dennis Miller’s role as host is not just a casting decision—it’s a strategic choice. With his blend of intelligence, sarcasm, and pop culture fluency, Miller brings credibility and entertainment value to a subject that could easily veer into superficial parody.
His Background Enhances the Show
- Comedy Credentials: From Saturday Night Live to HBO specials and stand-up tours, Miller’s decades of comedic experience give him the timing and tone needed for commentary-heavy content.
- Media Literacy: Having worked in television, radio, and writing, Miller understands how media influences public perception—making him uniquely qualified to evaluate the power of infomercials.
- Cultural Insight: His deep knowledge of American pop culture allows him to contextualize the infomercials beyond humor—positioning them within broader societal shifts in marketing, economics, and identity.
Miller isn’t just mocking infomercials—he’s interpreting them. His observations link the sales tactics of the past to today’s influencer-driven online economy.
The Cultural Significance of Infomercials
While easy to dismiss as dated or gimmicky, infomercials were a transformative force in advertising, television programming, and consumer psychology.
Origins and Evolution
Infomercials rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s, especially during off-peak viewing hours when networks sold blocks of time to product vendors. These long-form commercials, often running 30 minutes or longer, provided detailed demonstrations, testimonials, and “special offers” that encouraged immediate purchases.
Key Elements of Infomercial Success
- Emotional Appeal: Promising improved lifestyle, health, or happiness
- Celebrity Endorsements: From George Foreman to Suzanne Somers
- Visual Demonstrations: “Look how easy it is!”
- Urgency Tactics: “Call now! Supplies are limited!”
Infomercials shaped how Americans viewed convenience, self-improvement, and household innovation. They also introduced a marketing model that has been adapted to modern e-commerce platforms and social media.
Why The Infomercials That Sold Us Resonates in 2025
Today’s media landscape is flooded with content, but The Infomercials That Sold Us stands out for several reasons:
1. Nostalgia
For Gen Xers and Baby Boomers, the series is a walk down memory lane. Products like the Ginsu knife and the Clapper evoke the unique aesthetic of late-night TV in the 1980s and 1990s.
2. Media Literacy
In a time of digital ads, influencers, and subscription boxes, the series helps audiences understand how marketing has evolved—and how the tactics used decades ago are still relevant in different forms.
3. Smart Humor
Unlike slapstick or superficial parody, Dennis Miller’s humor is thoughtful, contextual, and rooted in cultural criticism. This adds depth and keeps viewers engaged beyond just product nostalgia.
4. Accessible Platform
Being on Fox Nation, the series is easily accessible to audiences who already enjoy Dennis Miller’s political and cultural commentary. It’s positioned at the intersection of conservative media and general entertainment.
Viewer Reception and Impact
Audience feedback for The Infomercials That Sold Us has been largely positive. Viewers appreciate the series’ blend of humor, history, and consumer commentary.
Highlights from Viewer Reactions:
- “Miller nails the absurdity and genius of these old commercials.”
- “It’s nostalgic and eye-opening—makes you think about how much has changed in advertising.”
- “Dennis Miller is still one of the smartest voices in comedy. This show proves he hasn’t lost his edge.”
The show has also sparked renewed interest in classic infomercial products, some of which have seen spikes in online searches and resale demand.
Dennis Miller’s Broader Role at Fox Nation
The Infomercials That Sold Us is part of Dennis Miller’s ongoing collaboration with Fox Nation, where he contributes content aligned with the platform’s mission to blend conservative values with cultural content.
Miller’s work with Fox Nation includes:
- Hosting documentary-style programs
- Appearing as a guest commentator on other network specials
- Providing cultural critique from a center-right viewpoint
This partnership has allowed him to maintain creative freedom while reaching a demographic that values his sharp wit and political insight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is The Infomercials That Sold Us about?
It’s a three-part documentary series hosted by Dennis Miller, exploring the history and cultural impact of iconic television infomercials.
Where can I watch it?
The series is available for streaming on Fox Nation, the subscription-based platform by Fox News.
Is the series comedic or serious?
The show blends comedy and cultural analysis. While it includes humor, it also provides historical context and media critique.
Who is the target audience?
Fans of Dennis Miller, media history enthusiasts, Gen X/Boomer viewers, and anyone interested in advertising and pop culture.
Will there be more episodes or follow-up series?
As of now, Fox Nation has not officially announced additional episodes, but the positive reception may encourage further content from Miller in a similar format.
Final Thoughts: Revisiting Advertising Through Humor and Insight
The Infomercials That Sold Us offers more than just laughs—it serves as a lens into America’s consumer past and the ways in which marketing has shaped national identity. Through Dennis Miller’s witty and informed narration, viewers are invited to reflect on what made these infomercials so effective, memorable, and sometimes absurd.
In a media-saturated world, understanding the power of persuasion is more important than ever. And Miller, with his decades of experience in comedy and cultural commentary, proves to be the perfect guide through this nostalgic, entertaining, and thought-provoking series.