• The Hub

    News, Notes, Talk

    James Patterson’s old book commercials are pure comic genius.

    Emily Temple
    By 
    April 6, 2020, 10:40am

    Bestselling novelist, friend to booksellers, and America’s highest-paid author James Patterson is . . . kind of a kidder. Case in point: these increasingly ludicrous TV spots he has recorded to promote his books over the years. And yes, these originally aired on TV. As one of our editors put it, “you’d just be watching Seinfeld and one of these would come on.” Different times, my friends. Here are just a few of my favorites—though watch with caution, lest  “I’m James Patterson” be stuck in your head for days.

    Threatening:

    Well-kept, very sexy secret:

    French:

    Complete with props:

    Golf:

    Get it?:

    Pirate:

    Robot:

    Self-effacing:

    Not even trying:

    advertising Alex Cross James Patterson TV

    • We Need Your Help:

    Become a Lit Hub Supporting Member

    Lit Hub has always brought you the best of the book world for free—no paywall. But our future relies on you. In return for your contribution, you'll get an ad-free site experience, editors' picks, and our Joan Didion tote bag. Most importantly, you'll keep independent book coverage alive and thriving.