Super Bowl 2020 Advertising

Every year I painstakingly watch for all of the Super Bowl advertising, and in fact have a Twitter party to discuss all of the ads. This year I was out and about for the big game, so I missed quite a few and didn’t engage on Twitter as much … I was out enjoying the game in a big crowd which was a different experience for me. So much fun. But alas, many of them were pre-released and they are all now on YouTube so we can continue to enjoy!

One thing that was amazing about my Super Bowl experience this year is that I did get to hear the crowd’s reaction to each spot, which was a game unto itself. For example, lots of boos when the political spots came on. Tears for Googles “Loretta,” and cheers for Olay’s “Make Space for Women” where each tweet created a $1 donation to “Girls Who Code.” Although interesting, the Olay spot got quite a lot of criticism in roundup articles the next day. I got it, and liked it, but I also can see a bit of the confusion.

Cheetos new popcorn also got a big laugh, probably because that Cheetos “dust” is so darn relatable. Take a look:

This year’s batch of ads came with high entertainment value for sure, and also much more light on the social issues which is feedback we hear every year. Many feel that the Super Bowl is for families and fun, not for heavy issues. Doritos certainly delivered that, with a dance off featuring Sam Elliott.

One of my personal favorites was from Jeep with its perfect timing for Groundhog Day featuring the movie Groundhog Day.

My all time favorite came from Secret with its “KickInequality.” Talk about motivating and inspiring! Especially as a dad. Perfect timing for this spot too, and its football theme couldn’t have been more suited for the day. And yes it was a social issue but it was executed so perfectly well IMHO.

But in terms of stealing the show, well that title goes to JLo and Shakira who delivered beyond expectations at the half time show. One of the all time greatest IMHO, and there have been many like Lady Gaga and Michael Jackson to just name two. When JLo’s daughter came out of a cage to her mom’s song “Let’s Get Loud,” well that was a moment. A big moment. These two women were motivating, awe-inspiring, and yes American with a message about America and what it means to be strong in America. I guess there was a social issue or two on display during the Super Bowl. Well done!

These two women nailed it, and they looked like they were having so much fun in the process. They did us all proud.

What were your favorites? What’s your experience? JIM.