Super Bowl TV Commercials Feature Patriotism, AI, Weight-Loss Drugs

Advertising costs surpass $10 million for 30-second spots as brands aim to capture attention of over 120 million viewers.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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This year's Super Bowl TV commercials featured a range of themes, including pharmaceutical companies promoting weight-loss drugs, artificial intelligence providers, and patriotic messages. Brands like Budweiser, Michelob Ultra, and Pepsi used creative and memorable ads to stand out during the high-stakes advertising event. The cost of a 30-second ad spot surpassed $10 million for the first time, underscoring the importance of making an impact with viewers.

Why it matters

The Super Bowl commercials offer a snapshot of American culture and emerging industries vying for consumer attention. With over 120 million viewers, the Big Game provides a unique opportunity for brands to make a lasting impression and drive business results. This year's ads highlighted trends like the rise of AI technology, the growing weight-loss drug market, and the continued importance of patriotic messaging.

The details

Advertisers used a variety of tactics to capture viewer attention, including featuring celebrities like Serena Williams, William Shatner, and Kendall Jenner. Pharmaceutical companies like Ro, Novo Nordisk, and Hims & Hers promoted weight-loss drugs, while AI providers like ChatGPT and Anthropic positioned themselves as leaders in the Intelligent Age. Budweiser and Michelob Ultra tapped into patriotic themes, with Budweiser's ad telling a heartwarming story of an unlikely friendship between a Clydesdale foal and an American bald eagle chick.

  • The advertising cost for 30 seconds of airtime during Sunday's Super Bowl telecast from broadcaster NBCUniversal surpassed $10 million for the first time.

The players

NBCUniversal

The broadcaster that aired the Super Bowl telecast.

Budweiser

A brand that aired a patriotic ad featuring a Clydesdale foal and an American bald eagle chick.

Michelob Ultra

A brand that highlighted its Winter Olympics Team USA sponsorship with a winter-sports-themed ad.

Pepsi

A brand that borrowed Coca-Cola's frequent use of polar bears in a spot where a cola-loving bear chooses Pepsi over Coke Zero Sugar.

Ro

A telehealth firm that spotlighted Serena Williams in a 30-second spot for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs.

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The takeaway

This year's Super Bowl commercials highlighted the continued importance of patriotic messaging, the growing influence of AI technology, and the increasing prominence of weight-loss drug marketing. Brands pulled out all the stops to capture the attention of the massive Super Bowl audience, underscoring the high-stakes nature of the advertising event and its ability to shape pop culture and business trends.