1

Mr. Peanut

Image: Tom Hermans

As familiar as snacking on a handful of peanuts, Mr. Peanut is a beloved symbol for us all. Incredibly, despite being a successful and recognizable character, Mr. Peanut's design only cost $5!

That's right, Planters Company created a contest in 1916 to find the ideal mascot. And guess who won? A 14-year-old boy! Antonio Gentile received $5 in exchange for his cute peanut-bodied mascot, to which the top hat and monocle were later added. Not only is his appearance sophisticated, but his name is, too. Mr. Peanut's full name is Bartholomew Richard Fitzgerald-Smythe. Fancy, right?

2

Tony the Tiger

Image: Sten Ritterfeld

One of the most famous felines, Tony the Tiger , the mascot of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes cereal , first appeared in a TV commercial in 1952, more than 70 years ago!

Despite his age, Tony still embodies the ideas of strength and energy that the brand wants to associate with its delicious cereals.

His distinctive muscular body and unique red scarf around his neck make him one of the most recognizable characters for people of all ages. He is just gr-r-reat!

3

Energizer Bunny

Image: danilo.alvesd

We've all wished we had the incredible energy of the Energizer Bunny , right?

This cute, drum-beating mascot first appeared in a TV commercial in the late 1980s. Its characteristic endless energy symbolizes the power of the brand's batteries, summed up in its classic catchphrase, "It keeps going and going and going..."

Over time, this little pink bunny with sunglasses has gained worldwide fame and has become one of the most recognizable brand mascots.

4

Mr. Clean

Image: JESHOOTS.COM

We've already seen tigers, rabbits, and even peanuts with eyes; now it's the turn of a human-shaped mascot.

Mr. Clean is the legendary mascot of the Procter & Gamble cleaning product line, famous for his look and accessories. With his white eyebrows, classic earring, bald head, and white T-shirt, the beloved Mr. Clean is impossible to miss.

Created in 1958, this mascot has changed very little since his first appearance, making him even more iconic. If you're looking for a Halloween costume, you know who to imitate this year!

5

Ronald McDonald

Image: Brett Jordan

Ronald McDonald , the clown of the most famous fast food chain, has become a global star.

Over the decades, children around the world have excitedly lined up to see him, greet him, and take pictures with Ronald in McDonald's stores.

Created in 1963, Ronald looked a bit different than he does today. Ronald's appearance has evolved, with changes to his costume and makeup, making him more vibrant and approachable. But the magic of this character is still intact.

6

Pillsbury Doughboy

Image: Pablo Lancaster Jones

If we discuss cute mascots, we can't forget the Pillsbury Doughboy . This little man made of dough has been wearing a chef's hat and a scarf since his birth in 1965 when he first appeared in a TV commercial.

While his appearance has remained the same, his name has changed a few times. Originally called "Jonathan Pillsbury," his name was changed to "Poppin' Fresh" in the 1970s, though today we all know him as Pillsbury Doughboy.

His playful personality is captured in his classic catchphrase, "Hoo-hoo!"

7

The M&M’s Spokescandies

Image: Sebastian Gómez

Who can say "no" to a handful of delicious M&M's ? Definitely not us! And as if their great taste weren’t enough, M&M's also has a series of mascots with varied personalities that know how to win us over.

The original characters emerged in the 1950s, and there were only two mascots: the Plain (milk chocolate) and the Peanut characters. This evolved over time, and more characters were added, each with different colors and qualities.

Today, some of the most recognized are Red, Yellow, and Green .

8

Martin the GEICO Gecko

Image: Tate Lohmiller

The GEICO insurance company's Gecko is definitely one of the most famous brand mascots in the country.

Born in 1999, this little Gecko first appeared in a commercial in which he talked to the viewers, trying to convince them to choose GEICO. This appearance was so successful that the friendly and witty Gecko has remained the company's mascot to this day.

One of the peculiarities of this character is his distinctive British accent, which sets him apart from other talking mascots.

9

Kool-Aid Man

Image: Roksolana Zasiadko

If you were one of the many Kool-Aid fans as a child, you probably remember the charming and unique Kool-Aid Man fondly.

With his pitcher-shaped body filled with Kool-Aid, the character first appeared on the product's packaging in 1954. It wasn't until over 20 years later that he made his first TV commercial, always smiling and uttering his traditional catchphrase, "Oh yeah!"

The now classic character became very popular and even had cameos in famous animated TV series!

10

Chester Cheetah

Image: Ryan Quintal

If you love snacks, you've probably smeared your fingers with Cheetos crumbs at some point, right? We get it; these cheesy snacks are simply irresistible.

And if you've ever tasted Cheetos, you're likely familiar with the famous Chester Cheetah . With its cool look and relaxed attitude, Chester Cheetah was created in 1986. This feline appeared in TV commercials and on Cheetos packages, always enjoying the snack and never without his trademark sunglasses.

His fame grew to the point that in the '90s, Chester starred in a couple of video games!

1

Lucy Ricardo, I Love Lucy

Why do we still love Lucy? Because her unique personality gave us some of the funniest moments in television history, including the real birth of her baby that matched her fictional one.

Lucy Ricardo was a housewife, and she stood in for most women of the 1950s, showing just how adventurous, messy, and fun a day at home could be. But Lucy also captured something else: women's desire to chase their dreams, even when society wasn't ready for it yet.

2

Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli, Happy Days

Arthur Fonzarelli, or "Fonzie", was played by Henry Winkler in the sitcom Happy Days (1974-1984). He was a greaser, often seen on his motorcycle, in his leather jacket, and started as a secondary character. But audiences loved him so much that he quickly became a leading star.

Fonzie redefined "cool" for an entire generation. He was self-confident but not cynical; he took responsibility for his mistakes, respected adults, and showed vulnerability without ever losing his coolness. He was the symbol of safe, necessary rebellion young guys admired with all the swagger of a classic greaser.

3

Lieutenant Columbo, Columbo

Lieutenant Columbo was the main character on the series that carries his name. Played by Peter Falk in his trademark rumpled beige raincoat, he was a homicide detective with the Los Angeles Police Department. The show originally aired on NBC in 1971 and was an inverted detective story format, or "whodunit" pioneer. Unlike most detective shows, Columbo revealed the killer and the crime at the beginning. The mystery wasn’t about who did it, but how Columbo would catch them. Viewers sometimes spotted the clues along the way, while others weren’t explained until the very end. Between episodes, Columbo gave us some valuable lessons: perseverance pays off, question everything, be humble, and be tough when it's necessary, too.

4

Captain Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce, M A S H

M A S H effectively blended comedy and drama. Hawkeye Pierce could make viewers laugh one minute and think about war’s consequences the next. Alan Alda played the quick-witted Army surgeon during the Korean War. When it premiered in 1972, many viewers connected it to the Vietnam War and the dramatic images they were watching every night on the evening news.

Hawkeye's trademarks were his jokes, pranks, and martinis. But beneath all that humor, he never stopped questioning the war and speaking out about its terrible cost. Alda became one of the show’s writers and directors, and he made Hawkeye more than just a funny doctor.

5

Archie Bunker, All in the Family

Carroll O’Connor starred as Archie Bunker in the 1970s sitcom All in the Family . Bunker was a World War II veteran, blue-collar worker, and family man. But above all of these, he exposed the uneasiness and ambivalence some Americans felt as society and its values began to change. Archie was always arguing with his son-in-law, Mike (Rob Reiner), and his daughter, Gloria (Sally Struthers). Their fights touched on the same issues dividing society at the time, including racism, prejudice, and women’s liberation.

6

Sheriff Andy Taylor, The Andy Griffith Show

Andy Taylor was the sheriff of the sleepy town of Mayberry, North Carolina. The Andy Griffith Show aired in the 60s on CBS and became an instant success, ending its last season at number one in the ratings charts.

Sheriff Andy Taylor rarely carried a gun. He instead solved problems with patience, common sense, and conversation. Whether he was dealing with local disputes, teaching Opie a lesson, or keeping Barney Fife out of trouble, Andy usually knew how to make things right. He was much more than the town sheriff: he was also a neighbor, a father, and a trusted friend who truly knew the people he served. During the social and political changes of the 1960s, Andy and Mayberry offered a comforting picture of small-town life, where even the biggest problems were settled with kindness.

7

Samantha Stephens, Bewitched

Bewitched premiered on ABC in 1964, with Elizabeth Montgomery playing Samantha Stephens. Samantha was a powerful witch who married an ordinary mortal, Darrin, and tried to settle into life as a typical suburban housewife. There was only one problem: Darrin wanted her to stop using magic, but Samantha’s famous nose twitch often proved too useful to resist.

Behind the magic and comedy, Samantha reflected the role of women in the 1960s. She loved her husband and family, but she was also independent and far more powerful than anyone around her. Her struggle to fit into Darrin’s idea of a "normal" wife resonated with many women questioning what society expected of them. She tried to blend into the neighborhood while keeping her true identity secret, but her powers could never stay hidden for long.

8

Jeannie, I Dream of Jeannie

In I Dream of Jeannie , Barbara Eden played a 2,000-year-old genie who lived inside a magical bottle. The story began when astronaut Tony Nelson, played by Larry Hagman, landed on a deserted island and found a bottle on the beach. When he opened it, Jeannie appeared and followed him home, bringing magic and lots of trouble into his carefully ordered life.

Although Tony tried to control her magic, she was usually the most powerful person in the room, and her plans rarely went the way he expected. Mixing space travel with old-fashioned magic gave viewers a fun escape during a time of fast scientific and political change.

9

Mary Richards, The Mary Tyler Moore Show

The Mary Tyler Moore Show first aired in 1970, with the actress playing a single woman in her thirties who moved to Minneapolis to work at a local television newsroom.

Mary had her own apartment, supported herself, and built a life around her career, friendships, and personal goals. She represented a new kind of woman on television that was becoming increasingly common in real life. She was independent and ambitious, but also warm, funny, and easy to relate to. She was not against marriage or family; she simply showed that a woman could enjoy a full, happy life without making either one her only goal. Mary made that path look possible at a time when more women were entering the workplace and questioning everything.

10

Lieutenant Theo Kojak, Kojak

If Lieutenant Kojak represented one thing, it was surely incorruptible justice. Played by Telly Savalas, Theo Kojak took on crime in the rough streets of New York City in Kojak , which aired from 1973 to 1978.

At a time when political scandals and police corruption had made people suspicious of authority, Kojak was someone viewers could still trust. He often ignored the rulebook and argued with his bosses, but he never let the system corrupt him. Kojak could be tough when he needed to be, but he also cared about victims and people left out by society. With his bald head, sharp suits, ever-present lollipop, and famous "Who loves ya, baby?", he was impossible to confuse with any other TV detective .

1

Reagan: Breaking the glass ceiling

Image: Library of Congress

Although the numbers are still unequal, women occupy decision-making positions every day. They play an active role in political life, but that wasn’t always the case.

Ronald Reagan made a bold move for gender equality by nominating Sandra Day O'Connor to the Supreme Court in 1981. This historic decision marked the first time a woman would serve on the highest court in the country.

O'Connor’s nomination was a landmark moment for women’s rights, opening doors for future generations. Reagan’s choice was both strategic and symbolic, of course. It was a significant step toward inclusivity in the judiciary. Sandra Day O’Connor went on to serve with distinction, becoming a pivotal figure in many key rulings.

2

Johnson: A historic appointment

Image: Library of Congress

America has already seen a black president, but even that marked a significant turning point in history. However, Black men in such high government positions weren’t a reality until 1967 when Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Thurgood Marshall as the first Black Supreme Court Justice . In the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality in the U.S., this was a monumental step.

At the time, Marshall was already a legendary figure for his role in Brown v. Board of Education, and his appointment brought a powerful voice to the court. It was a clear signal of the administration’s commitment to racial justice. Marshall served on the court for 24 years! Talk about leaving a mark, huh?

3

Roosevelt: The star of the show

Image: Library of Congress

We can’t get enough of our TVs today, right? But this device was once an innovation, and one can easily imagine how surprising it must have been to see a president on screen for the first time!

In 1939, Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first U.S. president to appear on television during the World’s Fair in New York.

It’s not that he had gone unnoticed, FDR was already a radio sensation with his "fireside chats," but the television debut marked a new era of presidential communication. This historic moment allowed Americans to not only hear but also see their president, making FDR an even more influential figure.

4

Adams: Picture perfect

Image: Library of Congress

People take pictures of everything, everywhere, all the time today. Photos are like our business cards on social media and even in our job profiles, but it wasn’t always like that. And John Quincy Adams was part of a photography milestone.

Adams wasn’t just a former president, he holds the prize for first presidential photography . In 1843, he became the first president to have his photograph taken, although it was after his term had ended. Before Adams, presidents were immortalized through paintings, but his photo brought a new sense of realism to how leaders were remembered. Was he, by any chance, the first influencer?

5

Hayes: A direct line to history

Image: Library of Congress

What would we do without our telephones? It’s like we can’t imagine our lives without them anymore, right? But have you ever wondered who was the first president to have a phone in the White House ?

In 1877, Rutherford B. Hayes ushered the presidential residence into the age of technology by installing the first telephone. Of course, this was far from the smartphones we use today, but it was quite revolutionary at the time.

Fun fact: Hayes’s telephone had the number "1," a fitting symbol for such a groundbreaking moment. Only a few could actually get in direct contact with that line, but the step was taken anyway and history was made.

6

John Adams: Home sweet white house

Image: Library of Congress

While George Washington oversaw the construction of the White House, he never actually lived in it. It was John Adams who had the honor of being its first resident in 1800 .

Adams and his wife Abigail moved into the unfinished mansion, making history as the first Presidential Family to live in the iconic building. Despite the unfinished state of the residence, the Adams family’s presence made it the center of American politics. And of course, he was the first, but he was certainly not the last, as the tradition continues today.

7

Truman: Code name "general"

Image: Library of Congress

If you’re a fan of detective novels, you probably always thought that having a code name is super cool! Well, imagine being the first president with a code name!

Harry Truman made history as the first U.S. president to receive a Secret Service code name . Known as "General," his code name served as a security measure. Although now that you know it, it doesn’t seem so secretive or mysterious, right?

The use of code names has since become standard practice, used to protect presidents and their families. While the tradition of assigning code names has evolved, Truman’s "General" remains a nod to the early days of presidential security. It was just the beginning of a tradition that still exists today.

8

Coolidge: A father’s pride

Image: Library of Congress

Few moments in life are so beautiful as when a father’s eyes are filled with tears of pride for his child, don’t you think? Well, now think about that, between a president and his father!

In a unique and touching moment in U.S. history, Calvin Coolidge was sworn in as president by his own father. After President Harding’s unexpected death in 1923, Coolidge’s father, a notary public, administered the oath of office in their Vermont home.

This made Coolidge the first and only president to be inaugurated by a family member, creating a truly personal and memorable moment. This father-son moment added a deeply personal touch to the transfer of power, making it a memorable event in both their personal lives and American history.

9

Carter: Born in a hospital

Image: Library of Congress

When you think of a birth, you think of a hospital, right? However, that hasn’t always been the case.

Jimmy Carter holds the distinction of being the first U.S. president born in a hospital, on October 1, 1924. Before Carter, presidents were typically born at home, which was the norm for the times.

His birth at the Wise Clinic in Plains, Georgia, marked a shift toward modern medical practices. This milestone highlighted the changing nature of healthcare in America. Carter’s hospital birth was a small, yet significant, indicator of progress in our country.

10

McKinley: Cruising into history

Image: Library of Congress

Our last "first" is a bit crazy and you’ll see why in a minute: William McKinley became the first sitting president to experience the thrill of a car ride .

In 1899, he took a ride in a Locomobile steam carriage, a cutting-edge mode of transportation at the time. The car was driven by the inventor himself!

This ride was quite an oddity, and McKinley’s willingness to try it out showed his interest in new technology. Why is it crazy? Because no president drives their own car today! Regardless of how innovative and technologically advanced it may be!