Beyond its sporting aspect and its halftime show, which this year has been starred by a pregnant Rihanna and reconverted into Business Woman, if there is one thing that draws attention to the Super Bowl is its advertising campaigns. Brands from all over the world take advantage of this show to advertise, since it is a unique setting in which hundreds of millions of spectators congregate.
We know that each ad space costs between $4 million and $6 million, so it’s not surprising that every year they go over the top with ads premiering during the NFL Finals, which are made specifically to take advantage of this moment.
This year we were expecting some very relevant announcements such as the new trailer for The Flash or PopCorners, which have delivered perfectly. But what were the biggest Super Bowl ads? Let’s take a look at the highlights.
Breaking Bad vuelve: Palomitas x Bryan Cranston y Aaron Paul
Breaking Bad didn’t quite die thanks to its continuation in Better Call Saul, but now that it’s also over what will become of Walter White fans? Popcornes has emerged to ease tensions. Lays’ new brand of potato chips has been announced in style with a parody spot where White (Bryan Cranston) and Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) return to deal in chips. I can’t imagine a better comeback.
Alicia Silverstone returns as Cher for Rakuten
The returns of Rihanna and Breaking Bad were not the only ones to make it to the Superbowl. So did actress Alicia Silverstone in her role as Cher Horowitz. In an ad for the streaming platform Rakuten, the actress has returned as the protagonist of Clueless, a classic that has gained instant virality.
Rock stars unite for Workday
Another viral ad for Super Bowl 2023 was from Workday. The financial software provider has teamed up with stars such as Ozzy Osbourne, Paul Stanley of Kiss, Joan Jett, Billy Idol and Gary Clark Jr. in a very funny ad about the true face of rock.
John Travolta and Scrubs promote T-Mobile
Scrubs co-stars Donald Faison and Zach Braff talk about the advantages of the T-Mobile mobile network until John Travolta appears and starts singing to the rhythm of Grease, Tell me more. The three then break into song, recalling the 1978 film and making one of the Super Bowl‘s most invested commercials go viral.
Steve Martin and Ben Stiller sell you Pepsi Zero
The Pepsi spot is already a Super Bowl classic, and this year was not going to be less. This time, Steve Martin and Ben Stiller join forces to sell their acting skills. The idea is that you don’t know if Pepsi Zero can really change your life or if they are just actors capable of making you believe anything. It’s not clear that it’s the ad of the year, but it’s certainly got people talking.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck: the fashionable couple, joined by Dunkin
Dunkin’ has capitalized on the good relationship between JLO and Ben Affleck, who remarried after years apart and going their separate ways, to star in its new ad. It features Affleck at the drive-thru window and Lopez ordering, asking “is this what you do when you tell me you’re going to work?”. You certainly can’t miss it.
Jack Harlow, Missy Elliott and Elton John: a triangle and lots of Doritos
One of the funniest commercials is the one starring Jack Harlow for Doritos. In it, the singer is glimpsed by the triangular shape of a Dorito, at which point he decides to start making music through the triangle, the least valued instrument of all. So much so that his new idea is even applied by Elton John. Quite original, indeed.
Meghan Trainor can’t get her hand out of a Pringles can
Despite being more sustainable and original, Pringles containers are sometimes very annoying. Especially when there are only a few chips left, it is practically inevitable not to put your hand all the way in and even jam it. Pringles has turned this problem into a fun virtue with its original Super Bowl spot.
The Flash trailer arrives
Okay, there’s no custom spot this time around, but Warner took advantage of the Superbowl to release the new trailer for The Flash. It features everything from the appearance of Kara-EL (Supergirl) to the return of Michael Keaton as Tim Burton’s Batman. Not to be missed.
