Memorable(?) Super Bowl 50 TV Commercials

As you probably know and agree, the Super Bowl has evolved into much more than a game: it's an event, that literally kicks off days before the actual kickoff. And admittedly, I get caught up in the celebratory bookends to the actual game itself: the pre-game coverage, the statistical analysis, the love/hate debate over the halftime show, the post coverage and of course, the TV commercials. As a marketing professional, I watch the commercials with great scrutiny, curiosity and sometimes, admiration. So, I solicited the help of my 12-year-old son to select the most memorable TV commercials shown during last night's game. We were frankly, a bit underwhelmed, but these few stood out for us, at least.


Avocados from Mexico - Full disclosure: I'm a sucker for pop culture mashups and this ad had funny-looking aliens touring human "oddities" on display, including a Rubik's Cube, that famed blue/gold dress that went viral last year and even Scott Baio. Jam packed with pop culture references, humor and the product payoff at the end, this one delivered.

Apartments.com - It starts off with Jeff Goldblum singing the theme to The Jeffersons TV show while getting hoisted up the side of a high rise. At the top apartment, he sees George and Weezy (that is, George Washington and Li'l Wayne. Get it?) It's an ad for Apartments.com we learn and then the whole thing makes a bit more sense.


Audi - Retired Astronaut - We see the "commander," a retired astronaut, who appears sullen; like he's given up on life. Until his son (I assume) lets him drive a new Audi R8. The car mirrors the feeling the older man had when he commanded a spaceship, we learn partially through flashbacks. The car speeds along the highway while David Bowie's Starman plays and then the former astronaut cracks his first smile. Touching and uplifting.


Puppy Monkey Baby - This weird Mountain Dew commercial was so bizarre; my son and I couldn't help but to laugh. Silly? Sure. Memorable? You bet. Successful? We'll see.

We also gave our "thumbs up" to the Amy Schumer and Seth Rogen "Bud Light Party" which in part pays homage to Independence Day dialogue, the Prius 4, the Turbo Tax ad with Anthony Hopkins and Drake's T-Mobile commercial.


Super Bowl commercials as mini-must-see-TV events started back when Apple used the opportunity to announce its Macintosh computer through a 1984 inspired ad. Other ad agencies soon jumped on the bandwagon. And today, some brands launch their ads online in advance of the Super Bowl to gain even more buzz.


But does this really work? Will avocado sales spike? Will the new Mountain Dew drink take off? Perhaps. Those advertisers and brands that will likely see the Return On Investment are those that realize that while they are in front of the biggest TV audience of the year, their message must strategically be part of a full campaign that includes brand and product awareness and integration. Chances are the folks at Anheuser-Busch were elated that Peyton Manning mentioned...twice...that he would celebrate the Broncos' win by drinking a lot of Budweiser. Now that's a Super promotion.

©2016. Tom Quash