How appropriate that Super Bowl LVIII took place in Las Vegas this year. Because brands are gambling with high stakes, the Big Game has become synonymous with extravagant advertising, with top brands investing millions to capture the attention of its massive television audience, which consistently surpasses 100 million viewers.
This year’s Super Bowl ads feature various top brands, ranging from Anheuser-Busch’s iconic Clydesdales to Uber Eats’ star-studded spot starring Jennifer Aniston and Victoria and David Beckham. You’re correct if you guessed that the cost of a 30-second ad during this year’s game is $7 million. This figure remains consistent with last year’s prices but marks a significant 55% increase from 2019.
In every Super Bowl, some ads soar to great heights, capturing attention and leaving a lasting impression. Unfortunately, some stumble, failing to resonate with audiences and falling short of the mark. Let’s take a look at some of the worst ads from Super Bowl 2024:
American Values 2024 ‘Kennedy’
What the actual f**k? Did this Kennedy PAC replace an original JFK political ad from the sixties with RFK Jr.? Yes, they did. The ad, featuring a repetitive jingle and outdated style, failed to convey a clear message, confusing viewers about its purpose. And it was simply tasteless. Kennedy apologized after the ad infuriated his family.
Astellas ‘Not Flashes’
This pharmaceutical ad for Veozah, a medication for menopausal hot flashes, lacked creativity and failed to stand out among the more engaging commercials of the night.
Bass Pro Shops ‘Making Memories on the Water’
While attempting to promote Tracker boats, this ad fell flat with its uninspired visuals and forgettable message, failing to capture the audience’s attention.
FanDuel ‘Kick of Destiny 2’
FanDuel’s attempt at humor with Rob Gronkowski’s field goal attempts fell short, leaving viewers confused and disappointed, especially given unexpected real-life events. At least they paid a memorial to Carl Weathers.
REELated:
Temu ‘Shop Like a Billionaire’
Temu’s animated ad promoting its shopping platform missed the mark with its cheesy aesthetics and repetitive jingle, failing to engage viewers effectively.
While these ads may have missed the mark, they serve as a reminder of the challenges of creating memorable and impactful advertising, especially on one of the biggest stages in television.
For all of Reel 360 News’ Super Bowl coverage, click here.
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