Call this one the Super Bowl of sleaze(Even liberal TV critics disgusted)

MSNBC ^ | 2/2/04 | Tom Shales

[Diddle E. Squat]

Between commercials and halftime show, NFL should move game to Playboy Channel

Viewers who tuned in expecting a big-time football game saw the Super Bowl of Sleaze instead. Sexy and violent commercials that included jokes about flatulence and bestiality mercilessly interrupted the CBS telecast of Super Bowl XXXVIII from Houston last night, making it a dubious choice for family viewing.

But it was the unexpected climax of the MTV-produced halftime show that shocked viewers and set the CBS switchboard ablaze. As a musical number ended, out popped one of Janet Jackson's breasts. Fellow performer Justin Timberlake clearly exposed it to the crowd in Reliant Stadium and to the audience of millions watching at home by reaching over and yanking off part of her costume.

Jackson, her nipple covered by a piece of costume jewelry, has not been shy about revealing herself in public appearances and magazine photographs, but bare breasts are not commonly considered acceptable fare on broadcast network television, especially early in the evening during what used to be called the "family hour." CBS rushed out an apology, but there were reports that MTV had hinted during its afternoon programming that Jackson's appearance would be one for the record books. MTV and CBS are both owned by media conglomerate Viacom.

(snip)

Many of the other Super Bowl commercials seemed conspicuously inappropriate for an event that is a national rite and the kind of rare TV attraction that brings families together in front of the set. CBS chose to air a spot advertising the upcoming horror movie "Van Helsing" even though it contained extremely disturbing and graphic images of brutality and gore and despite the fact that it has yet to be rated by the Motion Picture Association of America. If the film were eventually to be rated NC-17, it would be contrary to network policy to carry any commercials for it.

(snip)

The negative vibes given off by so many off-color or violent commercials put a soggy cloud over what was supposed to be an evening of wholesome fun. Some of the spots were funny; Jessica Simpson and the Muppets had a high time in their commercial for Pizza Hut, and Homer Simpson starred in a funny spot.

But the ghastly output from Bud Light included a commercial in which a chimpanzee talked to a beautiful girl as they sat together on a couch while she waited for her date to return from the kitchen. The monkey made a pass at the girl and asked, "So, how do you feel about back hair?" There was also an excess of commercials for drugs designed to help men suffering from erectile dysfunction.

Maybe the Super Bowl will have to move from the broadcast networks to the Playboy Channel if its commercials are going to be so dirty that they embarrass parents watching with their kids.

[Diddle E. Squat]

Pretty telling when even liberal Tom Shales is sickened. Media critics are usually pushing for more of this garbage.

BTW, I am convinced that the streaker was another stunt planned by MTV. The guy is well-known in Europe for streaking at big events, was the subject of a Nike commercial, and just the kind of stunt MTV loves to pull off. With all the security, he had to have inside help to get his credentials.

[sarasota]

Momentum is building against CBS, MTV and Viacom. Keep it going.

[ItsOurTimeNow]

*reads article again*
*checks source again*

*faints*

[humboldtconservative]

The NFL should not be blamed for this. Hold CBS, MTV and VIACOM responsible, they were the ones who planned all of this.

[subterfuge]

In the 20 seconds or so that I could stand watching the Today show, I saw ultra-lib Matt Lauer give his disapproval of the Jackson boob. He seemed to be faking it though.

[NorCoGOP]

There was also an excess of commercials for drugs designed to help men suffering from erectile dysfunction.

I noticed one of the ads stated something to the effect that "erections that last over four hours require immediate medical attention"...

I never laughed so hard in my life.

Why don't they tell the truth that erections that last over 4 hours could prolong marriage? Or require immediate public announcements? Or a medal?

Geez....I would imagine whoever did the voiceover took several takes to get that line out without bursting into laughter....

[Diddle E. Squat]

The NFL knew what it was getting when they agreed to let MTV produce the halftime show.

[Buell_X1-1200]

... but Matt Lauer is a boob!

[Gefreiter]

With all the flap about Janet Jackson's nipple, Kid Rock's asinine wardrobe was overlooked.

This is the guy who prides himself on being some sort of trailer trash underdog, USA #1 NASCAR patriot but comes out wearing the American flag as a poncho over his wifebeater. Yup, a big hole cut in the center of a flag with his ugly mug poked up through it.

Wanna improve the Super Bowl? Dispense with goofy half time foolishness entirely.

[Pikamax]

If that line didn't make the product the number one drug by this morning , something is wrong. I wasn't offended by the commercials, just bored, most were totally devoid of any creativity.

[macrahanish #1]

Shales is upset that Janet Jackson didn't pull off Justin Timberlake's top.

[RckyRaCoCo]

Right now the #1 song in the land is "F**k It" by Eamon(who/whatever that is). Surprised that didn't have him/her/it there for halftime "entertainment".

[znix]

I noticed one of the ads stated something to the effect that "erections that last over four hours require immediate medical attention"...

I never laughed so hard in my life.

Too funny. I was in the kitchen at the time pouring a drink and busted out upon hearing that myself. Definitely the funniest moment of the evening. I don't know why, it just was so serious and so unexpected. I didnt even know what the ad was about until i heard that. I exploded.

[Lightfinger]

BTW, I am convinced that the streaker was another stunt planned by MTV. The guy is well-known in Europe for streaking at big events, was the subject of a Nike commercial, and just the kind of stunt MTV loves to pull off. With all the security, he had to have inside help to get his credentials. Nope. His stunt was sponsored by some .com company (they already admitted it). He had the name of the company on his back as he ran through the field.

[Alberta's Child]

Wanna improve the Super Bowl? Here's an original though -- make the football fan your target audience, not some jackass with an IQ of 70 on a good day and an IQ of 80 after he's got several hours worth of alcohol in him.

[Mariposaman]

Yes, but regretably, he chooses not to cover it with a large enough item of jewelry. Actually, the F.C.C. should be investigated for not protecting the public. It is obvious the F.C.C. is broken, crooked and lax.

[commish]

WOw! JUstin Timberlake pulled Janet jackson's top off. You would think that there would be like 10,000 threads about it or something. ROFL!!!!!!!!

Just messin with ya!

[Boxsford]

*smile*

[Sloth]

The NFL should not be blamed for this.

When you make a deal with the devil, sometimes you get burned.