The Super Bowl LIX dust has settled, the Philadelphia Eagles have claimed their victory, and the marketing world is abuzz with talk of those commercials *cough* ads.
You may think, we’re not American, why do we care about Super Bowl ads? The game itself does attract a worldwide audience, but the huge budget ads ($8 million!!) with their star-studded casts can’t help but find their way onto our news feeds and into our conversations from across the Atlantic.
I’m not an American football fan but I do love a good ad. So for those of you who see the Super Bowl as more of a creative sport than a physical one, I’ve got you. This year’s Super Bowl ads didn’t disappoint, serving up a mix of celebrity cameos, nostalgic nods, and comedic gold. Let’s break down my favourite Super Bowl LIX commercials that had everyone talking, through the Jigsaw Media lens.
Lauren’s Top 10 Super Bowl Ads:
Pringles
Nick Offerman, James Harden, and Andy Reid’s moustaches took flight in Pringles’ quirky ad. The playful “recon mission,” set to a Batman-esque theme, was a fun and memorable way to highlight the product. Lauren’s Insight: Simple, visual humour can be highly effective.
Little Caesars
Eugene Levy’s eyebrows stole the show in Little Caesars’ spot. The animated caterpillars bowing down to his expressive brows provided a hilarious, shareable moment. Lauren’s Insight: Unexpected visual gags can create viral moments.
Hellman’s
Hellman’s tapped into rom-com nostalgia with the When Harry Met Sally reunion. The iconic scene, updated with Sydney Sweeney, was a clever way to connect with a broad audience. Lauren’s Insight: Nostalgia can be a powerful marketing tool, especially when done with a fresh twist.
Booking.com
The Muppets’ chaotic vacation adventure for Booking.com was a welcome return. Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the gang brought their signature humour to the Super Bowl stage. Lauren’s Insight: Beloved characters can create instant brand recognition and engagement.
Novartis
Novartis took a different approach, using their platform for breast cancer awareness. The impactful ad, featuring Hailee Steinfeld and Wanda Sykes, was a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection. lauren’s Insight: Super Bowl ads can be used for social good and to raise awareness for important causes.
Häagen-Dazs
The Fast & Furious crew traded speed for ice cream in Häagen-Dazs’ ad. The humorous juxtaposition of high-octane action and chilled-out indulgence was a clever way to showcase the product. Lauren’s Insight: Contrasting elements can create memorable and engaging ads.
Mountain Dew Baja Blast
Seal’s transformation into a CGI seal, singing about “Kiss From a Lime,” was undeniably bizarre. Yet, it was also unforgettable. Lauren’s Insight: Taking risks and embracing the unexpected can generate buzz and memorability.
UberEats
Matthew McConaughey’s conspiracy theorist character, exploring the origins of football, was highly entertaining. The star-studded cameos added to the ad’s appeal. lauren’s Insight: Humor, combined with celebrity power, can be a winning formula.
Ritz
Aubrey Plaza and Michael Shannon’s cynical characters in Ritz’s “Salty Club” ad resonated with many viewers. Bad Bunny’s contrasting positivity added a playful touch. Lauren’s Insight: Relatable characters and a touch of cynicism can connect with a modern audience.
Dunkin’
The DunKings sequel, featuring Ben Affleck and a host of other celebrities, was a Super Bowl classic. The thick Boston accents and the “JavaJam” theme made for a hilarious and memorable ad. Lauren’s Insight: Recurring characters and running gags can build brand recognition and create anticipation.
At Jigsaw Media, we believe that understanding the nuances of successful advertising, particularly on a high-profile stage like the Super Bowl, is crucial for any brand. I hope these insights into the trends and techniques showcased in this year’s ads provide valuable food for thought as you consider your own marketing strategies. We’re always keen to discuss the evolving media landscape and how brands can effectively connect with their audiences.
