Super Bowl Sunday: A Spectacular Show of Ads, AI, and Entertainment

The Big Game, Bigger Ads: Super Bowl Sunday is Here

Super Bowl Sunday has officially arrived, and with it comes not just the excitement of the game, but also a wave of glitzy, star-studded commercials. This year, Fox, the network broadcasting the game, has already sold out of its ad spots, with more than 10 of those commercials costing advertisers a whopping $8 million each, according to CNBC. The lineup of ads for 2024 is as diverse as ever, ranging from smart glasses to pizza rolls, and artificial intelligence (AI) seems to be a dominant theme. Viewers can expect a lot of AI-related spots, reflecting the growing presence of AI in nearly every industry. Mark Evans, executive vice president of sales for Fox Sports, summed it up: “AI is coming. If it’s not already here in almost every business, it will be coming like a freight train.” As is the norm these days, many advertisers have already released teasers or even premiered their full ads before the game, giving fans a sneak peek of what’s to come. However, not all ads have been without controversy. Two ads, one from Hims & Hers and one from Google, have already faced scrutiny, setting the stage for a lively conversation around this year’s Super Bowl commercials.

AI Takes Center Stage: Google, Salesforce, and Ray-Ban Meta Shine

AI is undeniably the star of this year’s Super Bowl ads, with several brands leveraging the technology to showcase their innovative products. Google’s ad for its AI model Gemini, for instance, initially faced some backlash for an inaccurate statistic about Gouda cheese consumption. The original ad, which featured the Wisconsin Cheese Mart, claimed that Gouda accounts for “50 to 60 percent of the world’s cheese consumption.” After the error was pointed out, Google re-edited the ad to remove the incorrect stat, with a spokesperson explaining that the company worked with the cheese mart owner to rewrite the product description without the misleading information. Salesforce also jumped into the AI fray with its ad for Agentforce, an AI-driven customer relationship management platform. In the commercial, Matthew McConaughey finds himself getting soaked in the rain because his booking app didn’t have Agentforce, highlighting the importance of AI in streamlining customer interactions. Meanwhile, Ray-Ban Meta’s ad for its AI-powered smart glasses features a star-studded cast, including Chris Pratt, Chris Hemsworth, and Kris Jenner, with a nod to the infamous banana duct-taped to a wall that sold for $6 million at an art auction last year.

Movie Magic: Teasers and Trailers for Hollywood’s Biggest Films

In addition to the slew of ads for consumer products, Super Bowl Sunday is also a prime platform for movie studios to debut teasers and trailers for some of the most anticipated films of the year. This year is no exception, with several high-profile movies getting their first looks during the game. Among them is “Jurassic World: Rebirth,” the latest installment in the Jurassic World franchise, which promises to bring back the thrills and chills of the prehistoric world. Tom Cruise’s “Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning” also gets a teaser, with Cruise himself making an appearance in a Super Bowl intro before the game even starts. Disney fans will be delighted to see a live-action teaser for “Lilo & Stitch,” featuring Stitch running on the field, as well as a live-action remake of “How to Train Your Dragon.” Marvel’s “Thunderbolts” also gets a spot, rounding out what promises to be an exciting lineup of movie trailers.

Social Messages and Celebrity Cameos: Ads with a Purpose

This year’s Super Bowl ads aren’t just about selling products; many of them also carry important social messages or feature celebrity cameos that add an extra layer of entertainment. Dove’s ad, for example, highlights the prevalent issue of body image concerns among young girls, with the hashtag #KeepHerConfident. The commercial calls for a change in how we talk to our girls, emphasizing the importance of boosting their confidence and self-esteem. Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis also takes a serious tone with its ad, which aims to raise awareness about breast cancer. The 60-second spot stars actresses Hailee Steinfeld and Wanda Sykes, who is herself a breast cancer survivor. On the lighter side, Booking.com’s ad features Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and their Muppet friends as they search for their ideal vacation stay, showcasing the platform’s AI-powered features. Even fast food chains like Little Caesars and Totino’s Pizza Rolls are getting in on the action, with hilarious commercials that are sure to leave viewers laughing.

Humor and Heart: Ads that Entertain and Inspire

Humor is always a big part of Super Bowl ads, and this year’s lineup does not disappoint. Budweiser’s ad, a Super Bowl staple, tells the heartwarming story of a Clydesdale foal who is told it’s “still too little” to join the company’s beer run but embarks on its own journey and ultimately helps deliver the keg to its destination. Bud Light’s ad is equally entertaining, featuring Shane Gillis and Post Malone launching Bud Light cans out of a leaf blower and inviting the whole neighborhood to a cul-de-sac party. Coors Light’s ad takes a more comedic approach, showing sloths struggling through a case of the Mondays until they receive a case of Coors Light beers. Stella Artois’ ad stars David Beckham and Matt Damon as they bond over a bottle of Stella Artois after discovering they share the same name. Even the food and beverage brands are bringing their A-game, with Hellmann’s ad featuring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal reprising their iconic roles from “When Harry Met Sally” and enjoying a sandwich at Katz’s Delicatessen.

Controversies and Criticisms: When Ads Spark Conversations

While many of this year’s Super Bowl ads are entertaining and thought-provoking, some have also sparked controversy. Hims & Hers’ ad, for instance, has come under fire for addressing the American obesity epidemic and criticizing the healthcare system for being “built to keep us sick and stuck.” The ad, which promotes the company’s weight-loss offerings, has been called out by Sens. Dick Durbin and Roger Marshall, who expressed concerns that it risks misleading patients by omitting safety or side effect information for a specific type of weight loss medication. A Hims & Hers spokesperson has defended the ad, stating that the company is complying with existing law and is committed to working with Congress and the new administration to improve the healthcare system. Meanwhile, Fanduel’s ad, which features former NFL quarterbacks Eli and Peyton Manning in a field goal showdown, has been criticized for promoting sports betting, a practice that has been controversial in some states. Despite these criticisms, it’s clear that Super Bowl ads continue to be a major part of the cultural conversation, reflecting both the best and worst of our society.

Conclusion: The Super Bowl of Ads

In the end, the Super Bowl is about more than just football; it’s about the ads, the entertainment, and the cultural moments that resonate with millions of viewers. This year’s lineup of commercials promises to deliver on all fronts, with a mix of AI-driven innovation, celebrity cameos, social messages, and humor that will keep audiences engaged long after the final whistle blows. Whether you’re tuning in for the game, the halftime show, or just the ads, there’s no denying that Super Bowl Sunday is a spectacle unlike any other. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the show!