Super Bowl Ads Tackle Challenges with Health, Compassion, and Humor
The Super Bowl has long been a platform for advertisers to engage audiences using humor, nostalgia, and meaningful messages. This year, the ads addressed several pressing themes including health, compassion, and the challenges faced by Americans.
Compassionate Messages in Super Bowl Ads
During a time of social unrest and health concerns, advertisers aimed to remind viewers to care for one another. Notable examples include:
- Ring showcased how doorbell cameras can help find lost pets.
- Budweiser featured a Clydesdale that sheltered a bald eagle chick from the rain.
- Novartis promoted a blood test capable of detecting prostate cancer.
- Toyota urged viewers to wear seatbelts for safety.
- Lady Gaga performed “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” honoring Mister Rogers for Rocket Companies.
- The NFL referenced Mister Rogers in a campaign supporting youth sports.
Highlighting National Sentiment
As consumer confidence plummeted to its lowest since 2014, advertisers navigated the uneasy national mood. Vann Graves from Virginia Commonwealth University noted a collective trauma affecting all individuals.
Humor Takes Center Stage
This year’s commercials also featured lighthearted content. Key humorous moments included:
- Sabrina Carpenter attempted to create the perfect man from Pringles.
- Ben Stiller and Benson Boone entertained as a disco duo in an Instacart ad.
- Andy Samberg, as “Meal Diamond,” humorously squirted mayonnaise on sandwiches.
- Coca-Cola’s polar bears shared a Pepsi in a clever twist on last year’s viral campaign.
Artificial Intelligence in Advertising
Artificial intelligence made its presence felt in several commercials. Highlights included:
- Oakley promoted AI-enabled glasses featuring celebrities like Spike Lee and Marshawn Lynch.
- Wix launched an ad for Wix Harmony, showcasing AI for website development.
- Svedka Vodka introduced FemBot and BroBot, created with the help of Silverside AI.
AI ads sparked debate as Amazon aired a commercial with Chris Hemsworth that humorously addressed public fears about AI, juxtaposed with recent workforce layoffs.
Health and Wellness Focus
Amidst the humor, health-conscious advertisements emerged prominently:
- Octavia Spencer and Sofia Vergara encouraged kidney disease testing.
- Mike Tyson brought attention to obesity with a personal story about his sister.
- Novo Nordisk promoted its Wegovy weight loss medication in an ensemble cast ad.
- Serena Williams featured in Ro’s telehealth ad for GLP-1 medications.
Nostalgic Appeal
Advertisers also tapped into nostalgia to evoke positive sentiments:
- T-Mobile enlisted the Backstreet Boys to remix their classic “I Want It That Way.”
- Volkswagen transported viewers back to 1992 with a music-themed ad.
- Xfinity reunited stars from “Jurassic Park” for a lighthearted ad about power restoration.
Record-Breaking Ad Costs
The Super Bowl continues to attract advertisers due to its widespread viewership. In 2025, a record 127.7 million people tuned in across various platforms. This year, the average cost of a 30-second ad soared to $8 million, with some spots exceeding $10 million, marking a new high during this iconic event.
As February offers the Super Bowl and other major sports events, advertising professionals deem it a “legendary February,” underscoring the value of reaching a captivated audience.
