Super Bowl Commercials: A Hilarious and Heartfelt Recap

The Game, the Ads, and the Moments That Made Us Laugh (and Cry)

So, Taylor Swift’s boyfriend lost the big game. But let’s be real—while the scoreboard may have been disappointing for some, the real entertainment was happening in the commercial breaks. From the hilarious to the cringeworthy, and even the tear-jerkers, this year’s lineup of ads had us all talking long after the final whistle blew.

The Hilarity of Eugene Levy and Flying Mustaches

First up, let’s talk about Eugene Levy. His eyebrows are always a spectacle, but when they were flapping through the air in a recent ad, it was a sight to behold! Not to be outdone, we witnessed mustaches soaring through the sky, smacking into windows. While it was undeniably hilarious, I have to admit that this flying facial hair didn’t quite convince me to reach for a bag of potato chips. Sorry, Doritos—your alien abduction theme didn’t do the trick either!

Seal’s Unsettling Serenade

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—or should I say, the seal? Seal singing as a seal was a bizarre twist that left many viewers scratching their heads. As if Mountain Dew wasn’t already a questionable choice for a refreshing drink, this ad took it to a whole new level of gross. I think I’ll stick to water, thank you very much!

Star-Studded Cameos

The star power didn’t stop there. We had a famous Ford (Harrison) selling Jeeps, both Afflecks (Ben and Casey) making appearances, and their buddy Matt Damon joining the fun. And who could forget Meg Ryan’s iconic reprise from When Harry Met Sally? While I appreciated the nostalgia, I still stand by my belief that mayonnaise is as unappealing as Mountain Dew.

One of my favorite moments was the Dunkin’ Donuts ad featuring Jay and Silent Bob. It was a delightful Easter egg that had me chuckling, especially with a cameo from the grumpy former New England coach who now calls Chapel Hill home.

Feel-Good Moments That Tugged at Our Heartstrings

Amidst the laughter, there were also some poignant moments that reminded us of what truly matters. The Dove commercial featuring a little girl running down the sidewalk delivered a powerful message about positive body image. And then there was the ad showcasing the journey of a stay-at-home dad. From feeding his baby to teaching her how to drive, the emotional rollercoaster culminated in a heartwarming scene of him moving her into her college dorm. As I wiped away tears, my seven-year-old daughter looked at me quizzically and asked, “Daddy, what was that a commercial for?” Honestly, I had no idea, but it certainly struck a chord.

The Potty-tunity

And let’s not forget the quirky moments that made us chuckle. A cartoon angel urging us to take a bathroom break—dubbed a “potty-tunity”—was a humorous reminder that sometimes, the best part of the game is the chance to step away for a moment. After all, we wouldn’t want to miss anything important!

Conclusion

In the end, whether it was the laughter, the nostalgia, or the heartfelt moments, the commercials during the big game provided a delightful distraction from the scoreboard. They reminded us that while the outcome of the game may be fleeting, the memories we create and the emotions we share are what truly matter.

So, as we reflect on the ads that made us laugh, cringe, and even tear up, let’s celebrate the creativity and humor that brought us together—if only for a few minutes between plays.

Andrew Taylor-Troutman is the author of Little Big Moments, a collection of mini-essays about parenting, and Tigers, Mice & Strawberries: Poems. Both titles are available most anywhere books are sold online. Taylor-Troutman lives in Chapel Hill, where he serves as pastor of Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church and occasionally stumbles upon the wondrous while in search of his next cup of coffee.