Every year, even those who don’t know a fumble from a field goal tune into the Super Bowl — not for the game, but for the commercials.
At $7 million for a 30-second spot, the stunning, star-studded ads are as much of a Super Bowl tradition as the halftime show, and this year didn’t disappoint — though it did have its mortifying moments.
One ad, in particular, sparked cries of “blasphemy” as Christians tried to wrap their brains around AI messiahs washing the feet of, among others, a defiant migrant and a roller-skating LGTBQ+ member.
Titled, “He Gets Us,” the commercial was set to a cover of INXS’s “Never Tear Us Apart” — an interesting choice for a Christian commercial, considering INXS’s lead singer, Michael Hutchence, is widely believed to have died from accidental autoerotic asphyxiation in 1997.
This is the Jesus feet commercial everyone is talking about AI has creeped into mass media and it’s giving everything a weird uncanny valley effect (it will get better) pic.twitter.com/PR3Mg5RVBc — Taylor Peterson (@spacecasetay) February 12, 2024
“Jesus didn’t wash the feet of people who hated God,” stated one user on X. “Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as a way of showing servant leadership. That commercial was despicable.”
“That Jesus feet washing commercial was pure blasphemy….” said another.
“The irony of the He Gets Us ad that has Jesus simping for the Spirit of the Age is that it was His disciples — those in closest fellowship to Him — whose feet Jesus washed,” said Blaze Media’s Steve Deace. “Of course, if you attend too many American churches these days you don’t know what discipleship is.”
Jesus didn’t wash the feet of people who hated God. Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as a way of showing servant leadership. That commercial was despicable. — Derrick Evans (@DerrickEvans4WV) February 12, 2024
That Jesus feet washing commercial was pure blasphemy…. — Shekinah Gray (@realshekinahh) February 11, 2024
The irony of the He Gets Us ad that has Jesus simping for the Spirit of the Age is that it was His disciples — those in closest fellowship to Him — whose feet Jesus washed. Of course, if you attend too many American churches these days you don’t know what discipleship is. — Steve Deace (@SteveDeaceShow) February 12, 2024
It stood in stark contrast to the Hallow app. commercial, which featured actor Mark Wahlberg encouraging viewers to “join over 100 million people in prayer during Super Bowl LVIII.”
NEW: Actor Mark Wahlberg encourages people to pray during Super Bowl commercial for the Hallow app. “For the first time ever, join over 100 million people in prayer during Super Bowl LVIII,” a message said on the screen during the commercial. The Hallow app offers… pic.twitter.com/52CCmRI0E0 — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 12, 2024
But, of course, it wasn’t all about religion. Politics came into play, too, and most viewers agree that Independent presidential candidate Robert Kennedy Jr. scored a touchdown with his “old school” ad.
“Many more normies will be voting for RFK over Joe Biden,” one X user said.
RFK Jr’s Super Bowl ad is old school & brilliant. Many more normies will be voting for RFK over Joe Biden pic.twitter.com/JEx4fhenC4 — George (@BehizyTweets) February 12, 2024
Well, most people thought it was a touchdown. Kennedy’s family? Not so much.
“My cousin’s Super Bowl ad used our uncle’s faces- and my Mother’s,” complained Bobby Shriver, son of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and brother to journalist Maria Shriver. “She would be appalled by his deadly health care views. Respect for science, vaccines, & health care equity were in her DNA. She strongly supported my health care work at @ONECampaign & @RED which he opposes.”
The candidate was quick to apologize.
“Bobby. I’m so sorry if that advertisement caused you pain,” he replied. “The ad was created and aired by the American Values Superpac without any involvement or approvals from my campaign. Federal rules prohibit Superpacs from consulting with me or my staff. I send you and your family my sincerest apologies. God bless you.”
Bobby. I’m so sorry if that advertisement caused you pain. The ad was created and aired by the American Values Superpac without any involvement or approvals from my campaign. Federal rules prohibit Superpacs from consulting with me or my staff. I send you and your family my… — Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) February 12, 2024
He then posted a more general apology, in case anyone else in the Kennedy clan was miffed.
“I’m so sorry if the Super Bowl advertisement caused anyone in my family pain,” Kennedy wrote, adding, “I love you all.”
I’m so sorry if the Super Bowl advertisement caused anyone in my family pain. The ad was created and aired by the American Values Super PAC without any involvement or approval from my campaign. FEC rules prohibit Super PACs from consulting with me or my staff. I love you all. God… — Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) February 12, 2024
“Do not ruin a good thing by apologizing,” urged Five Times August. “It was a decent and charming little ad.”
Do not ruin a good thing by apologizing. It was a decent and charming little ad. — Five Times August (@FiveTimesAugust) February 12, 2024
And then there were the commercials that were just plain fun.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito reunited for a State Farm commercial that had fans howling.
Like a Good Neighbaaa, Arnold & Danny are there! Incredible ride being part of @StateFarm‘s :60 movie ft. Arnold Schwarzenegger + Danny DeVito. Huge thanks to the crew at Highdive – be sure to vote for this project on AdMeter: https://t.co/svDLeEaLrc#ButterMusicandSound pic.twitter.com/BeW1q1t6BR — Butter Music + Sound (@gimmebutter) February 12, 2024
“Arnold and Danny back together again is amazing,” one delighted X user said.
Arnold and Danny back together again is amazing pic.twitter.com/fc3PsaQzwu — PetFries (@Pet_Fries) February 12, 2024
Beyoncé “broke the internet” with her stunning Verizon ad.
I’m still in absolute shock over beyoncé talking about dropping new music in this ad and then proceeding to ACTUALLY DROP NEW MUSIC pic.twitter.com/7grz5nIRjk — brooke⁷ SAW TAYONCÉ (@namsace) February 12, 2024
Halftime star Usher and actor Christopher Walken accepted “no imitations” in a hilarious BMW ad.
ACCEPT NO IMITATIONS. While some try, they simply can’t. Like there’s only one Christopher Walken, only one Usher, there is only one Ultimate Driving Machine. Introducing the next generation of the #BMW#5Series and first-ever 100% electric #i5. The refinement and performance… pic.twitter.com/e6ZHJSqh66 — #TalkinLikeWalken (@BMWUSA) February 5, 2024
The legendary Anthony Hopkins roared in a Stok Cold Brew commercial that had America in stitches.
Anthony Hopkins stars in a new #SuperBowl ad for Stok Cold Brewpic.twitter.com/80XSL4FYty — Lights, Camera, Barstool (@LightsCameraPod) February 12, 2024
And Patrick Stuart commanded his Paramount+ colleagues to “throw the child” in an “all-timer” commercial.
The Paramount plus #SuperBowl commercial is an all-timer pic.twitter.com/IffAWi8kxM — BetOnline.ag (@BetOnline_eu) February 3, 2024
But, by all indications, it was Dunkin Donuts that took home the trophy as Ben Affleck attempted to rock a J.Lo audition with a reluctant Matt Damon and Tom Brady in tow.
“Perfection,” stated one X use. “No notes.”
The hold this @dunkindonuts commercial has on me right now. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon auditioning for Jennifer Lopez to be on her album?! Perfection. No notes. #ThisIsMeNow pic.twitter.com/oOwzE203ua — Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) February 12, 2024