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The Best Commercials from the 2021 Big Game

This year’s Super Bowl represented many firsts. This was the first Super Bowl where the team hosting the game was also a contender. It was the fi...

This year’s Super Bowl represented many firsts. This was the first Super Bowl where the team hosting the game was also a contender. It was the first big game and Super Bowl win for Tom Brady on his new team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the first Super Bowl refereed by a woman, and the first with a limited number of fans in the stands (25,000 fans and 30,000 cut-outs).

While this year looked different, one thing remained the same – Super Bowl commercials provided a great escape throughout the night – and like always, made us laugh, tear up and forget about our Sunday scaries.

To the brands and creative teams working hard this year to produce special videos and social media campaigns, we see you. Here’s a look at some of our favorite commercials from Super Bowl LV. Which ones did we miss? Let us know your favorites on Twitter @psforbrands.

Bud Light Seltzer Lemonade
While some brands strayed away from mentioning 2020 and the ongoing pandemic, brands like Bud Light highlighted the elephant in the room with a lighthearted approach. Here’s their new take on the age-old idiom, ‘when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.’

They even got viral sensation @dudewithsign to make an appearance at the game.

Cadillac
As more car companies embrace hands-free technology, Cadillac jumped on the opportunity to promote their new tech with a touch of nostalgia. They brought in Winona Ryder for a fun follow up to the classic 90’s film, Edward Scissorhands. This time, Timothée Chalamet played Edward and Kim’s son, Edgar, who was given the gift of a new Cadillac with self-driving capabilities.

DoorDash
Sesame Street is cherished among millions of households across the country. Every time those puppets make an appearance on television or on social media, it’s hard not to watch and smile. For this year’s big game, DoorDash teamed up with the Sesame Street crew for a fun, family-friendly commercial about ordering from places in your own neighborhood. Plus, for every order placed during Super Bowl weekend, DoorDash made a donation to Sesame Workshop.

Indeed
Our favorite heartwarming commercial this year? Indeed takes this one. At a time when so many Americans are out of work, searching for their next job, Indeed’s Super Bowl commercial certainly hit home. Their uplifting and inspiring message about using their service gave us a glimpse of the hardworking folks applying and interviewing for jobs every day.

Chipotle
Who knew a burrito could change the world? We loved this clip from Chipotle, a short cinematic adventure combining a message of organic sustainability with a healthy dose of humor. Short, sweet and to the point.

General Motors
An unexpected combination of comedians will always attract an audience. Enter Will Ferrell, who always hits a certain funny bone, featured in this GM commercial with Keenan Thompson and Awkwafina. A car commercial with some much appreciated humor is always a win in our book – and so is less carbon emissions!

Cheetos
When you pair a celebrity couple with a one-hit-wonder (sorry Shaggy!) for your Super Bowl commercial, you’re destined for success. This fun Cheetos commercial features Ashton Kutcher and Shaggy singing a Cheeto-fied version of the hit song “It Wasn’t Me,” and Mila Kunis hiding some classically orange, cheeto-dusted fingers. A winning combo.

Tide
The team at Tide came up a unique way to add a recognizable celebrity cameo into their commercial – one with a true master of funny facial expressions, Jason Alexander. Bringing a silly, familiar face back to the small screen is a recipe for Super Bowl success.

Paramount +
At a time when streaming services are flooding the airwaves, Paramount has entered the ring. Their creative campaign continued throughout the big game, as various characters from sitcoms, reality shows, sports and cartoons went on a journey up Mount Paramount.

Add another monthly subscription to the list! This had us hooked.

Time Out!

Fans and families watching at home certainly enjoyed a sense of familiarity through these big budget SuperBowl commercials. However, some of the biggest brands known for their TV spots decided to approach this year a little differently.

Budweiser
Although a few of Budweiser’s brands were featured throughout the game, the parent company refrained from advertising on television this year. Instead, they decided to reallocate some of their spending to help those affected by to COVID-19.

Their ever-popular Clydesdale horses, however, remained in the spotlight on social.

Planters (Mr. Peanut)
Last year, Planters hit the jackpot when they “killed” Mr. Peanut for the Super Bowl and introduced the world to Baby Nut. This year, they reconsidered.

Pepsi
This year, Pepsi didn’t offer up any grandiose commercials with big name celebrities like Cardi B or Steve Carrell. Instead, they stayed focused on their bread and butter – the Super Bowl Halftime Show.

Did you watch the performance?

Which commercials caught your eye? Let us know your favorite video campaigns from this year’s big game by tweeting at us @psforbrands!

Up Next: Go behind the scenes with the Buccaneers’ team photographers to see how the Bucs use photos to capitalize on fan excitement.

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