The dust has settled on ‘s Super Bowl LXI, and while the Kansas City Chiefs secured a victory on the field, the advertising arena also crowned its winners and, inevitably, its less successful contenders. This year’s commercials swung for the fences, leaning heavily into celebrity cameos and attempts at viral moments, with mixed results according to industry analysts.
Fan Favorites Emerge
Several brands resonated strongly with viewers, consistently appearing in “best of” lists compiled by entertainment and marketing publications. Budweiser, Lay’s, Pepsi, Dunkin’, and Michelob Ultra all garnered significant positive attention. Forbes highlighted the effectiveness of Ring Cameras, Pepsi’s return of the Polar Bear, and Levi’s star-studded jeans campaign, noting their ability to cut through the noise and leave a lasting impression.
The Dunkin’ ad, featuring a cameo from Good Will, proved particularly popular, sparking conversation online and driving social media engagement. Pepsi’s nostalgic revival of its iconic Polar Bear also struck a chord, tapping into a sense of familiarity and warmth. Lay’s also landed on multiple “best of” lists, though details of the specific creative approach weren’t immediately available.
Ben Affleck and ‘Jurassic Park’ Steal the Show
Beyond the consistently strong performers, several commercials generated buzz through unexpected celebrity appearances and clever concepts. Yahoo reported that Ben Affleck featured prominently in one of the most memorable ads, though the product he was promoting wasn’t specified. A campaign featuring the cast of ‘Jurassic Park’ also captured attention, leveraging the enduring appeal of the franchise. Benson Boone’s backflip during a commercial also became a widely discussed moment.
‘Will Shat’ and 50 Cent Generate Discussion
The New York Times singled out a commercial dubbed ‘Will Shat’ as a standout, though details surrounding the ad’s content remain sparse. Another notable moment involved 50 Cent, who appeared in a commercial that reportedly involved a playful “beef” with another celebrity, though the nature of the dispute and the product being advertised weren’t fully detailed. These ads demonstrate a trend toward leveraging existing cultural narratives and celebrity rivalries to capture audience attention.
Mixed Reviews and the Search for Impact
Not every commercial landed successfully. CBS News compiled a list of both the best and worst ads, suggesting that many brands struggled to break through the clutter and deliver a memorable message. The sheer volume of advertising during the Super Bowl – and the high cost of airtime – puts immense pressure on brands to create truly exceptional work. The challenge lies in not just grabbing attention, but also forging a genuine connection with viewers and driving measurable results.
The Rise of Nostalgia and Familiar Faces
A recurring theme across many of the successful commercials was a reliance on nostalgia and familiar faces. Pepsi’s Polar Bear, the ‘Jurassic Park’ cast, and even the presence of established stars like Ben Affleck and 50 Cent all tapped into pre-existing cultural touchstones. This suggests that in a crowded advertising landscape, brands are increasingly turning to recognizable elements to cut through the noise and resonate with audiences.
Beyond Entertainment: Effectiveness and ROI
While entertainment value is crucial, brands are ultimately judged on the effectiveness of their Super Bowl investments. Forbes’ analysis focused specifically on which commercials were most *effective*, not just which were the most talked about. Ring Cameras, for example, were praised for their clear demonstration of product benefits and potential to drive sales. This underscores the importance of aligning creative execution with concrete marketing objectives.
The Ongoing Evolution of Super Bowl Advertising
The Super Bowl remains the pinnacle of advertising spectacle, but the landscape is constantly evolving. The increasing fragmentation of media consumption and the rise of streaming platforms present new challenges for brands seeking to reach a broad audience. The 2026 commercials reflect an ongoing effort to adapt to these changes, experimenting with new formats, leveraging social media, and embracing celebrity culture. The success of these efforts will be measured not just in immediate buzz, but in long-term brand impact and return on investment.
As advertising continues to evolve, the Super Bowl will likely remain a key battleground for brands vying for consumer attention. The commercials from ’s game offer a glimpse into the future of advertising, where nostalgia, celebrity, and a clear marketing message are all essential ingredients for success.
