Super Bowl 2026: Best Commercials & Ads – Lays, State Farm & More!

Super Bowl LXI, the annual collision of American football and pop culture, delivered on both fronts this year. While the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots battled it out on the field, the commercials provided a spectacle of their own, featuring a surprising array of stars and a few genuinely touching moments. From a nostalgic reunion with Jon Bon Jovi to a playful jab at AI, the advertising landscape of February 9, 2026, offered a glimpse into current marketing trends and a healthy dose of entertainment.

One of the most talked-about spots came from State Farm, kicking off the game with a commercial starring Danny McBride, Keegan-Michael Key, Hailee Steinfeld, KATSEYE, and, unexpectedly, Jon Bon Jovi. The ad cleverly leveraged Bon Jovi’s iconic hit “Livin’ on a Prayer,” contrasting the financial stability offered by State Farm with the struggles of a fictional competitor, “Halfway There Insurance.” It’s a familiar formula – using a beloved song to sell a product – but the star power involved and the comedic execution clearly resonated with viewers.

Beyond the big names, several commercials stood out for their emotional resonance. Lays took a different approach, opting for a heartwarming story about a father and daughter tending a farm. The ad focused on the passing of the torch as the father prepared for retirement, highlighting the enduring bond between them. It was a departure from the typical Super Bowl fare and a welcome one, offering a moment of genuine connection amidst the high-energy spectacle.

Technology also played a significant role in this year’s advertising lineup. Instacart enlisted Ben Stiller and Benson Boone to showcase their “Preference Picker” feature, allowing customers to select the perfect bananas – color and ripeness included. It’s a seemingly small detail, but it speaks to the increasing level of personalization consumers now expect. Meanwhile, a spot from Oakley and Meta featured a star-studded cast including Marshawn Lynch and Sky Brown, promoting AI-powered sunglasses designed to enhance athletic performance.

The real estate market also got some screen time, with Apartments.com and Homes.com opting for a humorous approach. Jeff Goldblum and Heidi Gardner starred in a commercial that focused on the sheer volume of options available on the platforms, playfully suggesting it was easier to list the places you can’t live. The ad leaned into the absurdity of choice, offering a lighthearted take on the often-stressful process of finding a new home.

George Clooney made his Super Bowl commercial debut with a spot for Grubhub, announcing that the food delivery service would now cover delivery and service fees on orders over $50. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, the commercial employed a quirky, deadpan style that contrasted sharply with the more conventional ads surrounding it. It was a bold move for Grubhub, and a memorable introduction for Clooney to the Super Bowl advertising world.

Nostalgia was also a key theme. The Backstreet Boys reunited for a T-Mobile ad, reminding audiences of their enduring appeal. And for those craving a dose of classic Americana, Budweiser celebrated its 150th anniversary with a commercial featuring the iconic Clydesdale foal, aging gracefully over the years to the tune of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird.”

Even “The Office” alum Brian Baumgartner got in on the action, reprising his role as Kevin Malone for a commercial promoting Ramp, a finance software company. The ad featured a multitude of Kevin clones and, inevitably, a pot of chili, referencing a memorable scene from the show.

Squarespace tapped Emma Stone and director Yorgos Lanthimos for a black-and-white commercial highlighting their new website creation tools. The ad presented a humorous scenario where Stone was dismayed to discover she was too late to secure her own name as a domain.

Perhaps one of the more unexpected twists of the night came from Pepsi, who featured a polar bear contemplating a switch from Coca-Cola in a commercial directed by and starring Taika Waititi. The spot playfully acknowledged the long-standing rivalry between the two brands, adding a layer of meta-commentary to the proceedings.

Beyond the entertainment value, the Super Bowl commercials also offered a glimpse into the evolving advertising landscape. With ad costs exceeding $10 million for a 30-second spot, brands are increasingly focused on creating memorable experiences that cut through the noise. The emphasis on star power, emotional storytelling, and technological innovation suggests that this trend will continue in the years to come. And, as Claude’s ad pointed out, some brands are even making a statement about *not* joining the advertising fray, promising a user experience free from intrusive ads.

As the dust settles on Super Bowl LXI, one thing is clear: the commercials are no longer just a prelude to the game, they are an integral part of the cultural event itself. They provide a snapshot of our collective consciousness, reflecting our values, our anxieties, and our aspirations. And, of course, they give us something to talk about long after the final whistle has blown.