Bowl, But Make it Super

No, this is not a Chipotle order. It’s the most wonderful time of the year again – GAME DAY. While the majority of the ads were not impressive this year, there were a few that stood out and made the list. Once you read my reviews, you’ll be running back for more. Punt intended, HA.

Wins

#1: Bud Light Seltzer Lemonade – Last Year’s Lemons

You win. And here’s why: Relatable. Funny. Memorable. This is everything you could want in an ad, especially after such a rough year for everyone. The play on words is also my cup of tea, or rather, my can of hard seltzer.

#2: Rocket Mortgage – Certain Is Better

Entertaining, funny and relatable. The message is clear – be certain when you’re buying a home. If you’ve ever purchased one for the first time – it really does feel like you’re ‘pretty sure’ you have it together, until you don’t. I enjoyed the first ad so much, I was ecstatic to see a part two. Well done.

#3: M&M’S – Come Together

Alexa, play Sorry Not Sorry by Demi Lovato. Imagine what life would be like without a filter? Bliss. I’ll look at M&M’s a bit differently from now on and I have an excuse to insult people… as long as I share my snacks.

#4: Tide – The Jason Alexander Hoodie

Tide, you never seem to disappoint. Normally I’m not a fan of celebrities in ads – but this was executed well. Your product could have been featured more often, but it was entertaining and made me watch until the end.

#5: Cheetos – It Wasn’t Me

Can’t touch this if it wasn’t me. This was a great continuation of last year’s ‘Can’t Touch This’ ad featuring MC Hammer. I enjoyed this one, and we all struggle with the orange on our hands – great work.

#6: Amazon - Alexa's Body

I am waiting for the day where I can change my Alexa’s voice to his. Nice job keeping this family appropriate while also making it inappropriate. Entertaining and fun. 16/10 tablespoons in a cup.

#7: Vroom – Dealership Pain

If you don’t like this ad – you’ve never been to a dealership. If you’ve never been to a dealership, just picture the salespeople in the mall telling you to try a sample. I thought it was great and really sold their USP (unique selling point).

Losses

#8: Jeep – The Middle

Well, Jeep, you were the best worst one. How could you go from such a great ad last year (Jeep’s Groundhog Day with Billy Murray), to this? You missed the mark here. Not impressed.

#9: Funky Buddha Brewery – Funky The Ordinary

My exact thought (and maybe also my tweet): What did I just watch? I had to ask someone what brand this was for once I realized it wasn’t a bad dream. Not a competition when you’re going against Bud Light’s Lemon ad.

#10: Pringles – Flavor Stacking Space Return

Not as bad as Oatly, but still pretty bad. I didn’t get this at all – do your customers even stack Pringles? There’s so much you can do with the Pringles brand. This was not it.

#11: RobinHood – Born Investors

Ugh. Have you read the news? You are the news. Too controversial after such a long year – not the time or place. Terrible line: “You were born one” – yuck.

#12: Klarna – The Four Quarter-Sized Cowboys

I- just, no. What was terrible? All of it.

#13: Sketchers – To the Max

$5.5 million dollars for THIS? How was this approved? Filmed? Signed off on? Yikes.

#14: Oatly – Wow Wow No Cow

Seriously – what was this? I needed ear plugs. This was the equivalent to nails on a chalkboard. This was my least favorite and if your product tastes like anything like it sounds, I do NOT want it.

Honorable Mentions

Anheuser-Busch – Let’s Grab A Beer

So, when I want to be insulting I need a pack of M&M’s. When I want to be nice – I’ll grab a beer. Solid effort, I enjoyed this one.

E*TRADE – Workout

Cute. I think every mom smiled. The concept was great but the execution was a bit off – I’m not sure who refers to themselves as ‘financially in shape’. Give me a call so we can get it right for next year.

Paramount+ – Sweet Victory

Overdue from last year, but appreciated (as seen below).

If you’re sad we have to wait another 365 days for the next one, check out my review of last year’s ads here. Which was your favorite? Are there any you disagree with? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Until next year…