In the United States, the last brand of cigarettes to be advertised on TV was Virginia Slims. This iconic cigarette brand was known for its marketing campaigns targeting women with slogans like "You've come a long way, baby" and "It's a woman thing." Virginia Slims commercials featured glamorous women confidently smoking and socializing, appealing to a sense of empowerment and independence.

Virginia Slims was launched by Philip Morris in 1968 and quickly gained popularity among female smokers. However, as public awareness of the health risks associated with smoking grew, tobacco advertising on television was banned in the US in 1971. Despite this, Virginia Slims continued to be advertised on TV until the ban took full effect in 1971.

After the ban, tobacco companies shifted their advertising efforts to print media, billboards, and sponsorships. Virginia Slims maintained its strong presence in the market through these channels, becoming one of the best-selling cigarette brands for women in the US.

Despite its success, Virginia Slims faced criticism for targeting women and promoting smoking as a symbol of liberation and empowerment. As awareness of the dangers of smoking increased, the brand's marketing strategies came under scrutiny, leading to a decline in sales and public perception.

In 2018, Philip Morris International announced that they would be discontinuing the production of Virginia Slims in the US due to declining sales and changing consumer preferences. The brand's legacy lives on through its iconic advertising campaigns and its impact on the history of tobacco marketing.

While Virginia Slims was the last brand of cigarettes to be advertised on TV in the US, the ban on tobacco advertising has had a lasting impact on the industry. Today, tobacco companies are not allowed to advertise their products on television, radio, or in print media in the US, as part of efforts to reduce smoking rates and promote public health.

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