The Super Bowl averages 113 Million viewers per year, making it the most-watched annual sporting event in the world. (U.S. News) Some people watch football and the halftime show, but many others watch simply for the iconic commercials. 

According to WBNS news, companies were able to buy an ad for as low as $37,500 for the first Super Bowl in 1967. Costs have gone up drastically since then, with this year’s average price of $7 million for every thirty seconds of air time. 

This year’s Super Bowl had 51 ads. One of the most popular was Dunkin Donuts’ first ever Super Bowl commercial, which starred Ben Affleck and his wife Jeniffer Lopez. Vulture claims that it was a lifelong dream of Affleck to work at a Dunkin. Personally, I wouldn’t mind if he decided to hang it up and pursue a career in the drive-through. 

Another popular ad was PopCorner’s Breaking Bad commercial (my personal favorite). Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul reprised their beloved roles as Jesse Pinkman and Walter White from the series in a delightful take on the show that was actually directed by the series creator, Vince Gilligan. 

Perhaps the award for dumbest commercial has to go to Hellmann’s with John Hamm, Brie Larson, and a surprising appearance from Pete Davidson. The ad featured Davidson peering into a refrigerator looking for “Hamm and Brie” to make a sandwich. The idea was that with Hellman’s, you can make leftovers delicious–untrue statement about Hellmann’s and mayonnaise in general. One thing they did get right was that John Hamm is now an irrelevant leftover in the world of entertainment. 

Because we haven’t seen enough of her recently, e.l.f. Cosmetics decided to cast Jennifer Coolidge in their Super Bowl commercial. America was blessed with the sound of her squeaking like a baby dolphin. 

Overall, this year’s commercials were average, with a very select few hitting the nail on the head. As usual, most had good premises and fell just short of success. With the popularity and the attention Super Bowl commercials get, it is no surprise that companies drop so much money for them. When watching television, most people use the commercials as a break to get up, get food, or use the bathroom. I don’t think I’m alone when I say that during the Super Bowl, the actual game was my break and the commercials and halftime show was the only time I sat down to watch.