Super Bowl 2023 is set to be a highly anticipated event, with fans tuning in to watch the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Kansas City Chiefs. But beyond the excitement on the field, the ads that air during the big game have become just as much of a draw, with companies going to great lengths to stand out from the crowd. With the cost of advertising during the Super Bowl reaching new heights each year, companies are looking for innovative ways to capture viewers' attention, even if that means pushing some boundaries.
Over the years, Super Bowl commercials have been the source of both delight and controversy. In 2015, Nationwide Insurance's "Boy" commercial sparked outrage for its depiction of a young boy describing the milestones he will never reach due to his untimely death. Fast food chain Carl's Jr was also the subject of criticism in 2015 for its ad that showed a scantily-clad model taking a bite out of an All-Natural burger, accused of objectifying women.
The controversy doesn't stop there. In 2007, General Motors faced backlash for its Super Bowl ad, which featured a robot throwing itself off a bridge after being fired. The ad was meant to show GM's commitment to quality, but it was criticized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
These examples demonstrate how companies must carefully navigate the delicate balance between standing out and avoiding controversy. As viewers gear up for Super Bowl 2023, it remains to be seen what companies will push the envelope and which ads will spark conversation in the days and weeks to come.
