High-Stakes Advertising at the Super Bowl
Super Bowl LIX delivered not only an intense game but also a fierce competition among advertisers vying for audience attention. With nearly 50 brands securing commercial slots, companies leaned heavily on star power and creative storytelling to leave a lasting impression. Each 30-second spot came at a steep price, reportedly reaching up to $8 million, but also provided exposure to an estimated 120 million viewers. From comedic skits to nostalgic throwbacks, this year’s advertisements showcased a mix of creativity and unexpected pairings.
Celebrity Endorsements and Quirky Concepts
Actress Issa Rae fulfilled a personal goal by starring in a TurboTax commercial, emphasizing her connection to the brand. Meanwhile, comedic actor Eugene Levy took humor to new heights—literally—as his signature eyebrows “took flight” in an amusing Little Caesar’s ad. British singer Seal also made an appearance in an unusual Mountain Dew Baja Blast spot, portraying a singing seal while performing his iconic hit, “Kiss from a Rose.”
Adding to the celebrity-fueled lineup, Barry Keoghan’s commercial for Squarespace featured him alongside a donkey, drawing a parallel to his acclaimed role in “The Banshees of Inisherin.” Keoghan joked about his unexpected on-screen chemistry with donkeys while promoting the website-building platform.
Meanwhile, a major corporate presence at Super Bowl LIX came from T-Mobile, which leveraged the event to promote its partnership with Starlink. The telecommunications company announced free satellite internet service through July, opening the offer to customers of rival networks as well.
Nostalgia, Sports, and Unexpected Pairings
Some of the most memorable ads played on nostalgia. Dunkin’ Donuts brought back Ben and Casey Affleck, along with Bill Belichick, in a lighthearted competition against a fictional rival coffee chain. Meanwhile, Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal reunited to recreate their famous “When Harry Met Sally” scene for a Hellmann’s mayonnaise commercial, marking the 35th anniversary of the beloved film.
Sports brands also made their mark. Nike’s 60-second ad highlighted female athletes, addressing the challenges women face in sports with a powerful message: “Whatever you do, you can’t win. So win.” The ad featured stars like Caitlin Clark and Sha’Carri Richardson, celebrating their achievements against societal expectations.
Another surprising moment came from Meta’s ad featuring Chris Pratt and Chris Hemsworth. The spot humorously revolved around a banana duct-taped to a wall—an actual artwork that sold for millions—while showcasing Meta’s smart glasses.
Automotive brands also took center stage, with Jeep enlisting Harrison Ford to promote its electric vehicle lineup. The ad emphasized consumer choice, underscoring that buyers could opt for EVs or traditional cars without divisive rhetoric. Meanwhile, Catherine O’Hara and Willem Dafoe took to the pickleball court in a Michelob Ultra ad, bringing humor and charm to the beer brand’s campaign.
This year’s Super Bowl LIX ads blended humor, nostalgia, and celebrity appeal, ensuring that even non-football fans found something to talk about.
