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ADWEEK Pans 5 Worst Super Bowl Ads
From body-shaming to creepy AI, these commercials missed the mark, editors say.
Published on Feb. 8, 2026
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ADWEEK has released its picks for the 5 worst ads that aired during Super Bowl 60. The list includes a health-focused ad featuring Mike Tyson that took an overly shaming tone, a Svedka vodka spot featuring unsettling AI-generated 'fembots', a Nerds Gummy Clusters ad that leaned too heavily on celebrity cameos, a Bud Light ad that focused too much on slapstick humor, and a Poppi ad that went for a confusing 'vibe' over a clear message.
Why it matters
The Super Bowl is one of the most high-profile advertising events of the year, with companies spending millions to grab viewers' attention. However, these ads demonstrate how even major brands can miss the mark when trying too hard to be memorable or relatable, potentially alienating or confusing their audience.
The details
The 'Make America Healthy Again' ad featuring Mike Tyson was criticized for its shaming tone, with Tyson calling Americans 'obese, fudgy people' and discussing his own past struggles with weight and suicidal thoughts. The Svedka 'fembot' ad relied on unsettling AI-generated characters that failed to recapture the brand's previous success. The Nerds Gummy Clusters spot leaned too heavily on celebrity cameos from Andy Cohen, while the Bud Light ad focused more on slapstick humor than memorable branding or messaging. The Poppi ad went for a confusing 'vibe' with random elements like a professor stripping and a character using a flamethrower.
- The Svedka 'fembot' ads ran from 2005 to 2013.
- The Poppi ad aired during last year's Super Bowl.
The players
Mike Tyson
Former heavyweight boxing champion who appeared in the 'Make America Healthy Again' ad.
Andy Cohen
TV personality who appeared in the Nerds Gummy Clusters ad.
Peyton Manning
NFL quarterback who appeared in the Bud Light ad.
Shane Gillis
Comedian who appeared in the Bud Light ad.
Charli XCX
Pop singer who appeared in the Poppi ad.
What they’re saying
“Ooooo, what's that?”
— Shane Gillis, Comedian (ADWEEK)
The takeaway
These missteps by major brands during the high-profile Super Bowl advertising showcase the challenges companies face in creating memorable, relatable ads that don't alienate or confuse their audience. Striking the right tone and delivering a clear, impactful message is crucial, even for the biggest advertisers.
