Every year, the Super Bowl isn’t just about football; it’s about feeling. Brands spend millions competing not only for attention, but for emotional real estate in our hearts. And in an era shaped by generative AI, automation, and short attention spans, this year’s standout commercials reminded us of something powerful: technology may evolve, but human connection still wins. The ads that resonated weren’t the loudest or flashiest; they were the most human.
Let’s take a deep dive into some of the adverts that caught the eye and why they were considered eventful.
The PR Chic’s Top 5 Super Bowl Ads
One of the most emotionally grounded spots came from Lay’s, whose “Last Harvest” commercial told a tender story of a father and daughter passing down a farming legacy. It wasn’t just about potatoes; it was about heritage, love, and continuity. With an ending tagline that says Lays potatoes are originally sourced from real farmers in North America. The heartwarming story of the love and bond between father and daughter showcases how legacies are built, and, according to The Today Show, is based on a real-life story of an Illinois family.
LAY’S® | Last Harvest | Super Bowl LX Commercial | Extended Cut
On the tech front, Google showcased how AI can support, rather than replace, human emotion through its Google Gemini campaign. By telling a story about a mother and son navigating change, the ad translated a complex AI tool into something deeply relatable: comfort during transition. That’s the sweet spot for AI marketing, when innovation feels less intimidating and more like a helpful companion in everyday life.
New Home | Google Gemini SB Commercial 2026
Another iconic ad was the Budweiser campaign featuring a horse and a baby bird struggling to survive and grow. The ad resonated with consumers because it was not only a lesson in kindness and protection but also a story of love and tenacity. This ad effectively conveyed that with Budweiser, you can be energized to show love. This was one of the best ads of the Super Bowl night, if I must say so.
Budweiser | Super Bowl LX Commercial ‘American Icons.’
The Pepsi ad was fun, featuring a dig at its competitors and a nod to the Coldplay concert. The Polar bear chose Pepsi in a blind taste test, which is symbolic because of its association with Coca-Cola. Then there was the ending scene where the Polar bear shared a Pepsi with a female bear on a Kiss-Cam, and they both embraced the moment. Pepsi is known for throwing jabs at Coca-Cola, so this comes as no concern or a new forage, but the fun bits just show how much Pepsi’s team is dedicated to showcasing how different they are in the Cola brand category in the Super Bowl 2026 Ad category.
The Choice | Pepsi | Super Bowl
The final ad we’ll review is Levi’s “Behind Every Original,” which showcases the jean brand on multiple people in various situations. The brand’s sturdiness over decades is evident, and it showcases how far the world has come from wearing a single jean brand. Levi’s positions itself as the originator and showcases its strength over the years.
Backstory | Levi’s® Behind Every Original
The five ads reviewed here today are only a part of some of the most outstanding Super Bowl 2026 commercials. For a peek into some of the worst and best ads, check out CBS News.
Which ad did it for you? What was your top Super Bowl 2026 ad? Drop your thoughts. I’d love to hear what advertising sold you or which one was the emotional piece that won you over.
Warm regards,
The PR Chic 💜
