HBO has uploaded a pair of mock commercials satirizing polygamy to promote the upcoming season of the returning series “Big Love.”
In two viral spots and four upcoming print ads, HBO peddles different faux products, including “Polygarol,” which focuses on a Viagra-like drug for polygamists. In another spot, “Eau de Polygamie,” a chiseled young man is turned on by his wives because of their delightful scent.
The spots, which broke this week on YouTube, have yet to lure anyone seeking to purchase the imaginary products, said Courtney Monroe, senior vp consumer marketing at HBO. “Ultimately, we’re just trying to drive awareness of a show which is about relationships,” Monroe said. “It’s a tongue-in-cheek surprise for viewers and a way to get the creative noticed.”
Spots will run on HBO until the end of June and also appear on paid-placement areas of Web sites like YouTube. The print ads, which are scheduled to run in Sunday’s New York Times, showcase real estate and fake travel offers, all with a polygamist twist.
“Big Love” follows a contemporary white-collar family — with one husband and three wives. The campaign was created by Seattle-based agency Creature.
Kamau High is a reporter for Adweek.
