Zee5’s week just took a rather awkward turn, and not because of any plot twist in their daily soaps.
Picture this: it’s Sunday morning. The TV’s on. Grandma’s got her tea, the kids are sprawled on the couch, and everyone’s settling in for some innocent fun with animated mischief-makers Bandbudh Aur Budbak or maybe a sweet family film. Everything’s calm… until that ad pops up.
And no, we’re not talking about washing powder or biscuits.
Zee5 has found itself in the middle of a mini PR storm for playing, let’s just say, adult advertisements, Durex, to be precise, right in the middle of family-friendly content. Repeatedly. At prime time. On kids’ shows. During festival film marathons. Basically, during every time slot where the whole joint family is likely watching together.
Naturally, parents are fuming, grandparents are confused, and kids… well, let’s not go there.
This isn’t just about one misplaced ad, it’s about how OTT platforms are still learning the basics of ad placement sensitivity. There’s a time and place for everything. And while we love a good Durex pun (Zee5 clearly does too), maybe let’s save them for post-10pm content?
The backlash has been growing, with viewers calling out the platform for turning their living rooms into unexpected sex-ed classes. And not the kind anyone signed up for.
Let’s be honest, ad revenue is essential. But so is common sense. So here’s hoping Zee5 fixes this before one more cartoon episode comes with a side of discomfort.
@ZEE5India
Love watching local-language serials with family, but the constant Durex ads make us, kids and elders uncomfortable.Please restrict intimate-product ads to 18+ content or late-night slots.
Family viewing deserves ad safety. #AdSafety #FamilyFriendly #ZEE5 #OTT pic.twitter.com/9D5NxbmX3C— anamika (@kruthi_mamatha) June 9, 2025
Dear @ZEE5India , how are you playing Durex ads during prime time at home ?? That too in repeated mode. Don't you have time frame for such A rated ads ?? Shame on you.
— Surendra (@SRevanuri) June 13, 2025
Dear @ZEE5India, how can you show Durex advertisement to kids show in #BandbudhaurBudbak?
Hope you fix this issue in Zee5 App soon.— Vivek Tamrakar (@vivektofficial) June 23, 2025
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