Super Bowl ads are playing it safe this year

As the nation eagerly awaits Super Bowl LVIII, advertisers are sparing no expense to captivate audiences, shelling out around $7 million for a 30-second spot.

Among the lineup are big names like M&Ms, Budweiser and Google, alongside newcomers like Drumstick Ice Cream and Stand Up to Jewish Hate campaign.

With over 100 million viewers expected to tune in, advertisers are gearing up to make this year’s Super Bowl ad bonanza a wild ride.

Remember Bud Light’s bumpy ride last year, which sparked a consumer boycott? Well, it’s made marketers opt for safe humor, steering clear of anything remotely controversial. 

Bud Light itself is attempting redemption with a whimsical ad featuring a genie granting wacky wishes.

But it’s not all laughs. Some advertisers are aiming to tug at your heartstrings. Dove champions young girls in sports, while Astellas addresses menopause symptoms. 

Lindt, known for its decadent chocolates, is skipping celebrity endorsements for a simple joyride with bouncing chocolate balls.

Artificial intelligence takes the spotlight too, with Microsoft showcasing its Copilot AI. DoorDash is upping the ante with a sweepstakes offer promising one lucky winner products from every commercial aired during the game.

Super Bowl advertising evolution: A tribute to Apple’s ‘1984’
Four decades ago, the Super Bowl became the Super Bowl not due to the game itself but due to a groundbreaking commercial in Super Bowl XVIII.

Directed by Ridley Scott, Apple’s “1984” ad inspired by Orwell’s novel, transformed Super Bowl advertising. Despite initial skepticism, it became iconic, setting the stage for the ads we know today.