As the Super Bowl approaches, a nationwide spotlight on commercials brings up a mixed bag of creativity, marketing blunders, and the ever-growing influence of celebrity culture in advertising. With major brands gearing up for the big event, certain ads have already surfaced, showcasing both clever concepts and questionable ethics. It’s fascinating how big businesses turn to celebrities not just as faces for their products, but also as thematic elements in an increasingly competitive market.
One of the standout commercials features Kendall Jenner, who has taken a risqué approach by intertwining her dating history with sports betting. While the concept may initially appear edgy and humorous, it also raises eyebrows about the morality of profiting from former relationships. In this ad, Jenner humorously suggests that her ex-boyfriends’ careers have flopped after dating her, which could make some viewers question whether it is wise to poke fun at individuals’ misfortunes. Despite the questionable ethics, the commercial cleverly taps into a common cultural narrative that blends celebrity drama with gambling, appealing to audiences who relish a bit of irony.
Then there’s Bud Light, which appears to have missed the mark with its latest attempt at humor featuring a celebrity ensemble that includes Post Malone. The ad, marketed as a lighthearted showcase of fun, ultimately comes off as confusing and poorly executed. The slow-motion falls of these stars seem to trivialize their talents instead of celebrating them. For a brand that thrives on tradition and nostalgia, Bud Light might do better to focus on the qualities that made it a household name in the first place.
Dunkin’ Donuts tried to share the spotlight with its own comedic commercial featuring Ben Affleck, prompting groans over a painfully awkward concept. Whether it’s Affleck’s cringe-worthy approach or the uninspired coffee puns, viewers seemed divided on the enjoyment factor. Instead, perhaps a more straightforward portrayal of America’s coffee habit would have resonated better with the average consumer, steering clear of gimmicks that might leave people feeling perplexed rather than entertained.
On a more positive note, the Xfinity commercial, which features original Jurassic Park stars, serves as an example of how nostalgia can effectively engage viewers. De-aging effects and callbacks to beloved cinematic moments draw in larger audiences, showing that sometimes a familiar theme executed well can pay off immensely. This clever use of well-known characters not only captivates attention but also suggests that themed advertising can work wonders when rooted in popular culture.
As brands struggle with how best to deliver their messages, it’s clear that this year’s Super Bowl commercials will continue the trend of blending humor, cultural references, and star power. While some ads successfully engage with the audience’s emotions, others teeter on the edge of tastelessness. As conservative viewers witness this dance between clever marketing and ethically dubious tactics, the question lingers: Are these ads moving the needle for brands, or are they losing sight of authenticity in exchange for clicks and social media chatter? The game may be on the field, but the real battle is in the arena of advertisement, where principles often seem to take a back seat to perceived popularity and viral potential.
