Great Game. Good Commercials. My Favorites from Super Bowl 58

As in previous years, the game falls between my kids prime playtime and bedtime so as much as I tried to see every commercial, I know I missed a few good ones. I’m ranking my favorites based on what I saw live.

Like a Good Neighbaaa

With Mahomes and MaAuto actually being in the Super Bowl, it was pretty obvious a State Farm commercial was coming. But boy was it a surprise to see Arnold featured in this spot instead of Jake. The story was on brand and the Twin’s reunion with DeVito at the end was perfect. When Arnold said 'Choppa' I think that sealed it for me. Easily my favorite of the night. And I’m just throwing this out there but I would love to see a follow up ad next year called “Won’t You Be My Neighbaaa?”?

See it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8ZYgb8Osek

Foot Washing

This one may come as a surprise but I actually really liked this spot. Regardless of your personal and religious views, if there was ever a time for a controversial spot, isn’t the Super Bowl the perfect time? Concept was simple & clever, the imagery was unexpected, and the interpretation is up for plenty of debate (and hate) on all sides of the coin. My guess is that there will be plenty of post game press on this and I think that’s exactly the outcome they wanted.?

See it here:?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94BqlDQ-Ppo

DunKings

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon….together & funny again. It had all the elements of a classic SB commercial with star cameos, nostalgia, & ridiculousness. There are a lot of cringe worthy commercials & collaborations out there but I loved they poked fun of this the whole time. Damon’s “how do you like them donuts” followed up by an immediate “I’m sorry” was hilarious. This lighthearted ad feels like the Dunkin brand and it’s a big win in my book.?

See it here:?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ve2miT5iF2M

Few more thoughts from the night:

• Paramount+ ad is absolutely hilarious when I watched it a few weeks ago. I must’ve missed this playing during the game.?
• Microsoft’s Copilot ad is the only ad that made me immediately pull out my phone and Google. I actually paused, rewinded, so I could make sure I was seeing it correctly. Might not have gotten everyone but perfect for someone who’s interesting in AI.
• I definitely missed the CeraVe commercial but watched it this morning and thought it was funny. Seems like there was a bit of setup to this and a good Reddit rabbit hole if you have the time. ?
• Jeff Goldblum belongs in Super Bowl ads. I thought it was clever for the CoStar team to run an Apartments.com ad and then feature him in the Homes.com ad to link the brands but not sure it was obvious. These ads were lighthearted and seems like we’ll be seeing more ‘neighborhood insights’ ads over the next year.?
• Did I watch the same TEMU commercial multiple times? Is this the company that spends a ton of money on social ads for products I don’t want? Maybe awareness was the goal but still not quite sure what they do or why I should buy from them.?

I can’t wait until next year! Which one was your favorite?