Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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IN BETWEEN THE GAME — While most Americans were watching Super Bowl LI for the first overtime game in the history of the game, many others were watching just for the commercials.
Here are some of our favorites. Vote for your favorite Super Bowl ad in the poll at the bottom of this story.
Cam Newton’s 'Big Game'
The first quarter was largely without merit, and the first rousing ovation came when Carolina quarterback Cam Newton was thrust into a peewee football game after an off-kilter Buick pulled into the parking lot.
Honda ‘Inspire’
Honda’s take on an inspiring ad was impressive, with myriad celebrities reminiscing on their high school yearbook in a collage that prefaced its ad for the company’s new CRV.
Watch the commercial for each individual appearance.
Walken quotes Timberlake for Bai
To quote Bai’s YouTube page, “Justin Timberlake and Christopher Walken share a heartfelt goodbye full of style and grace.”
#BaiBaiBai
NatGeo mixes Einstein with Gaga
National Geographic Channel has a new show about the life of Albert Einstein.
And they debuted it perfectly with a violin solo of Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face.”
Even better was that the ad aired immediately following Gaga’s performance at halftime.
NFL’s Super Bowl Baby Legends: Who’s Next?
The NFL has made a killing on house ads about “Super Bowl babies,” which you may remember from last year’s “Super Bowl baby choirs.”
This year, they dressed up babies from fan bases and paraded them to the song “You’re the inspiration” by Chicago.
84 Lumber
The ad that had social media talking and appeared to be the most politically motivated was built by 84 Lumber.
We won’t spoil the ad with political leanings, but will reveal that it was well-produced, no matter your party affiliation.
Here’s part one:
And part two, which was only available online:
Budweiser 'Born the Hard Way'
Few companies were willing to make political statements following a divisive presidential election.
But Budweiser did just that, rolling out its long-awaited ad tackling immigration in America.
Which was your favorite ad? Leave your answer in the poll below, or tell us another option in the comments below.
