The Super Bowl is as much about the ads as it is about the game itself, and this year didn’t disappoint. Brands spent a record-breaking $8 million for a 30-second spot, and while some nailed it, others… not so much. As always, there were ads that had me laughing, some that had me scratching my head, and one that I’m pretty sure will be the fan favorite. Here are my picks for the best, the worst, and the one I think will steal the show:
Best: WeatherTech – Golden Girls Theme
Let’s start with the good! WeatherTech’s ad definitely took the crown for me. The Golden Girls theme was a hilarious and clever twist that made me laugh out loud. It was nostalgia-driven, which always hits the right note, but it also felt fresh and relevant.
What I loved about this ad is how it appealed to a wide range of demographics. Whether you’re a fan of the iconic TV show or just enjoy a little light-hearted humor, WeatherTech found a way to connect with viewers in a way that felt both fun and smart. Plus, they did a great job of tying in their message about protecting your car’s interior. It was a perfect balance of entertainment and product focus.
Worst: HexClad – Aliens and Luxury Cookware?
Now, let’s talk about HexClad. The ad itself was funny and creative, but I just couldn’t understand the connection between aliens and luxury cookware. I get the idea of thinking outside the box, but it was a bit too disconnected from the product they were actually marketing.
Luxury cookware and an alien invasion just don’t seem to correlate in my brain. The concept was bold, but at the end of the day, it didn’t make sense for the target audience. I’m all for out-of-the-box thinking, but sometimes, brands need to focus on staying true to their product and their core demographic. Creativity is great, but it needs to make sense for the brand and the audience you’re trying to reach.
Fan Favorite Pick: Budweiser – The Return of the Clydesdales
And now, the ad I think will be the fan favorite: Budweiser’s return of the Clydesdales. I mean, what’s not to love? The ad brought back the iconic horses, and the story of the young foal stepping in to make the delivery was heartwarming and absolutely adorable. As someone who’s an animal lover, this one hit me right in the feels.
Budweiser has always been great at using storytelling to connect with its audience, and this ad was no exception. It was on-brand, unique, and packed with emotion. Whether or not you’re a fan of beer, the Clydesdales are a symbol of tradition and loyalty that resonate with viewers on a deeper level. I’m calling it now—this one’s going to be a fan favorite for sure.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, this year’s Super Bowl ads had a bit of everything. WeatherTech nailed it with humor and nostalgia, HexClad tried something bold but missed the mark, and Budweiser’s heartwarming Clydesdale story was a clear standout. It’s always fun to see how brands try to capture our attention in 30 seconds, and this year, there were definitely some memorable moments.
