Direct TV has been coming up with inventive and silly ways to get a laugh from us for years. Sometimes it pays off, like with this little doozy of an ad series that takes another jab at cable.

The ads start out by stating that “Direct TV has been #1 in customer satisfaction over cable for 17 years running. But some people still like cable, just like some people like wet grocery bags.” Normally, the writing would take precedence over everything else in the ad, but this series is a little different. Sure the writing is imperative to the humor in each scene, but the actors stole the show here. The facial expressions and look of shock they exude is usually only captured in spontaneous moments. We’re sincerely impressed with their ability to reproduce that feeling on command.

Of course, we’re not diminishing the writing in this ad series. Some of the irritating situations they reminded us of are key to the ad’s main message. Over time, this constant reminder of daily annoyances is sure to chip away at customers of cable television. If not, at least we’ll have a good laugh along the way.

Have an opinion? What did you think of this Direct TV ad?