A Brief History of Sexy Colonel Sanders [Video]

Hell yeah it’s weird. But when it comes to Colonel Sanders’ recent rotation through reimagined identities, several of which have been unsettlingly sexualized in nature, there’s a method to the brand’s marketing madness.

The past few years have seen iconic chain founder Harland Sanders reborn as the centerpiece of a literary bodice-ripper, a lithe and tattooed virtual influencer, an entire troupe of erotic dancers, a Nashville musical heartthrob and, most recently, the romantic quarry of a digital dating simulator.

So why turn such a traditionally wholesome mascot—based on a real person—into a sexy social media star? Why sell chicken with beefcake? Why is KFC suddenly so DTF?

The answer is because, like all of us, the Colonel is complex. He’s a man of many facets, quite a few of which have been explored by …