That’s it! All 60 Super Bowl ads, reviewed neatly for your convenience. (Ad Meter initially listed a second spot for Oakley/ Meta, but I couldn’t find any place that it ran tonight.) Check back soon, as I’ll compile these results into my Top Ten and Bottom Whatever. Thanks for reading – I ‘ll see you again here soon!
9:36 p.m.
Cadillac – “Formula 1 2006 Livery Reveal”
What exactly was the point of this ad? Was it meant to get people to follow Cadillac’s Formula 1 team? If so, did that really require spending roughly $16 million during the Super Bowl? A well-written email to the handful of people already interested might have done the job just as effectively—and saved a lot of money. This one feels bafflingly misplaced. Grade: C. Ad Meter Grade: 2. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 4.
Hellmann’s – “Sweet Sandwich Time”
The “Meal Diamond” joke carries this spot for most of its runtime, and it works—mostly. Andy Samberg is funny, but sometimes he can be too Andy Samberg, and a little goes a long way. Still, using Sweet Caroline to sell mayonnaise is a clever move, and the ad largely sticks the landing. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 9.
He Gets Us – “More”
The final ad of the night comes from He Gets Us with its 2026 entry, and as always, these spots generate mixed reactions. Many Christians respond positively, while others see them as an intrusion into the broadcast. The likely target audience—disaffected Christians and skeptics—raises a fair question: is this message actually reaching them in the numbers He Gets Us hopes for? This particular ad argues that material wealth doesn’t guarantee lasting or eternal happiness, which is a worthwhile and thoughtful message. Whether the Super Bowl is the right platform for delivering it is another matter entirely. Grade: B+. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 6.
9:33 p.m.
Novo Nordisk – “A New Way to Wegovy”
This one felt so right—until it didn’t. The first half is genuinely entertaining, with Tracy Morgan, DJ Khaled, and others bringing humor and energy to the message. But midway through, the ad grinds to a halt under the weight of obligatory pharma legal mumbo jumbo. The laughs stop cold, and the fine print takes over nearly half the spot. That’s a shame, because this had real momentum before the legalese took over. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 8.
9:29 p.m.
Amazon – “Alexaaa+”
Amazon promotes its Alexa+ service by leaning into paranoia, with Chris Hemsworth playing along as things spiral just a bit too far. It’s cute, clever, and genuinely engaging, using humor to make the tech feel both powerful and slightly unsettling. The concept lands, the execution works, and the brand comes off strong. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
Lay’s – “The Lay’s Challenge”
I had a real issue with this one, mainly because I don’t like ads that ask viewers to scan a code to chase some kind of reward. In this case, the code reportedly didn’t work well, and the site was so overwhelmed that people had to camp out just to submit a form—all for a free bag of chips. What was supposed to feel generous instead came off as manipulative. Grade: B-. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 5.
Salesforce – “@MrBeast’s Vault”
Take everything frustrating about the previous ad and double it. MrBeast dangles $1 million in front of viewers, but only if they solve a puzzle and text him the correct code. Once again, it feels manipulative rather than fun—and it’s still unclear how any of this connects back to what Salesforce is actually selling. Big energy, questionable purpose. Grade: B+. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 6.
4th quarter
9:21 p.m.
Hims & Hers – “Rich People Live Longer”
This one feels like it’s flirting with class warfare as a selling point. The message seems to boil down to this: rich people live longer, so live like you’re rich—even if you’re not—and you’ll live longer, too. The logic feels flawed, and the execution only adds to the confusion. Instead of feeling persuasive, the ad comes across as muddled and oddly off-putting. Grade: B. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 5.
NFL – “You Are Special”
The NFL shines a light on organizations that work with young people, and the result is genuinely adorable. Several current and former NFL players, including Michael Strahan, make appearances, lending warmth and credibility to the message. It’s heartfelt and effective—but the one-minute version is far stronger. This shorter cut feels rushed by comparison and doesn’t quite allow the sentiment to breathe. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 9.
9:12 p.m.
Xfinity – “Jurassic Park … Works”
This is very smart. If only Jurassic Park had Xfinity, the entire movie might have had a happy ending. Classic characters—including Sam Neill as Dr. Grant—are recreated using impressive de-aging effects, and the joke lands cleanly: with reliable connectivity, everything goes right. Letting Dr. Grant endorse the park because it finally works is a clever twist, and the nostalgia payoff is strong. A terrific use of the brand and the franchise. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
Grubhub – “The Feest”
I get the play on words, but the joke wears thin almost immediately. George Clooney brings star power to the spot, yet the humor never really builds beyond its initial premise. It’s not bad, just one-note, and by the end it feels like the ad has overstayed its welcome. Solid effort, limited payoff. Grade: A. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 8.
RITZ – “Ritz Island”
The celebrity lineup is strong—Jon Hamm, Scarlett Johansson, and Bowen Yang—but the ad itself never quite clicks. The idea seems promising on paper, yet the humor never fully lands. It’s pleasant enough, but not funny enough to stand out on a crowded Super Bowl stage. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 8.
9:07 p.m.
Pringles – “Pringleo”
Sabrina Carpenter imagines her perfect man by building him out of Pringles, and predictably, everything goes wrong. Still, at least he’s delicious. The premise is silly, the execution is playful, and the ad never takes itself too seriously. It’s funny, cute, and harmless—nothing groundbreaking, but solidly entertaining and easy to like. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
Ring – “Search Party From Ring”
This is a genuinely great idea. Ring highlights how its cameras are being used to help reunite lost dogs with their owners, noting that at least one dog a day has been returned since the program launched. The ad is sentimental and sweet, but more importantly, it’s smart. Showing the reunited dog at the end drives the message home in the best possible way. I love both the concept and the execution. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
Budweiser – “American Icons”
This is the one I was convinced would win the Ad Meter—and it still might. Nostalgia, patriotism, and good feelings are layered on thick as Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Free Bird plays and a Clydesdale helps teach a baby eagle how to fly. The moment where the horse briefly looks like a Pegasus is instantly iconic. This is Budweiser doing what Budweiser does best, and doing it exceptionally well. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
9:00 p.m.
Pokémon – “What’s Your Favorite”
This one was confusing enough that I wasn’t even sure it was a real national commercial at first. A parade of celebrities—including Trevor Noah—cycle through the ad, but it’s never quite clear why Pokémon is advertising here. Is Pokémon Go making a comeback? Is there a new game launch? The spot never really tells us. It’s odd, vaguely interesting, and ultimately puzzling in a way that doesn’t invite curiosity so much as head-scratching. Grade: B. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 6.
Poppi – “Make It Poppi”
Another fever dream. This time, Poppi drops us into what appears to be a classroom that suddenly turns into a pop-up rager, complete with glitter, skimpy outfits, and lots of confusion—all fueled by soda instead of drugs. The energy is chaotic, the message is murky, and coming back-to-back with other similarly strange ads, it leaves you wondering why it even aired during the Super Bowl. It’s not offensive, just baffling. Grade: B-. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 5.
Volkswagen – “The Great Invitation: Drivers Wanted”
That makes three straight duds. Volkswagen delivers an ad filled with lots of people and lots of cars, but very little reason to care. Nothing here feels tailored to the Super Bowl moment; instead, it plays like a generic brand montage that could run at any time of year. It doesn’t offend, but it also doesn’t engage—and on a night like this, that’s almost worse. Mostly, it just feels like wasted money. Grade: B+. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 6.
8:54 p.m.
Google Gemini – “New Home”
This is touching, sweet, and quietly bittersweet. A mother and son talk about moving into a new home and imagine what their future there might look like, with Google Gemini helping them visualize the life they’re about to build together. It’s emotionally grounded without being manipulative, and it uses the technology as a supporting character rather than the star. On a night full of noise, this one lands because of its restraint and heart. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
Novartis – “Relax Your Tight End”
Unusual, slightly funny, and just uncomfortable enough to get your attention, Novartis takes a risk with this spot. Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid delivers a deadpan message about a “finger-free” PSA test, joined by appearances from several current NFL tight ends. The concept is awkward by design, but that discomfort helps the message stick. It won’t be for everyone, but it’s memorable—and that counts for a lot in this setting. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 8.
8:33 p.m.
Svedka – “Shake Your Bots Off”
Color me confused. I honestly couldn’t figure out what dancing AI robots have to do with vodka. Sure, they look like they’re having a great time—but why wouldn’t they? They’re literally programmed to do that. And they can’t even enjoy the vodka they’re supposedly celebrating. Everything about this ad looks like it should be fun, and maybe it was for someone, but I didn’t feel it—and neither did the people I showed it to last week. I’m not much of a vodka guy to begin with, but if I were, this spot would probably push me farther away from Svedka rather than pull me in.
Grade: B-. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 5.
Boehringer Ingelheim – “Mission: Detect the SOS”
Boehringer Ingelheim leans on two recognizable faces—Octavia Spencer and Sofía Vergara—to highlight the warning signs faced by women living with diabetes and high blood pressure. It’s an important message, and the casting should elevate it, but the execution never quite rises above competent. You’d expect more impact from this pairing, yet the ad ultimately blends into the background on a night filled with stronger moments. Grade: A-. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 7.
MAHA Center Inc. – “MAHA Real Food by Mike Tyson”
I understand the push for healthier living, and it’s genuinely interesting to hear some of what Mike Tyson has to say. But watching Iron Mike eat a carrot while lecturing America about obesity feels a bit hollow—especially when most viewers were probably eating chicken wings and drinking beer as this ad aired. It’s an important message, and one that needs to be heard, but the Super Bowl doesn’t feel like the right venue for it. Maybe that $8 million would have gone farther spread across a lot of smaller ads, shown at times when people might actually be more receptive. Grade: C. Ad Meter Grade: 2. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 4.
8:15 p.m. Here’s where the halftime ads start.
Toyota – “Superhero Belt”
Remember what I said earlier about an ad being good, but suffering by comparison? This one is a perfect example of that principle. It’s genuinely sweet, telling the story of a grandfather buckling his grandson into the car and explaining that the seatbelt is really a “superhero belt.” Years later, the roles are reversed, with the now-grown grandson driving and reminding his grandfather to buckle his superhero belt. It’s touching and sincere, and Toyota hits many of the right emotional notes. But surrounded by so many bigger, louder, and more memorable ads, this one just doesn’t linger the way others do.
Grade: A-. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 7.
Fanatics Sportsbook – “Bet on Kendall with Fanatics Sportsbook”
This feels like a case where the advertiser may have misread its audience. Fanatics is banking on Kendall Jenner being (sort of) self-deprecating as she jokes about betting on sports figures—namely, the basketball players she’s dated and dumped—before announcing that she’s now switched to football players. How this is supposed to drive a wave of new bets, I’m not entirely sure. It’s cute, in a way, but ultimately forgettable. Can we get to the halftime show already? (Well… that kind of depends on which one you’re watching.) Grade: A. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 7.
Bud Light – “Keg”
Bud Light keeps things fun, light, and refreshingly simple by getting back to basics with a straightforward, celebrity-driven spot. Shane Gillis and Peyton Manning anchor the ad around the universal appeal of a keg showing up at just the right moment. There’s nothing complicated here—just familiar faces, easy humor, and a vibe that fits the brand perfectly. It’s enjoyable, effective, and exactly what Bud Light does best. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 8.
NFL – “Champion”
In the middle of a stretch filled with some fairly forgettable halftime ads, this NFL spot stands out in a very good way. A young boy opens by delivering a passionate motivational speech to the toys in his bedroom, only for us to realize that he’s echoing the same words spoken moments earlier by his football coach. While the stuffed animals and action figures remain unmoved, the young players listening to their coach clearly get the message: We are champions. The NFL uses the moment to thank youth coaches for the impact they have on young lives, and even if every viewer doesn’t fully connect all the dots, the sentiment lands. This one will be remembered—and it should be counted among the night’s winners. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
8:00 p.m.
Coinbase – “Everybody Coinbase”
In the seven years I’ve been ranking Super Bowl ads, Coinbase’s 2022 effort earned the lowest score I’ve ever given a commercial. This year, Coinbase returns and seems determined to dominate the bottom of the rankings once again. The concept this time mimics a karaoke-style display set to a Backstreet Boys song, which we’re forced to sit with for a full minute before—finally—the word coinbase appears on the screen. That’s it. Message delivered. Brilliant. Always keep it simple. And forgettable. And a complete waste of money. Grade: C-. Ad Meter Grade: 1. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 3.
Kinder Bueno – “Yes Bueno 2026”
This one is perfectly pleasant, which may be its biggest problem. Yes Bueno 2026 is cute, inoffensive, and competently produced, but it never gives you a reason to care—or to rush out and buy a pack of Kinder Bueno. On a night when ads need to demand attention, this one politely asks for it and then quietly fades away. Grade: A. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 7.
7:56 p.m.
TurboTax – “The Expert”
Celebrity endorsements are a staple of Super Bowl advertising, and this one brings out Adrien Brody as a supposed expert on taxes. The problem is that TurboTax needs its experts to project confidence and reassurance, and Brody—true to form—leans hard into negativity and skepticism. I get the joke, and the “real” TurboTax expert is there to steer the message back on course, but the whole experience feels a little off-kilter. The ad checks enough of the right boxes to score well, but the strange tone keeps it from really sticking. This one will do fine in the moment, but it’s unlikely to be remembered for very long.
Grade: A. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 8.
Universal Orlando Resort – “Lil’ Bro’”
I kept waiting for this one to do something truly special, but that moment never came. Everything early on hints at a bigger payoff—a touching music bed, two brothers locked in that familiar love-and-annoyance relationship, and the promise of a trip to Universal Orlando. But that’s as far as it goes. The brothers continue loving and annoying each other, and the takeaway seems to be that you should come to Universal. That’s the message I got, and I’ll have a hard time remembering much more than that once the night is over.
Grade: A-. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 6.
7:51 p.m.
Microsoft – “Turn Raw Data Into Insights”
Once again, we get a commercial that probably played beautifully in a boardroom and then completely disappeared in a Super Bowl setting. I’m sure Microsoft’s Copilot delivers plenty of insight to people who live and breathe data—NFL executives included. But maybe Copilot could have warned those same executives that running an ad with no humor, no celebrities, and nothing but facts is a great way to be forgotten before the very next commercial airs. Informative? Maybe. Memorable? Not even close. Yawn. Grade: C. Ad Meter Grade: 2. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 4.
Blue Square Alliance Against Hate – “Sticky Note”
I really want to like this ad. Honestly, the message is important—who can argue with the need to stand up to antisemitism? It feels like the people behind it understood that the spot might get lost in the Super Bowl shuffle, but decided that reaching such a massive audience was worth the risk. My students previewed this ad last week, and several were confused by one student placing the blue sticky note on himself. The metaphor—standing up to hate—was lost on them, and I suspect it may be lost on a lot of viewers as well. Even more troubling, the people who most need to hear this message may actually take offense to it rather than reflect on it. That’s unfortunate, and a little sad. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 8
Liquid I.V. – “Take a Look”
Liquid I.V. makes inspired use of Phil Collins’ Against All Odds by having toilet seats serenade us throughout this spot. I usually can’t stand that song—mostly because my high school senior prom committee thought a breakup anthem would be the perfect soundtrack for our closing moment. Genius. But toilet seats singing it? That’s actual genius, no sarcasm intended. Liquid I.V.’s message is simple and surprisingly effective: take a look at your urine, and if it’s yellow, you’re dehydrated and need Liquid I.V. It’s weird, memorable, and an excellent use of Super Bowl time.
Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
7:42 p.m.
Uber Eats – “Hungry for the Truth”
Uber Eats spent weeks whetting appetites for this one with targeted online teasers featuring Bradley Cooper and Matthew McConaughey, and the full spot—also tossing Parker Posey into the mix—delivers a satisfying main course. Matthew keeps needling Bradley with the idea that the NFL’s real purpose isn’t football at all, but selling food, and Bradley absolutely refuses to swallow it. The banter between these seasoned actors feels natural and well-seasoned, and McConaughey’s argument starts to simmer, especially when he points out that the Pro Football Hall of Fame suspiciously resembles a giant juicer. By the time the ad reaches its punchline, the message is fully baked: the Super Bowl is just the appetizer, and Uber Eats is here for the feast. One of the night’s biggest winners.
Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
NERDS – “Taste Buds”
Andy Cohen fronts NERDS’ 2026 effort, cheekily titled “Taste Buds,” because—of course—he’s supposedly “best buds” with the giant, candy-encrusted NERDS mascot. This feels like one of those ideas that probably played great in a boardroom and much less so once it hit the air. It’s somewhat cute, mildly amusing, and competently put together, but it never rises above that. I can’t imagine this being anyone’s favorite ad of the night—unless they’re a huge Andy Cohen fan. Or deeply attached to the giant NERDS guy. Grade: A. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 7.
Bosch – “Justaguy”
Let’s get the speculation out of the way first: there’s only one actor in this Bosch ad, and it’s Guy Fieri. No, Bosch didn’t use AI to turn him into “justaguy”—this is good old-fashioned hair, makeup, and visual effects, and the payoff is absolutely worth it. I went into this spot expecting very little and ended up laughing out loud throughout. “Justaguy” is as plain as can be, but the moment he puts his hands on a Bosch tool or appliance, he transforms into full-on Guy Fieri. By the time the dog delivers his line, you’re completely sold. Bosch’s previous Super Bowl ad (featuring Antonio Banderas in 2025) felt a bit over-the-top, but this one hits exactly the right notes.
Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
7:33 p.m.
Rocket / Redfin – “America Needs Neighbors Like You”
Pass the tissues. Rocket and Redfin team up for an ad that hits just about every emotional pressure point. New families move into unfamiliar neighborhoods, and at first the reception from longtime residents is a little frosty. Then a young girl—accompanied by her adorable dog—loses the pup and is understandably distraught as she searches for it. (Yes, yet another sweet Super Bowl commercial built around a lost dog.) A kind neighbor finds the dog and returns it, and after the girl hugs her pet, her next embrace is for the neighbor—and that’s when the tears start flowing. The message is clear and effective: Rocket and Redfin want to put you in a neighborhood full of good people, where you can be good people too. Home run.
Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
Dove – “The Game Is Ours”
Dove’s ads featuring girls are almost always affecting, largely because they consistently remind us that girls don’t come in one size, shape, or mold—and that they deserve to be valued for whatever strengths and talents they bring to the table. This spot continues that tradition, celebrating girls’ confidence and presence through movement and rhythm. It’s a nice message, but it lacks gravitas. Without celebrities, memorable music, or even a fully cohesive story, the ad needs a single standout moment to anchor it, something viewers will carry with them beyond girls stepping out to a powerful beat. In the bigger picture, this is thoughtful and affirming. In the Super Bowl spotlight, though, I fear it gets lost in the shuffle.
Grade: A-. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 7.
Levi’s – “Backstory”
Levi’s makes its first Super Bowl appearance in nearly 20 years with a commercial that is, for all practical purposes, about people’s butts. And yes, I get it—plenty of folks spend plenty of time looking at booties (usually while trying not to get caught). Still, it feels a little odd. Then again, Levi’s jeans are iconic, and there’s really only one way to show them off and appreciate what they are. So the concept makes sense, even if the execution is a bit strange. All that said… stop looking at my butt.
Grade: A. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 7.
7:27 p.m.
T-Mobile – “Tell Me Why (T-Mobile’s Version)”
T-Mobile continues its strong Super Bowl run with another memorable spot, once again produced by Panay Films. This time, the ad blends genuinely staged surprise with undeniable impact. Yes, the Backstreet Boys really did hide inside a bright pink tube in the middle of T-Mobile’s Times Square store in New York City, and yes, fans were authentically stunned when they were treated to an impromptu concert. And yes, the promise of free Slurpees is real, too. Everything about this ad checks the right boxes—fun, surprise, nostalgia, and payoff—so don’t be surprised to see T-Mobile land near the top of this year’s Ad Meter rankings.
Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
Pepsi – “The Choice”
Pepsi has been strangely quiet during recent Super Bowls, but this year it storms back in with a genuinely inspired idea. One of Coca-Cola’s most recognizable icons—a polar bear—is subjected to a blind taste test and unexpectedly chooses Pepsi Zero Sugar over Coke Zero. The bear’s confusion is obvious, right up until he encounters a female polar bear who’s had the exact same experience. The ad then caps things off with a playful re-creation of the infamous Coldplay concert jumbotron moment—only this time, it’s celebratory instead of embarrassing. It’s smart, self-aware, and just a little bit mischievous, and it’s already generating serious online buzz. This one may not finish as the top ad of the night, but it will absolutely be in the conversation.
Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
WeatherTech – “Built for the Long Haul”
Do Super Bowl ads actually sell products? Just ask WeatherTech, whose commercials routinely rank among the night’s most forgettable—and yet the company keeps coming back year after year. So either these ads are moving a lot of floor mats, or WeatherTech really enjoys burning through millions of dollars. This year’s spot—tell me if you’ve heard this one before—features a family in an SUV heading out on a road trip. They chat about WeatherTech floor mats, and somehow those mats end up saving the vacation. I think. Honestly, I was lost about ten seconds in. Still, history suggests they’ll sell plenty more mats this week, whether this ad made an impression or not. Grade: B-. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 5.
7:16 p.m.
Lay’s – “Last Harvest”
Daddy–daughter ads seem to be everywhere lately, but Lay’s absolutely hits the mark with this warm, sentimental story about a father passing the farming torch to his daughter. When she suggests they work the farm together for one final season, the ad settles into a quiet, earned emotional rhythm. The payoff comes when she rewards his retirement with a surprise celebration that feels genuine, not manufactured. Lay’s message—that its chips are made from potatoes grown by family farmers across the country—comes through clearly, but never feels forced. This father-and-daughter story hit this reviewer, who happens to be very close to his own daughter, right in the heart.
Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
Oakley / Meta – “Athletic Intelligence Is Here – Part I”
Meta is going all-in on its partnership with Oakley, hoping to sell its very expensive AI-powered performance glasses by showing just how cool they look when used by extreme athletes. The spot features a lineup of action-sports influencers and sponsored athletes—no household-name celebrities here—engaging in high-adrenaline activities while talking to their glasses as if it’s the most natural thing in the world. It kind of works as a visual flex, but what I mostly saw was people talking to themselves while doing stuff I’ll never do. The tech may be impressive, but it didn’t connect to my life at all, and I suspect a lot of viewers will feel the same way. And since this is only Part I of a two-part campaign, they’ll probably feel that way twice.
Grade: A-. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 6.
Squarespace – “Unavailable”
Much like the Adrian Brody TurboTax ad, this is another case where the celebrity endorsement doesn’t quite accomplish what the company seems to be aiming for. Emma Stone plays a frustrated version of herself, spiraling into despair when she discovers she can’t register the domain name bearing her own name. Her annoyance escalates into a full-blown outburst that ends with her destroying her laptop in a fit of rage. You’re unlikely to have a similar reaction after watching this ad; a shrug feels more appropriate. Despite the star power, the commercial is oddly forgettable. (For the record, she did register emmastone.com, and visiting it rewards you with a brief message from her.)
Grade: A-. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 7.
Illumination – “Minions and Monsters”
This one feels like a bit of a throwaway. A Minion runs toward the screen, says something in Minion-ese, and then we’re told that a new Minions movie is coming. That’s pretty much it. Can you remember when it’s coming? I can’t. For an ad that likely cost around $8 million to air, it feels oddly minimal and easily forgotten.
Grade: B-. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 5.
8:09 p.m.
Halftime. Still catching up. A lot of ads tonight. Seattle leads a defensive battle at the half, 9-0.
7:07 p.m.
Netflix – “The Adventures of Cliff Booth”
Most movie ads struggle to stand out, and Netflix’s spot for The Adventures of Cliff Booth largely follows that pattern. The commercial leaves a lot to the imagination by humorously graying out nearly all of the profanity the movie apparently contains—and there’s quite a bit of it. Brad Pitt stars as the title character, and the teaser hints at a stylish, swagger-filled film, complete with a nod to the Peter Gunn theme that drives the spot. It looks interesting enough, but at the end of the day, it’s still just a movie ad. By the end of the night, this one won’t linger in most viewers’ minds for very long.
Grade: A. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 7.
Liquid Death – “Exploding Heads”
Liquid Death makes another appearance in the big game with an ad that initially disguises itself as a dull, physician-endorsed public service announcement. That illusion doesn’t last long. The “doctor” quickly pivots to explaining that people’s heads are apparently exploding because they’ve consumed energy drinks. His solution? Drink Liquid Death’s alternative instead. If you do, your head—according to the ad—will remain firmly intact. It’s bizarre, unexpected, and exactly the kind of sharp left turn Liquid Death has made its calling card.
Grade: A+
Ad Meter Grade: 5
Ad Meter Grade (Old): 9
Anthropic – “Can I Get a Six-Pack Quickly”
This ad feels odd almost from the start. It takes a few seconds to realize that the skinny guy’s question is being answered by an AI, and even then, most viewers probably won’t know what—or who—Claude is. (And isn’t that a strange name for an AI? I kept thinking of the neurotic cat from Looney Tunes.) By the end of the 30 seconds, I was ready for the next ad. I understand what Anthropic is trying to say—that other AIs will eventually bombard users with ads, while Claude promises not to—but the argument feels shaky. Claude doesn’t have much long-term memory and doesn’t generate images, and I haven’t exactly been drowning in ads from Gemini or GPT. The whole thing comes across as a desperate attempt to name-call competitors instead of clearly explaining what Claude actually does well. It’s unmemorable and weird, which is not a great combination for a Super Bowl ad.
Grade: C. Ad Meter Grade: 2. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 4.
7:01 p.m.
Apartments.com / Homes.com – “Can’t Live There”
Jeff Goldblum and Heidi Gardner continue their run as pitch people for Apartments.com and Homes.com, once again highlighting just how many places do show up on the sites—by pointing out a few that don’t, like outer space or an airport runway. It’s amusing, polished, and pleasant, much like the other ads these companies have produced. But like those spots, this one would play just as well on any channel at any time of day. It’s competent and likable, but it doesn’t feel like winning Super Bowl material.
Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 8.
Ro – “Healthier on Ro”
Serena Williams steps up as the spokesperson for Ro’s delivery of GLP-1 weight-loss products. Honestly, did anyone think Serena needed to lose 34 pounds? Apparently, Ro helped her do exactly that—and now they want you to believe they can do the same for you. It’s a straightforward, no-frills ad that clearly promotes the product, and it likely does that job well. Still, $8 million is a hefty price tag to spend selling pharma during the Super Bowl.
Grade: A-. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 7.
OpenAI – “You Can Just Build Things”
Cue the evening’s first fever dream. OpenAI’s Super Bowl debut seems intent on convincing viewers that using its product will inevitably lead to moments of genius. Did an AI dream up this ad? Someone clearly thought it was a good idea, but the end result feels more like an expensive exercise in abstraction than a persuasive pitch. At an estimated cost north of $16 million, this is a remarkably effective way to convince almost no one of anything. In a night built around clarity, emotion, and memorability, this one lands with a thud. One of the night’s biggest losers.
Grade: C. Ad Meter Grade: 2. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 4.
Wix – “Wix Harmony: The New Way to Create”
I’m already having trouble remembering the specifics of this ad, mainly because it was nothing but logos—facts, figures, graphics, and information packed into every second. Wix leans entirely on logical appeals to explain what its product can do, and while that might work on an ordinary day, it’s a tough sell during the Super Bowl. On a night built for emotion, humor, and spectacle, an ad that feels more like a software demo gets completely lost in the shuffle. It may not be the worst commercial of the night, but it’s a safe bet this one will land near the bottom of both my list and the Ad Meter.
Grade: C+. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 5.
6:56 p.m.
Disney – “Mandalorian and Grogu”
I’m as big a fan of The Mandalorian as anyone, but movie ads—especially franchise announcements—are often forgettable, and this one doesn’t break the pattern. It’s certainly newsworthy that the next chapter of the story is headed to theaters, and longtime fans will no doubt be excited by the reveal. But excitement aside, this ad feels more like an announcement than a moment. By the end of the night, I’d challenge anyone to remember a single specific detail from the commercial itself.
Grade: A-
Ad Meter Grade: 4
Ad Meter Grade (Old): 7
Instacart – “Bananas”
Instacart leans hard into retro absurdity with an ad styled like it was filmed sometime in the late ’80s or early ’90s, complete with otherworldly outfits and an intentionally low-rent music-video vibe. Ben Stiller and Benson Boone play what appear to be Italian brothers passionately singing about Instacart’s ability to let shoppers choose their own bananas. The humor lands thanks to contrast—Boone nails an athletic backflip, while Stiller’s attempt is a complete and glorious failure. It works, and it works well. I only wish Instacart had aired the full 2½-minute version, which is genuinely hilarious. Even so, the message sticks: Instacart lets you pick your bananas, not the algorithm.
Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10
Michelob ULTRA – “The ULTRA Instructor”
On paper, Kurt Russell feels like a solid spokesman, and this should have been an entertaining commercial. Instead, something about it just never quite clicks. The premise centers on the perpetual “loser” at the bar—the guy who always arrives last and ends up picking up the tab. Enter Russell, who, set to the tune of Eye of the Tiger, trains him to become a winner. Under Kurt’s intense instruction, the once-doomed guy is suddenly the first to the bar. It’s a fine idea, and mildly amusing, but nothing about it really stands out. This ad won’t be the first in the rankings by the end of the night—it’ll just quietly settle into the middle of the pack.
Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 8.
7:16 p.m.
The first quarter is over, and I’m already swamped with ads that weren’t on Ad Meter’s site. I’ll try to catch up – just stick with me.
6:47 p.m.
DraftKings – “DraftKings Live-ish Super Bowl LX”
DraftKings leans on NBC’s house talent by having Saturday Night Live Weekend Update hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che seemingly broadcast their spot live from the stadium in Santa Clara. The illusion is punctured when a janitor pops into the closet they’re hiding in to grab his mop. It’s a clever reveal and mildly amusing, but considering the consistently sharp humor Jost and Che deliver week after week on SNL, this one feels a little flat by comparison. It’s pleasant enough, just not especially memorable.
Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 8.
Toyota – “Where Dreams Began”
Toyota aims for an emotional success with this heartfelt ad about notable athletes and their childhood beginnings. The spot features NFL wide receiver Puka Nacua, NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace, and U.S. Paralympian Oksana Masters, each paired with their younger selves as they motivate one another to reach for their best efforts. It’s a heartwarming look at how big dreams start small, and while the ad doesn’t really sell cars — other than maybe the kid-sized ones I’d love to get for my grandson — it does effectively sell the Toyota brand through emotion and shared experience. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
6:46 p.m.
State Farm – “Stop Livin’ on a Prayer”
Hailee Steinfeld finds herself in a sketchy insurance office staffed by Danny McBride and Keegan-Michael Key, and it doesn’t take her long to realize that this operation is definitely not State Farm. What follows is a classic Super Bowl dive into the absurd, capped off by Jon Bon Jovi himself showing up to rescue her from the desert. The ad is funny, fast-moving, and self-aware, and it even finds a moment for Jake from State Farm to deliver a line. As an opening salvo for the night, this one sets the bar high—and it may very well be the ad to beat.
Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
6:40 p.m.
Game time! Let’s roll. The first ads should be airing within 10 minutes.
4:42 p.m.
The game is still about two hours away, but I wanted to get this first post in place with plenty of time to spare. Wings are baking in the oven, chili is simmering in the pot—and a great game is on tap today! Both the Seahawks and the Patriots have had amazingly and unexpectedly successful seasons, so this matchup promises to be a good one.
Meanwhile, the other big competition is already underway on USA Today’s Ad Meter. So far, the site has posted 42 of an expected 60 ads, and we’ll once again be live-blogging every commercial during the big game. My familiar formula will be driving the ratings, and it still leans heavily on Aristotle’s three modes of persuasion: pathos, ethos, and logos.
Great—and even good—commercials should connect with us emotionally, whether through humor, sadness, joy, or even anger. That’s never more true than with Super Bowl ads, which this year are reportedly costing between $8 million and $10 million per spot, depending on placement. NBC stands to make an enormous, record-setting financial haul by the time the game is finished. What’s amazing about Super Bowl advertising is that a commercial that would be considered excellent on any other day can suffer by comparison when placed next to dozens of others during the big game. Viewers expect to be entertained, so boring is fatal in this arena. Nice, touching ads that don’t hit a “home run” are often forgotten by the final whistle.
I’ve already watched and rated all 42 ads that have been released so far, but I’ll save my final judgment for when they actually air during the game. Please note that each ad will receive both a letter grade and a USA Today Ad Meter score. (I’ll also include the old Ad Meter grade, which used a 10-point scale. I actually prefer that system, and we’re still waiting for an explanation as to why it was changed. I suspect I’ll be waiting a very long time.)
Just because a commercial earns an Ad Meter score of 2 doesn’t mean it’s terrible—it simply means it falls well below the ads that score a 4 or 5. At the bottom of each review, you’ll see three grades: the letter grade, the old 10-point Ad Meter score, and my rating on the current 5-point scale. My letter grades tend to be generous because I grade them like a teacher—probably because I actually am one.
As in past years, this year’s ads are rating fairly well overall. So far, my average grade is a solid A. USA Today estimates at least 60 ads will air this year, so there are still plenty of good—and maybe not-so-good—commercials waiting to be evaluated. (And once again, we can all be grateful that no political ads from either side will be part of the lineup.)
Check back often, as updates will be posted as the ads air. I’ll see you once the game begins. Here’s to a great game—and even better ads!
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Live Blogging the Super Bowl (Commercials) 2026
That’s it! All 60 Super Bowl ads, reviewed neatly for your convenience. (Ad Meter initially listed a second spot for Oakley/ Meta, but I couldn’t find any place that it ran tonight.) Check back soon, as I’ll compile these results into my Top Ten and Bottom Whatever. Thanks for reading – I ‘ll see you again here soon!
9:36 p.m.
Cadillac – “Formula 1 2006 Livery Reveal”
What exactly was the point of this ad? Was it meant to get people to follow Cadillac’s Formula 1 team? If so, did that really require spending roughly $16 million during the Super Bowl? A well-written email to the handful of people already interested might have done the job just as effectively—and saved a lot of money. This one feels bafflingly misplaced. Grade: C. Ad Meter Grade: 2. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 4.
Hellmann’s – “Sweet Sandwich Time”
The “Meal Diamond” joke carries this spot for most of its runtime, and it works—mostly. Andy Samberg is funny, but sometimes he can be too Andy Samberg, and a little goes a long way. Still, using Sweet Caroline to sell mayonnaise is a clever move, and the ad largely sticks the landing. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 9.
He Gets Us – “More”
The final ad of the night comes from He Gets Us with its 2026 entry, and as always, these spots generate mixed reactions. Many Christians respond positively, while others see them as an intrusion into the broadcast. The likely target audience—disaffected Christians and skeptics—raises a fair question: is this message actually reaching them in the numbers He Gets Us hopes for? This particular ad argues that material wealth doesn’t guarantee lasting or eternal happiness, which is a worthwhile and thoughtful message. Whether the Super Bowl is the right platform for delivering it is another matter entirely. Grade: B+. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 6.
9:33 p.m.
Novo Nordisk – “A New Way to Wegovy”
This one felt so right—until it didn’t. The first half is genuinely entertaining, with Tracy Morgan, DJ Khaled, and others bringing humor and energy to the message. But midway through, the ad grinds to a halt under the weight of obligatory pharma legal mumbo jumbo. The laughs stop cold, and the fine print takes over nearly half the spot. That’s a shame, because this had real momentum before the legalese took over. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 8.
9:29 p.m.
Amazon – “Alexaaa+”
Amazon promotes its Alexa+ service by leaning into paranoia, with Chris Hemsworth playing along as things spiral just a bit too far. It’s cute, clever, and genuinely engaging, using humor to make the tech feel both powerful and slightly unsettling. The concept lands, the execution works, and the brand comes off strong. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
Lay’s – “The Lay’s Challenge”
I had a real issue with this one, mainly because I don’t like ads that ask viewers to scan a code to chase some kind of reward. In this case, the code reportedly didn’t work well, and the site was so overwhelmed that people had to camp out just to submit a form—all for a free bag of chips. What was supposed to feel generous instead came off as manipulative. Grade: B-. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 5.
Salesforce – “@MrBeast’s Vault”
Take everything frustrating about the previous ad and double it. MrBeast dangles $1 million in front of viewers, but only if they solve a puzzle and text him the correct code. Once again, it feels manipulative rather than fun—and it’s still unclear how any of this connects back to what Salesforce is actually selling. Big energy, questionable purpose. Grade: B+. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 6.
4th quarter
9:21 p.m.
Hims & Hers – “Rich People Live Longer”
This one feels like it’s flirting with class warfare as a selling point. The message seems to boil down to this: rich people live longer, so live like you’re rich—even if you’re not—and you’ll live longer, too. The logic feels flawed, and the execution only adds to the confusion. Instead of feeling persuasive, the ad comes across as muddled and oddly off-putting. Grade: B. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 5.
NFL – “You Are Special”
The NFL shines a light on organizations that work with young people, and the result is genuinely adorable. Several current and former NFL players, including Michael Strahan, make appearances, lending warmth and credibility to the message. It’s heartfelt and effective—but the one-minute version is far stronger. This shorter cut feels rushed by comparison and doesn’t quite allow the sentiment to breathe. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 9.
9:12 p.m.
Xfinity – “Jurassic Park … Works”
This is very smart. If only Jurassic Park had Xfinity, the entire movie might have had a happy ending. Classic characters—including Sam Neill as Dr. Grant—are recreated using impressive de-aging effects, and the joke lands cleanly: with reliable connectivity, everything goes right. Letting Dr. Grant endorse the park because it finally works is a clever twist, and the nostalgia payoff is strong. A terrific use of the brand and the franchise. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
Grubhub – “The Feest”
I get the play on words, but the joke wears thin almost immediately. George Clooney brings star power to the spot, yet the humor never really builds beyond its initial premise. It’s not bad, just one-note, and by the end it feels like the ad has overstayed its welcome. Solid effort, limited payoff. Grade: A. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 8.
RITZ – “Ritz Island”
The celebrity lineup is strong—Jon Hamm, Scarlett Johansson, and Bowen Yang—but the ad itself never quite clicks. The idea seems promising on paper, yet the humor never fully lands. It’s pleasant enough, but not funny enough to stand out on a crowded Super Bowl stage. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 8.
9:07 p.m.
Pringles – “Pringleo”
Sabrina Carpenter imagines her perfect man by building him out of Pringles, and predictably, everything goes wrong. Still, at least he’s delicious. The premise is silly, the execution is playful, and the ad never takes itself too seriously. It’s funny, cute, and harmless—nothing groundbreaking, but solidly entertaining and easy to like. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
Ring – “Search Party From Ring”
This is a genuinely great idea. Ring highlights how its cameras are being used to help reunite lost dogs with their owners, noting that at least one dog a day has been returned since the program launched. The ad is sentimental and sweet, but more importantly, it’s smart. Showing the reunited dog at the end drives the message home in the best possible way. I love both the concept and the execution. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
Budweiser – “American Icons”
This is the one I was convinced would win the Ad Meter—and it still might. Nostalgia, patriotism, and good feelings are layered on thick as Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Free Bird plays and a Clydesdale helps teach a baby eagle how to fly. The moment where the horse briefly looks like a Pegasus is instantly iconic. This is Budweiser doing what Budweiser does best, and doing it exceptionally well. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
9:00 p.m.
Pokémon – “What’s Your Favorite”
This one was confusing enough that I wasn’t even sure it was a real national commercial at first. A parade of celebrities—including Trevor Noah—cycle through the ad, but it’s never quite clear why Pokémon is advertising here. Is Pokémon Go making a comeback? Is there a new game launch? The spot never really tells us. It’s odd, vaguely interesting, and ultimately puzzling in a way that doesn’t invite curiosity so much as head-scratching. Grade: B. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 6.
Poppi – “Make It Poppi”
Another fever dream. This time, Poppi drops us into what appears to be a classroom that suddenly turns into a pop-up rager, complete with glitter, skimpy outfits, and lots of confusion—all fueled by soda instead of drugs. The energy is chaotic, the message is murky, and coming back-to-back with other similarly strange ads, it leaves you wondering why it even aired during the Super Bowl. It’s not offensive, just baffling. Grade: B-. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 5.
Volkswagen – “The Great Invitation: Drivers Wanted”
That makes three straight duds. Volkswagen delivers an ad filled with lots of people and lots of cars, but very little reason to care. Nothing here feels tailored to the Super Bowl moment; instead, it plays like a generic brand montage that could run at any time of year. It doesn’t offend, but it also doesn’t engage—and on a night like this, that’s almost worse. Mostly, it just feels like wasted money. Grade: B+. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 6.
8:54 p.m.
Google Gemini – “New Home”
This is touching, sweet, and quietly bittersweet. A mother and son talk about moving into a new home and imagine what their future there might look like, with Google Gemini helping them visualize the life they’re about to build together. It’s emotionally grounded without being manipulative, and it uses the technology as a supporting character rather than the star. On a night full of noise, this one lands because of its restraint and heart. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
Novartis – “Relax Your Tight End”
Unusual, slightly funny, and just uncomfortable enough to get your attention, Novartis takes a risk with this spot. Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid delivers a deadpan message about a “finger-free” PSA test, joined by appearances from several current NFL tight ends. The concept is awkward by design, but that discomfort helps the message stick. It won’t be for everyone, but it’s memorable—and that counts for a lot in this setting. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 8.
8:33 p.m.
Svedka – “Shake Your Bots Off”
Color me confused. I honestly couldn’t figure out what dancing AI robots have to do with vodka. Sure, they look like they’re having a great time—but why wouldn’t they? They’re literally programmed to do that. And they can’t even enjoy the vodka they’re supposedly celebrating. Everything about this ad looks like it should be fun, and maybe it was for someone, but I didn’t feel it—and neither did the people I showed it to last week. I’m not much of a vodka guy to begin with, but if I were, this spot would probably push me farther away from Svedka rather than pull me in.
Grade: B-. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 5.
Boehringer Ingelheim – “Mission: Detect the SOS”
Boehringer Ingelheim leans on two recognizable faces—Octavia Spencer and Sofía Vergara—to highlight the warning signs faced by women living with diabetes and high blood pressure. It’s an important message, and the casting should elevate it, but the execution never quite rises above competent. You’d expect more impact from this pairing, yet the ad ultimately blends into the background on a night filled with stronger moments. Grade: A-. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 7.
MAHA Center Inc. – “MAHA Real Food by Mike Tyson”
I understand the push for healthier living, and it’s genuinely interesting to hear some of what Mike Tyson has to say. But watching Iron Mike eat a carrot while lecturing America about obesity feels a bit hollow—especially when most viewers were probably eating chicken wings and drinking beer as this ad aired. It’s an important message, and one that needs to be heard, but the Super Bowl doesn’t feel like the right venue for it. Maybe that $8 million would have gone farther spread across a lot of smaller ads, shown at times when people might actually be more receptive. Grade: C. Ad Meter Grade: 2. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 4.
8:15 p.m. Here’s where the halftime ads start.
Toyota – “Superhero Belt”
Remember what I said earlier about an ad being good, but suffering by comparison? This one is a perfect example of that principle. It’s genuinely sweet, telling the story of a grandfather buckling his grandson into the car and explaining that the seatbelt is really a “superhero belt.” Years later, the roles are reversed, with the now-grown grandson driving and reminding his grandfather to buckle his superhero belt. It’s touching and sincere, and Toyota hits many of the right emotional notes. But surrounded by so many bigger, louder, and more memorable ads, this one just doesn’t linger the way others do.
Grade: A-. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 7.
Fanatics Sportsbook – “Bet on Kendall with Fanatics Sportsbook”
This feels like a case where the advertiser may have misread its audience. Fanatics is banking on Kendall Jenner being (sort of) self-deprecating as she jokes about betting on sports figures—namely, the basketball players she’s dated and dumped—before announcing that she’s now switched to football players. How this is supposed to drive a wave of new bets, I’m not entirely sure. It’s cute, in a way, but ultimately forgettable. Can we get to the halftime show already? (Well… that kind of depends on which one you’re watching.) Grade: A. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 7.
Bud Light – “Keg”
Bud Light keeps things fun, light, and refreshingly simple by getting back to basics with a straightforward, celebrity-driven spot. Shane Gillis and Peyton Manning anchor the ad around the universal appeal of a keg showing up at just the right moment. There’s nothing complicated here—just familiar faces, easy humor, and a vibe that fits the brand perfectly. It’s enjoyable, effective, and exactly what Bud Light does best. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 8.
NFL – “Champion”
In the middle of a stretch filled with some fairly forgettable halftime ads, this NFL spot stands out in a very good way. A young boy opens by delivering a passionate motivational speech to the toys in his bedroom, only for us to realize that he’s echoing the same words spoken moments earlier by his football coach. While the stuffed animals and action figures remain unmoved, the young players listening to their coach clearly get the message: We are champions. The NFL uses the moment to thank youth coaches for the impact they have on young lives, and even if every viewer doesn’t fully connect all the dots, the sentiment lands. This one will be remembered—and it should be counted among the night’s winners. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
8:00 p.m.
Coinbase – “Everybody Coinbase”
In the seven years I’ve been ranking Super Bowl ads, Coinbase’s 2022 effort earned the lowest score I’ve ever given a commercial. This year, Coinbase returns and seems determined to dominate the bottom of the rankings once again. The concept this time mimics a karaoke-style display set to a Backstreet Boys song, which we’re forced to sit with for a full minute before—finally—the word coinbase appears on the screen. That’s it. Message delivered. Brilliant. Always keep it simple. And forgettable. And a complete waste of money. Grade: C-. Ad Meter Grade: 1. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 3.
Kinder Bueno – “Yes Bueno 2026”
This one is perfectly pleasant, which may be its biggest problem. Yes Bueno 2026 is cute, inoffensive, and competently produced, but it never gives you a reason to care—or to rush out and buy a pack of Kinder Bueno. On a night when ads need to demand attention, this one politely asks for it and then quietly fades away. Grade: A. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 7.
7:56 p.m.
TurboTax – “The Expert”
Celebrity endorsements are a staple of Super Bowl advertising, and this one brings out Adrien Brody as a supposed expert on taxes. The problem is that TurboTax needs its experts to project confidence and reassurance, and Brody—true to form—leans hard into negativity and skepticism. I get the joke, and the “real” TurboTax expert is there to steer the message back on course, but the whole experience feels a little off-kilter. The ad checks enough of the right boxes to score well, but the strange tone keeps it from really sticking. This one will do fine in the moment, but it’s unlikely to be remembered for very long.
Grade: A. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 8.
Universal Orlando Resort – “Lil’ Bro’”
I kept waiting for this one to do something truly special, but that moment never came. Everything early on hints at a bigger payoff—a touching music bed, two brothers locked in that familiar love-and-annoyance relationship, and the promise of a trip to Universal Orlando. But that’s as far as it goes. The brothers continue loving and annoying each other, and the takeaway seems to be that you should come to Universal. That’s the message I got, and I’ll have a hard time remembering much more than that once the night is over.
Grade: A-. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 6.
7:51 p.m.
Microsoft – “Turn Raw Data Into Insights”
Once again, we get a commercial that probably played beautifully in a boardroom and then completely disappeared in a Super Bowl setting. I’m sure Microsoft’s Copilot delivers plenty of insight to people who live and breathe data—NFL executives included. But maybe Copilot could have warned those same executives that running an ad with no humor, no celebrities, and nothing but facts is a great way to be forgotten before the very next commercial airs. Informative? Maybe. Memorable? Not even close. Yawn. Grade: C. Ad Meter Grade: 2. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 4.
Blue Square Alliance Against Hate – “Sticky Note”
I really want to like this ad. Honestly, the message is important—who can argue with the need to stand up to antisemitism? It feels like the people behind it understood that the spot might get lost in the Super Bowl shuffle, but decided that reaching such a massive audience was worth the risk. My students previewed this ad last week, and several were confused by one student placing the blue sticky note on himself. The metaphor—standing up to hate—was lost on them, and I suspect it may be lost on a lot of viewers as well. Even more troubling, the people who most need to hear this message may actually take offense to it rather than reflect on it. That’s unfortunate, and a little sad. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 8
Liquid I.V. – “Take a Look”
Liquid I.V. makes inspired use of Phil Collins’ Against All Odds by having toilet seats serenade us throughout this spot. I usually can’t stand that song—mostly because my high school senior prom committee thought a breakup anthem would be the perfect soundtrack for our closing moment. Genius. But toilet seats singing it? That’s actual genius, no sarcasm intended. Liquid I.V.’s message is simple and surprisingly effective: take a look at your urine, and if it’s yellow, you’re dehydrated and need Liquid I.V. It’s weird, memorable, and an excellent use of Super Bowl time.
Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
7:42 p.m.
Uber Eats – “Hungry for the Truth”
Uber Eats spent weeks whetting appetites for this one with targeted online teasers featuring Bradley Cooper and Matthew McConaughey, and the full spot—also tossing Parker Posey into the mix—delivers a satisfying main course. Matthew keeps needling Bradley with the idea that the NFL’s real purpose isn’t football at all, but selling food, and Bradley absolutely refuses to swallow it. The banter between these seasoned actors feels natural and well-seasoned, and McConaughey’s argument starts to simmer, especially when he points out that the Pro Football Hall of Fame suspiciously resembles a giant juicer. By the time the ad reaches its punchline, the message is fully baked: the Super Bowl is just the appetizer, and Uber Eats is here for the feast. One of the night’s biggest winners.
Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
NERDS – “Taste Buds”
Andy Cohen fronts NERDS’ 2026 effort, cheekily titled “Taste Buds,” because—of course—he’s supposedly “best buds” with the giant, candy-encrusted NERDS mascot. This feels like one of those ideas that probably played great in a boardroom and much less so once it hit the air. It’s somewhat cute, mildly amusing, and competently put together, but it never rises above that. I can’t imagine this being anyone’s favorite ad of the night—unless they’re a huge Andy Cohen fan. Or deeply attached to the giant NERDS guy. Grade: A. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 7.
Bosch – “Justaguy”
Let’s get the speculation out of the way first: there’s only one actor in this Bosch ad, and it’s Guy Fieri. No, Bosch didn’t use AI to turn him into “justaguy”—this is good old-fashioned hair, makeup, and visual effects, and the payoff is absolutely worth it. I went into this spot expecting very little and ended up laughing out loud throughout. “Justaguy” is as plain as can be, but the moment he puts his hands on a Bosch tool or appliance, he transforms into full-on Guy Fieri. By the time the dog delivers his line, you’re completely sold. Bosch’s previous Super Bowl ad (featuring Antonio Banderas in 2025) felt a bit over-the-top, but this one hits exactly the right notes.
Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
7:33 p.m.
Rocket / Redfin – “America Needs Neighbors Like You”
Pass the tissues. Rocket and Redfin team up for an ad that hits just about every emotional pressure point. New families move into unfamiliar neighborhoods, and at first the reception from longtime residents is a little frosty. Then a young girl—accompanied by her adorable dog—loses the pup and is understandably distraught as she searches for it. (Yes, yet another sweet Super Bowl commercial built around a lost dog.) A kind neighbor finds the dog and returns it, and after the girl hugs her pet, her next embrace is for the neighbor—and that’s when the tears start flowing. The message is clear and effective: Rocket and Redfin want to put you in a neighborhood full of good people, where you can be good people too. Home run.
Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
Dove – “The Game Is Ours”
Dove’s ads featuring girls are almost always affecting, largely because they consistently remind us that girls don’t come in one size, shape, or mold—and that they deserve to be valued for whatever strengths and talents they bring to the table. This spot continues that tradition, celebrating girls’ confidence and presence through movement and rhythm. It’s a nice message, but it lacks gravitas. Without celebrities, memorable music, or even a fully cohesive story, the ad needs a single standout moment to anchor it, something viewers will carry with them beyond girls stepping out to a powerful beat. In the bigger picture, this is thoughtful and affirming. In the Super Bowl spotlight, though, I fear it gets lost in the shuffle.
Grade: A-. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 7.
Levi’s – “Backstory”
Levi’s makes its first Super Bowl appearance in nearly 20 years with a commercial that is, for all practical purposes, about people’s butts. And yes, I get it—plenty of folks spend plenty of time looking at booties (usually while trying not to get caught). Still, it feels a little odd. Then again, Levi’s jeans are iconic, and there’s really only one way to show them off and appreciate what they are. So the concept makes sense, even if the execution is a bit strange. All that said… stop looking at my butt.
Grade: A. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 7.
7:27 p.m.
T-Mobile – “Tell Me Why (T-Mobile’s Version)”
T-Mobile continues its strong Super Bowl run with another memorable spot, once again produced by Panay Films. This time, the ad blends genuinely staged surprise with undeniable impact. Yes, the Backstreet Boys really did hide inside a bright pink tube in the middle of T-Mobile’s Times Square store in New York City, and yes, fans were authentically stunned when they were treated to an impromptu concert. And yes, the promise of free Slurpees is real, too. Everything about this ad checks the right boxes—fun, surprise, nostalgia, and payoff—so don’t be surprised to see T-Mobile land near the top of this year’s Ad Meter rankings.
Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
Pepsi – “The Choice”
Pepsi has been strangely quiet during recent Super Bowls, but this year it storms back in with a genuinely inspired idea. One of Coca-Cola’s most recognizable icons—a polar bear—is subjected to a blind taste test and unexpectedly chooses Pepsi Zero Sugar over Coke Zero. The bear’s confusion is obvious, right up until he encounters a female polar bear who’s had the exact same experience. The ad then caps things off with a playful re-creation of the infamous Coldplay concert jumbotron moment—only this time, it’s celebratory instead of embarrassing. It’s smart, self-aware, and just a little bit mischievous, and it’s already generating serious online buzz. This one may not finish as the top ad of the night, but it will absolutely be in the conversation.
Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
WeatherTech – “Built for the Long Haul”
Do Super Bowl ads actually sell products? Just ask WeatherTech, whose commercials routinely rank among the night’s most forgettable—and yet the company keeps coming back year after year. So either these ads are moving a lot of floor mats, or WeatherTech really enjoys burning through millions of dollars. This year’s spot—tell me if you’ve heard this one before—features a family in an SUV heading out on a road trip. They chat about WeatherTech floor mats, and somehow those mats end up saving the vacation. I think. Honestly, I was lost about ten seconds in. Still, history suggests they’ll sell plenty more mats this week, whether this ad made an impression or not. Grade: B-. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 5.
7:16 p.m.
Lay’s – “Last Harvest”
Daddy–daughter ads seem to be everywhere lately, but Lay’s absolutely hits the mark with this warm, sentimental story about a father passing the farming torch to his daughter. When she suggests they work the farm together for one final season, the ad settles into a quiet, earned emotional rhythm. The payoff comes when she rewards his retirement with a surprise celebration that feels genuine, not manufactured. Lay’s message—that its chips are made from potatoes grown by family farmers across the country—comes through clearly, but never feels forced. This father-and-daughter story hit this reviewer, who happens to be very close to his own daughter, right in the heart.
Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
Oakley / Meta – “Athletic Intelligence Is Here – Part I”
Meta is going all-in on its partnership with Oakley, hoping to sell its very expensive AI-powered performance glasses by showing just how cool they look when used by extreme athletes. The spot features a lineup of action-sports influencers and sponsored athletes—no household-name celebrities here—engaging in high-adrenaline activities while talking to their glasses as if it’s the most natural thing in the world. It kind of works as a visual flex, but what I mostly saw was people talking to themselves while doing stuff I’ll never do. The tech may be impressive, but it didn’t connect to my life at all, and I suspect a lot of viewers will feel the same way. And since this is only Part I of a two-part campaign, they’ll probably feel that way twice.
Grade: A-. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 6.
Squarespace – “Unavailable”
Much like the Adrian Brody TurboTax ad, this is another case where the celebrity endorsement doesn’t quite accomplish what the company seems to be aiming for. Emma Stone plays a frustrated version of herself, spiraling into despair when she discovers she can’t register the domain name bearing her own name. Her annoyance escalates into a full-blown outburst that ends with her destroying her laptop in a fit of rage. You’re unlikely to have a similar reaction after watching this ad; a shrug feels more appropriate. Despite the star power, the commercial is oddly forgettable. (For the record, she did register emmastone.com, and visiting it rewards you with a brief message from her.)
Grade: A-. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 7.
Illumination – “Minions and Monsters”
This one feels like a bit of a throwaway. A Minion runs toward the screen, says something in Minion-ese, and then we’re told that a new Minions movie is coming. That’s pretty much it. Can you remember when it’s coming? I can’t. For an ad that likely cost around $8 million to air, it feels oddly minimal and easily forgotten.
Grade: B-. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 5.
8:09 p.m.
Halftime. Still catching up. A lot of ads tonight. Seattle leads a defensive battle at the half, 9-0.
7:07 p.m.
Netflix – “The Adventures of Cliff Booth”
Most movie ads struggle to stand out, and Netflix’s spot for The Adventures of Cliff Booth largely follows that pattern. The commercial leaves a lot to the imagination by humorously graying out nearly all of the profanity the movie apparently contains—and there’s quite a bit of it. Brad Pitt stars as the title character, and the teaser hints at a stylish, swagger-filled film, complete with a nod to the Peter Gunn theme that drives the spot. It looks interesting enough, but at the end of the day, it’s still just a movie ad. By the end of the night, this one won’t linger in most viewers’ minds for very long.
Grade: A. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 7.
Liquid Death – “Exploding Heads”
Liquid Death makes another appearance in the big game with an ad that initially disguises itself as a dull, physician-endorsed public service announcement. That illusion doesn’t last long. The “doctor” quickly pivots to explaining that people’s heads are apparently exploding because they’ve consumed energy drinks. His solution? Drink Liquid Death’s alternative instead. If you do, your head—according to the ad—will remain firmly intact. It’s bizarre, unexpected, and exactly the kind of sharp left turn Liquid Death has made its calling card.
Grade: A+
Ad Meter Grade: 5
Ad Meter Grade (Old): 9
Anthropic – “Can I Get a Six-Pack Quickly”
This ad feels odd almost from the start. It takes a few seconds to realize that the skinny guy’s question is being answered by an AI, and even then, most viewers probably won’t know what—or who—Claude is. (And isn’t that a strange name for an AI? I kept thinking of the neurotic cat from Looney Tunes.) By the end of the 30 seconds, I was ready for the next ad. I understand what Anthropic is trying to say—that other AIs will eventually bombard users with ads, while Claude promises not to—but the argument feels shaky. Claude doesn’t have much long-term memory and doesn’t generate images, and I haven’t exactly been drowning in ads from Gemini or GPT. The whole thing comes across as a desperate attempt to name-call competitors instead of clearly explaining what Claude actually does well. It’s unmemorable and weird, which is not a great combination for a Super Bowl ad.
Grade: C. Ad Meter Grade: 2. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 4.
7:01 p.m.
Apartments.com / Homes.com – “Can’t Live There”
Jeff Goldblum and Heidi Gardner continue their run as pitch people for Apartments.com and Homes.com, once again highlighting just how many places do show up on the sites—by pointing out a few that don’t, like outer space or an airport runway. It’s amusing, polished, and pleasant, much like the other ads these companies have produced. But like those spots, this one would play just as well on any channel at any time of day. It’s competent and likable, but it doesn’t feel like winning Super Bowl material.
Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 8.
Ro – “Healthier on Ro”
Serena Williams steps up as the spokesperson for Ro’s delivery of GLP-1 weight-loss products. Honestly, did anyone think Serena needed to lose 34 pounds? Apparently, Ro helped her do exactly that—and now they want you to believe they can do the same for you. It’s a straightforward, no-frills ad that clearly promotes the product, and it likely does that job well. Still, $8 million is a hefty price tag to spend selling pharma during the Super Bowl.
Grade: A-. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 7.
OpenAI – “You Can Just Build Things”
Cue the evening’s first fever dream. OpenAI’s Super Bowl debut seems intent on convincing viewers that using its product will inevitably lead to moments of genius. Did an AI dream up this ad? Someone clearly thought it was a good idea, but the end result feels more like an expensive exercise in abstraction than a persuasive pitch. At an estimated cost north of $16 million, this is a remarkably effective way to convince almost no one of anything. In a night built around clarity, emotion, and memorability, this one lands with a thud. One of the night’s biggest losers.
Grade: C. Ad Meter Grade: 2. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 4.
Wix – “Wix Harmony: The New Way to Create”
I’m already having trouble remembering the specifics of this ad, mainly because it was nothing but logos—facts, figures, graphics, and information packed into every second. Wix leans entirely on logical appeals to explain what its product can do, and while that might work on an ordinary day, it’s a tough sell during the Super Bowl. On a night built for emotion, humor, and spectacle, an ad that feels more like a software demo gets completely lost in the shuffle. It may not be the worst commercial of the night, but it’s a safe bet this one will land near the bottom of both my list and the Ad Meter.
Grade: C+. Ad Meter Grade: 3. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 5.
6:56 p.m.
Disney – “Mandalorian and Grogu”
I’m as big a fan of The Mandalorian as anyone, but movie ads—especially franchise announcements—are often forgettable, and this one doesn’t break the pattern. It’s certainly newsworthy that the next chapter of the story is headed to theaters, and longtime fans will no doubt be excited by the reveal. But excitement aside, this ad feels more like an announcement than a moment. By the end of the night, I’d challenge anyone to remember a single specific detail from the commercial itself.
Grade: A-
Ad Meter Grade: 4
Ad Meter Grade (Old): 7
Instacart – “Bananas”
Instacart leans hard into retro absurdity with an ad styled like it was filmed sometime in the late ’80s or early ’90s, complete with otherworldly outfits and an intentionally low-rent music-video vibe. Ben Stiller and Benson Boone play what appear to be Italian brothers passionately singing about Instacart’s ability to let shoppers choose their own bananas. The humor lands thanks to contrast—Boone nails an athletic backflip, while Stiller’s attempt is a complete and glorious failure. It works, and it works well. I only wish Instacart had aired the full 2½-minute version, which is genuinely hilarious. Even so, the message sticks: Instacart lets you pick your bananas, not the algorithm.
Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10
Michelob ULTRA – “The ULTRA Instructor”
On paper, Kurt Russell feels like a solid spokesman, and this should have been an entertaining commercial. Instead, something about it just never quite clicks. The premise centers on the perpetual “loser” at the bar—the guy who always arrives last and ends up picking up the tab. Enter Russell, who, set to the tune of Eye of the Tiger, trains him to become a winner. Under Kurt’s intense instruction, the once-doomed guy is suddenly the first to the bar. It’s a fine idea, and mildly amusing, but nothing about it really stands out. This ad won’t be the first in the rankings by the end of the night—it’ll just quietly settle into the middle of the pack.
Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 8.
7:16 p.m.
The first quarter is over, and I’m already swamped with ads that weren’t on Ad Meter’s site. I’ll try to catch up – just stick with me.
6:47 p.m.
DraftKings – “DraftKings Live-ish Super Bowl LX”
DraftKings leans on NBC’s house talent by having Saturday Night Live Weekend Update hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che seemingly broadcast their spot live from the stadium in Santa Clara. The illusion is punctured when a janitor pops into the closet they’re hiding in to grab his mop. It’s a clever reveal and mildly amusing, but considering the consistently sharp humor Jost and Che deliver week after week on SNL, this one feels a little flat by comparison. It’s pleasant enough, just not especially memorable.
Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 4. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 8.
Toyota – “Where Dreams Began”
Toyota aims for an emotional success with this heartfelt ad about notable athletes and their childhood beginnings. The spot features NFL wide receiver Puka Nacua, NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace, and U.S. Paralympian Oksana Masters, each paired with their younger selves as they motivate one another to reach for their best efforts. It’s a heartwarming look at how big dreams start small, and while the ad doesn’t really sell cars — other than maybe the kid-sized ones I’d love to get for my grandson — it does effectively sell the Toyota brand through emotion and shared experience. Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
6:46 p.m.
State Farm – “Stop Livin’ on a Prayer”
Hailee Steinfeld finds herself in a sketchy insurance office staffed by Danny McBride and Keegan-Michael Key, and it doesn’t take her long to realize that this operation is definitely not State Farm. What follows is a classic Super Bowl dive into the absurd, capped off by Jon Bon Jovi himself showing up to rescue her from the desert. The ad is funny, fast-moving, and self-aware, and it even finds a moment for Jake from State Farm to deliver a line. As an opening salvo for the night, this one sets the bar high—and it may very well be the ad to beat.
Grade: A+. Ad Meter Grade: 5. Ad Meter Grade (Old): 10.
6:40 p.m.
Game time! Let’s roll. The first ads should be airing within 10 minutes.
4:42 p.m.
The game is still about two hours away, but I wanted to get this first post in place with plenty of time to spare. Wings are baking in the oven, chili is simmering in the pot—and a great game is on tap today! Both the Seahawks and the Patriots have had amazingly and unexpectedly successful seasons, so this matchup promises to be a good one.
Meanwhile, the other big competition is already underway on USA Today’s Ad Meter. So far, the site has posted 42 of an expected 60 ads, and we’ll once again be live-blogging every commercial during the big game. My familiar formula will be driving the ratings, and it still leans heavily on Aristotle’s three modes of persuasion: pathos, ethos, and logos.
Great—and even good—commercials should connect with us emotionally, whether through humor, sadness, joy, or even anger. That’s never more true than with Super Bowl ads, which this year are reportedly costing between $8 million and $10 million per spot, depending on placement. NBC stands to make an enormous, record-setting financial haul by the time the game is finished. What’s amazing about Super Bowl advertising is that a commercial that would be considered excellent on any other day can suffer by comparison when placed next to dozens of others during the big game. Viewers expect to be entertained, so boring is fatal in this arena. Nice, touching ads that don’t hit a “home run” are often forgotten by the final whistle.
I’ve already watched and rated all 42 ads that have been released so far, but I’ll save my final judgment for when they actually air during the game. Please note that each ad will receive both a letter grade and a USA Today Ad Meter score. (I’ll also include the old Ad Meter grade, which used a 10-point scale. I actually prefer that system, and we’re still waiting for an explanation as to why it was changed. I suspect I’ll be waiting a very long time.)
Just because a commercial earns an Ad Meter score of 2 doesn’t mean it’s terrible—it simply means it falls well below the ads that score a 4 or 5. At the bottom of each review, you’ll see three grades: the letter grade, the old 10-point Ad Meter score, and my rating on the current 5-point scale. My letter grades tend to be generous because I grade them like a teacher—probably because I actually am one.
As in past years, this year’s ads are rating fairly well overall. So far, my average grade is a solid A. USA Today estimates at least 60 ads will air this year, so there are still plenty of good—and maybe not-so-good—commercials waiting to be evaluated. (And once again, we can all be grateful that no political ads from either side will be part of the lineup.)
Check back often, as updates will be posted as the ads air. I’ll see you once the game begins. Here’s to a great game—and even better ads!
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