Save for a sneak peek the week before, Animation Domination High-Def launched Saturday on Fox, heralding many a “#adhd is #adultswim” tweet. This is both very unfair (the attention should be on the quality of Axe Cop and the excellent High School USA, which stars Pete Campbell as an Archie parody…AND STAY OUT OF RIVERDALE) and very true. Never one to back down from a publicity stunt, Adult Swim mocked AHDH on their home turf.
In a stealth move through local buys as it was done without Fox’s knowledge, the Turner network aired two ads, one at 11:30 PM after the two ADHD premieres of High School USA and Axe Cop, and one at midnight, following the encores of the two animated debuts. The stripped-down ads featured words on black screen, with elevator music in the background.
“The preceding content has been a work of fiction,” the first ad, which followed the ADHD premieres. (Video below.) “Any resemblance to networks, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Pay close attention to the label. Many suitcases look alike. You may find yourself at a beautiful network with a beautiful suitcase. You may ask yourself: How did I get here? [adult swim]” The second: “Congratulations to the crew at ADHD on the launch of their new shows. We wish you all the best…Nice place you got here…How are the kids?…Great, Great stuff. We’re going to go home now [adult swim].” (Via)
All “screw you” messages should contain Talking Heads references. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE.” Anyway, ADHD’s tweet reply to Adult Swim made a good point — “Thank you for your money” — but copycat accusations will likely follow the block until they fill out their schedule with Tom Goes to the Mayor-level programming. I’ve got a pitch: Mike Goes to the Governor. Totally original idea.
