Super Bowl Commercials 2023: Nostalgia, Humor, and Human Connection

In an era where every breaking news seems to shake the ground beneath us, this year’s Super Bowl ads leaned into familiar territory with themes like nostalgia, humor, star power, patriotism, and touching stories of humanity.

In these uncertain times, commercial messages that have the greatest impact are those that provide comfort, foster unity, and entertain.

This year’s standout and lackluster Super Bowl ads presented a range of quirky humor and nostalgic nods, with companies emphasizing human connections amidst societal challenges. Highlights included Uber Eats featuring Matthew McConaughey in a comedic spoof, Dunkin’ embracing self-mockery with Jeremy Strong, and Instacart appealing to Gen X with nostalgic elements.

On the other hand, some advertisements fell flat or played it too safe, such as the puzzling pairing of David Beckham and Matt Damon in Stella Artois’ ad or Hims’ polarizing approach to wellness. Meanwhile, companies endeavored to strike an emotional chord, illustrated by Google Pixel highlighting AI’s role in preparing the workforce for the future.

In summary, this Super Bowl showcased commercials that are a medley of humor, star-studded moments, and heartfelt storytelling. The varied reception to these ads highlights their diverse execution and relevance in a rapidly shifting world.