Even advertisers that typically go with more crude humor toned it down. GoDaddy.com's ad,
Air Jordan Outlet Online, for instance, showed it helping a small-business owner quit her job. "Women were fed up and parents were fed up and advertisers listened," said Mediapost.com's Lippert.
Other advertisers went with light humor as well. There were mini sitcom reunions: in an ad for Dannon Oikos, the "Full House" cast reunited. And "Seinfeld" alums Jerry, George and even Newman came back to Tom's diner in New York City for an ad for Jerry Seinfield's show "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee."