Super Bowl 2026 Commercials Bring Star Power and Surprises

From Ben Affleck's Dunkin' Donuts return to the Backstreet Boys' T-Mobile debut, the big game's ads delivered laughs, tears, and more

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Super Bowl LX commercials featured a mix of familiar faces and unexpected moments, with brands like Dunkin' Donuts, Pringles, T-Mobile, and Lay's delivering some of the most talked-about ads of the night. While the Seattle Seahawks battled the New England Patriots on the field, viewers were treated to a host of creative, hilarious, and emotional spots that cut through the tension of the game.

Why it matters

Super Bowl commercials have become a cultural event in their own right, with brands vying for attention and viewers eagerly anticipating the latest creative efforts. This year's ads showcased the power of star power, nostalgia, and emotional storytelling to capture the audience's attention and leave a lasting impact.

The details

Ben Affleck reprised his role as Dunkin' Donuts' biggest fan, bringing in some '80s and '90s sitcom stars to help him rework "Good Will Hunting." Sabrina Carpenter made her Super Bowl commercial debut with Pringles, while the Backstreet Boys teamed up with T-Mobile to promote the perks of switching carriers. Lay's tugged at heartstrings with a generational story, while Liquid IV's toilet-singing ad left some viewers scratching their heads. A.I. also made its presence felt, with several brands highlighting their AI-powered offerings.

  • Super Bowl LX took place on February 9, 2026.
  • The Minions & Monsters trailer premiered during the game, teasing the upcoming animated film set to release on July 1, 2026.

The players

Ben Affleck

An actor known for his roles in films like "Good Will Hunting" and his long-running partnership with Dunkin' Donuts in their Super Bowl commercials.

Sabrina Carpenter

A singer and actress who made her Super Bowl commercial debut with Pringles, showcasing her cheeky humor.

Backstreet Boys

A popular '90s boy band who took a break from their Las Vegas residency to appear in a T-Mobile ad and serenade fans.

Taika Waititi

A director who helmed the emotional Lay's commercial "The Last Harvest," which told a generational story about a father-daughter potato farm.

Lady Gaga

The acclaimed singer-songwriter who lent her vocals to a soulful rendition of "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" for a Redfin commercial.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This year's Super Bowl commercials showcased the power of nostalgia, star power, and emotional storytelling to captivate audiences. Brands like Dunkin' Donuts, Pringles, and T-Mobile leveraged familiar faces and beloved franchises, while others like Lay's and Redfin tugged at heartstrings with poignant narratives. The presence of AI-powered offerings also highlighted the growing influence of technology in the advertising landscape.