11:14 pm - February 23, 2025
The Philadelphia Eagles’ triumph over the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2023 Super Bowl was a thrilling spectacle, but the real competition for attention was off the field. With approximately 50 brands vying for viewers’ eyeballs during the broadcast, advertisers pulled out all the stops to make their 30-second spots—costing up to $8 million each—worth the investment. The stakes were high, but so was the potential reward, with an estimated 120 million people tuning in. Among the crowded field, some ads stood out for their creativity, humor, and star power, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.
One of the most delightful moments came from Issa Rae, who starred in a new TurboTax commercial. The actress, writer, and producer confessed that shooting a Super Bowl ad had always been on her bucket list, and she was thrilled to finally cross it off. Rae, a longtime user of TurboTax, brought her signature charm to the spot, which quickly became her favorite ad—understandably so. Meanwhile, comedic actor Eugene Levy delivered a memorable performance for Little Caesar’s, where his iconic eyebrows took center stage. In the ad, Levy’s brows literally flew off his face in amazement at the tastiness of the brand’s “Crazy Puffs,” embarking on a wild journey that included a baby’s face, a group of awestruck caterpillars, and a surprising twist with bacon-flavored puffs.
The Super Bowl is known for its quirky and sometimes bizarre ads, and this year was no exception. Mountain Dew Baja Blast took the cake with a surreal commercial featuring British singer Seal as a human-faced seal singing his 1994 hit “Kiss from a Rose” while lying on a rock. While the ad left many scratching their heads, it was undeniably memorable. On the other hand, Barry Keoghan made his Super Bowl debut in a charming Squarespace ad, reuniting with a donkey—his trusty sidekick from the critically acclaimed film “The Banshees of Inisherin.” Filmed in his native Ireland, the commercial showcased Keoghan’s undeniable chemistry with the donkey as they traveled the countryside to promote the design-driven website platform.
Tech giants also made their presence known during the game. T-Mobile announced a groundbreaking partnership with Elon Musk’s Starlink, offering customers free access to the satellite internet service through July. The ad highlighted Starlink’s ability to provide internet connectivity in areas where traditional towers can’t reach, underscoring its potential to revolutionize access to high-speed internet. Meanwhile, Dunkin’ Donuts packed its ad with a star-studded cast, including Ben and Casey Affleck, Bill Belichick, and Jeremy Strong, for a hilarious “Java Jam Battle of the Coffee Brand Bands.” The spot playfully poked fun at rival coffee shops and coincided with Starbucks’ recent announcement to bring back baristas writing customer names on cups—a move aimed at reconnecting with its roots.
Nostalgia played a huge role in some of the most emotional ads of the night. Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal revisited their iconic roles from “When Harry Met Sally” in a heartwarming commercial for Hellmann’s mayonnaise. The duo recreated the film’s famous deli scene, with Ryan’s character experiencing a dramatic moment of delight over a turkey sandwich made with Hellmann’s mayo. The ad was a perfect blend of humor and sentimentality, leaving fans of the beloved rom-com feeling nostalgic and satisfied. On the other hand, Nike delivered a powerful message with its 60-second spot, celebrating female athletes and challenging societal expectations. Featuring trailblazers like Caitlin Clark, Jordan Chiles, and Sha’Carri Richardson, the ad urged women to “put themselves first” and embrace their relentless pursuit of greatness.
The night also saw its share of unexpected twists and humor. Meta’s smart glasses ad, created in collaboration with Ray-Ban, took an unusual route by focusing on a $6.2 million banana duct-taped to a wall—a reference to the infamous art piece “Comedian” by Maurizio Cattelan. In the ad, Chris Pratt and Chris Hemsworth dealt with the absurdity of the situation, adding a touch of humor to the wearable tech showcase. Meanwhile, Catherine O’Hara and Willem Dafoe teamed up for Michelob Ultra’s pickleball-themed commercial, proving that even serious actors can have fun. O’Hara, known for her comedic genius, and Dafoe, who shed his intense persona for the ad, made for an unlikely but entertaining duo. Jeep also made waves with its patriotic ad featuring Harrison Ford, promoting the freedom of choice in selecting electric vehicles—a timely message as the country debates the future of transportation.
In the end, the 2023 Super Bowl ads were a testament to the power of creativity and celebrity endorsements. From heartfelt reunions to absurd humor, these commercials captured the essence of the event, leaving viewers entertained, inspired, and sometimes just plain confused. As the world continues to evolve, one thing is certain: the Super Bowl will remain a platform for brands to push boundaries and connect with millions of people in ways that go far beyond the game itself.