TV Shows That Cover Up Apple Logo on Mac Laptops and Desktop Computers

Forbidden Fruit: TV Shows That Hide Macs

February 20, 2009

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While some shows get full on Apple support, other shows either don't or don't choose to. What's interesting is that instead of just using another brand (without such a distinguishing logo) as props, the shows will just use Macs and cover up the logos. The easiest way? Stickers! Check out my list (though it's by no means exhaustive) of TV shows that love to use Apple — but hide that bright little logo.

Photos courtesy of The CW

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by POPSUGAR Tech 18

Photos courtesy of The CW

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18 Comments

3 years

When using logos in TV and Movies, the show doesn't have to pay the manufacturer of the product to use it in the show as long as there is no reference to the product in question. "Lets look it up on the computer" is ok "lets look it up on the macbook" is not. Having a mac computer on a desk with a person typing using it is fine. So they aren't having to pay apple to feature these computers as they aren't being. So the only explanation is that the Network shows or production companies don't want too promote/advertise Apple Products. Although we have seen them use apple tech in the past and lots of time it is advertised as being able to do amazing things. eg. Both NCIS use Iphones as Portable computers with the ability to download security footage onto them, scan and capture fingerprints.

lolmisstran 4 years

Obviously, They Don't Wanna Pay For The Advertising, So Yeah.

Murmur314 4 years

"While some shows get full on Apple support, other shows either don't or don't choose to." Dearsugar isn't a TV show but it clearly gets "full on Apple support", too. It's so damn annoying. I wish Geeksugar would stop calling itself "geek" when clearly it's all about fcking Apple and other such "hip" toys. Grr.

iLauren 4 years

I always wondered why they would use Apples when its so obvious that its what they are using but hey, its free advertising for Apple even though the apple is covered up. There's a show on Nickelodeon called iCarly and their laptop has a Pear on it instead of the Apple...its actually kind of cute...

sparklestar 4 years

They only hide them on shows where the Apple is being used by a bad guy. Sometimes in Veronica Mars they would be hidden and other times they weren't !

JenDeck711 4 years

On Dear Genevieve she covered the logo with a pear sticker. I thought that was really cute :)

Calimie 4 years

I understand that if Apple doesn't pay, no brand on TV, but they should use another brand or do something more creative than stickers, imo.

kcwebgirl 4 years

with all the rampant product placement on tv i don't understand why they discriminate against mac. we love them. accept it!

lovely2190 4 years

i would agree with jessiebanana it is so obv. when the characters are working with a mac so why bother covering it up

amloveaffair 4 years

I always notice the computers in HIMYM and how they're Apples! I don't own an apple, I never have and I've never used one.

cptnruthless 4 years

House uses Mac's! It's in the room with the Cat Scan (?), but then again they also post at the end of the show with an Apple credit... hmm.

kaykayelle 4 years

I think it depends, either they have to pay for it or they could have it be one of those "good for everyone" relationship. But honestly, my guess is it's more about the headache of working it all out,, that they kind of don't bother - it's not worth the time. ...But I'm sure there is money involved. (Brooke from One Tree Hill, her sticker is the label of her former fashion line, Clothes Over Bro's. That's what it says.)

Jessiebanana 4 years

The giving away fee advertising, while in theory makes sense, in reality doesn't work. MAC's have the most spottable bodies out there. When you see all those laptops you know what they are, so the advertising and influence is happening with the stickers. They should just use another brand if that is the case.

Glittersniffer 4 years

I think it's probably the shows don't want to give away free advertising. If you want the audience to see your product, you'd best be paying for it to happen.

floppyfish1986 4 years

I know some shows don't care if you see the Apple logo or not because Apply rarely pays for in show product placement...I don't recall were I heard that though, probably on tuaw.com

POPSUGAR Tech 4 years

Me too macgirl--like, do the shows want to be compensated for showing the products, or is there a deal for certain networks to NOT show the Apple products? It's obvious in the case of Gossip Girl, where they're being supported by Verizon, but for shows who aren't obviously sponsored by another tech company, it's curious.

macgirl 4 years

I actually have no idea how it works when you place products in TV shows and movies. I would love to know who pays who if anyone or what the legal impacts are.