Not all of the commercials featured during the Super Bowl are winning creations, but there are certainly some that still provide us with the best entertainment of the evening.
We’ve put together a list of our top 10 favorites (and a handful of honorable mentions) from Super Bowl XLVI that you can check out below – most in their extended versions! Let us know which commercial was the ultimate winner for you!
10. Honda – “Matthew’s Day Off”
He may be a few years older, but the actor behind Ferris Bueller can still pull of quite the performance – at least at being sick. Matthew Broderick’s commercial for Honda was highly anticipated and it didn’t let us down, even bringing quite a few laughs and nostalgic moments along with it.
9. Chevrolet – “2012”
Between the song, the dog in the back seat, the burning Bob’s Big Boy, the downed robot, the Twinkie offering and the moment of silence for Dave, who didn’t choose the right truck for survival, this was an eerily amusing depiction of the Mayan Apocalypse. The frogs were the cherry on top.
8. Toyota – “Reinvented”
One of the more surprising commercials of the night. The reinvented couch may be a little creepy, but the reinvented nicer DMV, the reinvented Lionel-Richie-playing blender, the reinvented crime-fighting plant and that reinvented make-me-skinny rain? Please and thank you, Toyota!
7. Acura – “Transactions”
This commercial particularly shines in it’s extended version where Jerry Seinfeld goes above and beyond in order to be #1 on the list. I mean, access to his private zip line network? But just when you think he may win out, a flying Jay Leno comes from nowhere and reminds us to never underestimate him… or flying squirrels.
6. Coca-Cola – “Superstition”
There were three commercials featuring the Coke Polar Bears and while they all kept us amused, this one left us wanting to see it again. Who hasn’t sat cross-fingers, cross-legs, cross-scarf, cross-arms before? And who doesn’t want a friend willing to hand you a Coke in that situation?
5. Bud Light – “Rescue Dog”
There are plenty of beer commercials during the Super Bowl, but this one had the advantage of an adorable pup, Weego. Not only advocating rescuing animals, but cleverly having him fetch beers when called “Here Weego,” it definitely makes our list.
4. Dannon – “Oikos Greek Yogurt”
Simply put, this commercial was hilarious and effective. I mean, if a woman is that close to John Stamos and grabs his arm AND head-butts him for the yogurt instead of being won over by his undeniable charm, that yogurt has got to be good!
3. Volkswagen – “The Dog Strikes Back”
You may have seen this commercial online leading up to the game, but it didn’t lose its excitement or enjoyment upon a second viewing. I mean, who doesn’t feel for that adorable and determined dog throwing that ball down the steps? And, of course, there’s Vader.
2. Doritos – “Man’s Best Friend”
It’s always safe to bet on a Doritos commercial making the list and this year proved no different. There were two this year, but between the intimidating dog, his priceless note and knack for timing, it was no contest which was our favorite!
1. M&M’s – “Just My Shell”
We had heard that Ms. Brown would be making her debut at the Super Bowl and, oh, it was worth the wait! We love her character, but we have to admit it was Red that stole the show. Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle, wiggle, wiggle!
—— HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Best Buy – “Phone Innovators”
A great concept and the Words with Friends bit at the end makes it a must-see
E*Trade – “Fatherhood”
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. More E*Trade babies talking and the fatherhood aspect added in.
Kia – “A Dream Car. For Real Life.”
While Motley Crue has a nice appeal, it’s the man crashing into another dream to get his real girl back that got us.
Toyota – “Connections”
While funny commercials tend to stand out, this proves those with a genuine and heartfelt message can hold their own.
The Voice is back, and if the first episode is any indication, this season brings a lot of talent.
The set-up is still the same. The four judges/coaches (Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green, Christina Aguilera and Blake Shelton) sit in over-sized red chairs with their backs to the contestants. (New this year: The chairs have I Want You lettered on the fronts of them). When they hear someone that they would want on their team, the judges hit a red button, and the chair swivels around to face the contestant. Each will select 12 singers to join their team. Should more than one judge weigh in, the contestant chooses the team they want to be on. Smack talk amongst the judges is a prerequisite as well.
Also new this year: the network, via host Carson Daly, acknowledges that the auditions begin with the highest level of talent, and the singers are already a cut above the rest. Indeed, many have already had established careers, record contracts, Broadway performances…you get the picture.
First off is 17-yr old country singer RaeLynn, singing Hell on Wheels. Adam turned around first, followed by Blake, who sang along to this rendition of his wife’s song. Blake campaigned by saying that he could make her a country star. Adam countered by asking why she would want to be “just” a country star. Blake won, because after all, he can introduce her to Miranda Lambert.
Next up is Jesse Campbell, 42, a single father who lived in his car with his daughter until his circumstances improved. His A Song For You wowed all 4 judges. Cee Lo and Christina turned around immediately, quickly followed by Adam. Blake was a hold out, but eventually turned as well. Jesse admitted he had a tough decision to make, but chose Christina, in part because she said that she would fight for him, and he was ready to fight. The smack talk also started between Cee Lo and Christina.
Daniel Rosa, 20, failed to attract anyone’s attention. The judges wished him well, and when he asked what he could do to improve, advised him to watch his pitch and control. He remained refreshingly positive about the experience. Maybe it was the sunny yellow bow tie.
Juliet Samms, 25, incited mega-smack talk. The rocker who has been touring since she was 16 sang Oh, Darling. Cee Lo, then Adam turned around, and Adam sang along with her. Christina held out until almost the end, and told her “You blew my socks off,” and then started heckling Adam. Adam liked the dirt in her voice, and advised that “Christina is one of the best singers on earth, but I can assure you she is not one of the best coaches.” Cee Lo accused the two of having sexual tension, and told Juliet that her voice was amazing, and that he was thoroughly impressed and in awe of her. Juliet went with Cee Lo.
Chris Mann sang Because We Believe. This classically trained singer from Kansas got responses from Cee Lo and Christina. Blake joked that as a country boy, be couldn’t understand the lyrics. Cee Lo asked him why he chose that song, to which he replied, “This is my voice and I decided for this show to sing like myself.” Christina won him over by saying that she knew what to do with real vocalists.
Next brought a trio that failed to make the judges respond. Gonul Aksoy was told that she had young chops and was pitchy throughout her song. Ben Baxter was good, but not great. Mark Trussel showed no relationship between himself and his song. Constructive feedback.
The final hopeful was Tony Lucca, 35. Tony was in TheMickey Mouse Club with Christina and Britney Spears. He sang Trouble, and impressed Adam, Christina and Blake. He so impressed Adam, that he pushed Cee Lo’s button as well. Christina did not seem to recognize him, and told him he had a beautiful, silky quality to his tone. Blake implored him to pick him, Cee Lo admitted that he’d been stubborn, but Tony told Adam that “it’s kinda hard to turn down someone who pushed the button twice.” Oh, and Christina went to see him backstage, and told him that Britney had had a crush on him back in the day.
Blake, Cee Lo and Adam each added one person to their team, and Christina added two. If this is any indication of the talent in store, the viewers have quite a treat in store for Season 2 of The Voice.
Move over Will Shuester, there’s a new Spanish teacher in town and he enjoys – Livin’ La Vida Loca! Ricky Martin will be guest starring on Glee next Tuesday making McKinley High a lot HOTTER!
Martin’s character will be playing David Martinez in the episode entitled “The Spanish Teacher” at 8 PM ET/PT. Catch this behind-the-scenes clip provided by E! Online. In this clip, Naya Rivera and Chris Colfer weigh in on their new co-star who made Fox even FOXIER.
According to them, he made everyone melt with his sexiness and has what they call “duende,” which we will learn the meaning of next week. But, until then enjoy watching this preview clip over, and over, and over, and over.
From the End Zone to the AdZone, Hulu AdZone is back! Hulu AdZone allows viewers to watch commercials in real time as they air on Super Bowl Sunday, February 5, vote for their favorite ads, and share videos with their friends across social media platforms including Facebook. This year’s MVP’s (most valuable partners) bringing you the ultimate Super Bowl commercial viewing experience are Advertising Age and Toyota.For the first time ever, fans can access exclusive Ad Age picks of the best Super Bowl ads of all time spanning from iconic commercials of the ’70s to the present.
Voting kicks off at the start of the game on Sunday, February 5 (official kick off time: 6:25PM EST). Voting results will be announced first thing on Monday, February 6.
It’s no secret this Sunday is the Big Game. But what Big Game is it that you’ll be watching?
Sure, there’s Super Bowl XLVI going on where Patriots fans and Giants fans will be glued to their TVs, equipped with major snackage and intense bravado, but there is also another game on TV that may not win out on the competitive scale, but sure beats any football game on the cuteness scale.
That’s right! Animal Planet is bringing us Puppy Bowl VIII, where, for the eighth consecutive year, viewers will be treated to an abundance of absolutely adorable puppies playing their own version of football in a solid two-hour broadcast.
Filmed inside a mini stadium, this year’s Puppy Bowl will feature 58 puppies who are all right around 10 weeks-old (at the time of taping in October) and from shelter and rescue groups, looking to be adopted. We have already been introduced to the starting line-up of 20 pups, but since they are rotated in and out of the stadium in 20-minute shifts to prevent them from tiring out, you can bet we will be seeing more puppies than we’ll know how to process.
Each year, the team behind the Puppy Bowl looks for ways to get bigger and better and that certainly holds true this year. On the sidelines, a bird named Meep will tweet about the game (using Twitter, of course), Jill Rappaport, TV reporter and animal advocate, will provide commentary and rather than bunnies or chickens, a “Piggy Pep Squad” will be on hand to cheer on the pups.
But, of course, there will be many staple features of the Puppy Bowl returning!
The Water Bowl Cam will be back to capture some of the most adorable shots of the program, the Kiss Cam also returns as a parody of the segment we find in all sports stadiums, and the blimp, crewed by hamsters, is there to provide aerial views.
To make the Puppy Bowl feel even more like a real football game, we have the tailgate party, where we will find many other dogs watching the event on TVs outside the stadium and reacting just like that overexcited fan who keeps jumping off the couch during the Super Bowl.
There also has to be a ref. This year Dan Schachner will be calling the shots. These pups may be cute but that doesn’t mean they’re above penalties or timeouts. If you’ve tuned in before, you know there can be a bit of unnecessary ruff-ness on the field and a lot of excessive cuteness. Then there’s that whole issue of puppies relieving themselves on the field. Penalty!
And like any good football game there has to be a halftime – and a halftime show! And next to the Kitty Half-Time show at the Puppy Bowl, we don’t think Madonna holds a candle! Yes, the kittens are back this year as the scratching post is brought onto the field and twenty kittens play with lights, laser pens and balls of yarn – you know, everything cats love to chase around and play with.
Millions may tune into the Super Bowl every year, but the Puppy Bowl has been growing in popularity since its inception. Last year, an astounding 9.2 million viewers tuned in to watch the puppies take the field rather than the two teams of grown men.
This year promises to be just as exciting a Puppy Bowl as some of the cutest pups all compete for the coveted title of MVP… yup, Most Valuable Puppy.
So, let us ask you again, what Big Game will you be tuning in for this Sunday?
Puppy Bowl VIII airs Sunday, February 5 at 3 PM on Animal Planet.
USA Network has always been about creating and recognizing incredible characters. And this month they are taking it a step further by marking February the launch of USA Network’s Characters Unite Month.
Check out the incredibly moving and inspiring PSA for the “I Won’t Stand For…” campaign below:
This multi-platform effort brings USA stars (and characters) like Christopher Gorham, Patrick J. Adams, Meghan Markle, Reshma Shetty, Marsha Thomason and many more together with the everyday characters we are all so familiar with: ourselves to shine a spotlight on the importance of combating intolerance and hate.
Through inspiring original programming, a flurry of digital content, celebrity involvement and, above all, the power of each individual’s voice, the initiative aims to cultivate greater mutual acceptance among our community. After all, things like hate, prejudice, racial slurs and more are things none of us should stand for.
But what will push this initiative into more progress and change is from our own involvement. Here are a few ways that you can help:
SHARE: We are all encouraged to upload their own “I Won’t Stand For…” stories, declaring what they personally won’t stand for and why. Submissions can be tweeted using the #IWontStandFor hashtag.
SUPPORT: USA’s Characters Unite Awards will accept nominations to recognize extraordinary individuals who have made significant efforts to champion human rights in their communities. Winners will be featured on-air and online, and each will receive $5000 to support his/her project or related nonprofit organization (February 1 – March 15).
GO: In New York City (February 8-9 in Union Square), and Washington DC (February 28 in Farragut Square), fans can visit on-the-ground activations to create custom “I Won’t Stand For…” merchandise and share photos & videos to engage their friends and families in the movement.
BELIEVE: USA Network has partnered with NFL Films to produce an original documentary titled “NFL Characters Unite.” The one-hour special profiles NFL greats like Tony Gonzalez and Hines Ward as they reveal their personal journeys of overcoming prejudice, on and off the field.
American Idol road auditions wrapped up in the Gateway to the West, St. Louis, MO. This is the city that brought Carrie Underwood to American Idol 8 years ago. Would history repeat itself?
Johnny Keyser, 22, wowed the judges, who kept interrupting his audition to pelt him with questions, and then told him to keep singing. Surely this won’t be the last time we hear, “Johnny’s in the house!”
Insert silent movie-style clips of bad auditions. Gratitude that there was no sound is presumed.
Rachelle Lamb, 26, is another contestant going through a divorce, accusing her ex-husband of holding her back from her dream of singing. She put her energy and tone into singing a country song that her husband didn’t like. On to Hollywood.
Insert interviews with a crotchety cab driver. He’s a character, all right.
Oliver McCrary, 26, led off a series of clips of really bad singers. Unfortunately for him, he was the only one identified.
Reis Kloeckener, 20, was bullied in high school, but during his senior year joined the choir after a teacher heard him singing in the halls. His beautiful voice brought Tyler to tears. Prediction: he’ll be advised to open his eyes when he sings.
It’s a good thing that Steven Tyler gave pep talks to the contestants, because it made all the difference for Ethan Jones, 22, who dropped out of school to play in a band with his dad. His dad ultimately left the band to go to rehab and get away from the bar scene. This back story resonated with Tyler, who told him “I love the way you sing”, and Randy told him that “You don’t sing anything like you look.” Cut to tearful call to dad to share the news of going to Hollywood.
Mark Ingram, 28, works at the hotel where the auditions were held. He brought his posse of coworkers along to the audition for support. They loved him; the judges…not so much. Of course, his voice gave out on him, and his attempt at a second song didn’t help his cause.
Lauren Gray, 22, works for her family business, a one-stop wedding shop. Oh, and she and her dad sing together in a southern rock band. Her bluesy voice and song selection made J-Lo cry; Tyler told her she had great delivery, and Randy told her she was fearless. “One of the best female voices we’ve heard,” recapped Lopez.
St. Louis auditions provided 46 golden tickets, and according to Ryan Seacrest, this season held “the most successful road auditions we’ve ever had.” On to Hollywood, where “survival of the fittest” isn’t just an evolutionary theory, but every contestant’s reality.
The ladies of Cleveland aren’t the only thing heating up TV Land. Looks like their original sitcom “The Exes” is a hit as well considering it was just picked up for a second season!
“‘The Exes’ has proven to be an excellent addition to our primetime line-up,” said Larry W. Jones, president, TV Land. “This cast of seasoned comedy performers and a writing team led by Mark Riesman are what keep our viewers coming back week after week. We can’t wait to get started on the second season.”
Season two is set to premiere in June 2012 along with the network’s new original sitcom “Have Faith,” starring Cedric “The Entertainer” and Niecy Nash.
Written by Mark Reisman, “The Exes” stars critically-acclaimed actors Donald Faison, Wayne Knight, David Alan Basche, Kelly Stables and the oh-so-funny Kelly Johnston. It follows divorce attorney Holly and all the trials and tribulations of her professional and personal life.
Beginning today, and throughout February, digital cable customers are poised just a “click away” from unlocking some of the history, struggles and beauty that are an integral part of the African-American experience as part of cable’s Diversity On Demand initiative.
With the advent of advanced digital cable platforms like On Demand, viewers can learn more about African-American history at their convenience during Black History Month.
In addition, individuals, who “like” cable’s Diversity on Demand page on Facebook will see Black History programming updates and links to trailers and be alerted to various entertainment and blogger giveaways during the promotion.This will be an online destination where anyone interested in multicultural shows and movies can join to engage with others in the community, and learn more about what Diversity on Demand has to offer. Cable will celebrate multicultural programming throughout the year with contests, polls, trivia, trailers and more.
Throughout Black History Month, programming for Diversity On Demand includes:
Milestones in Black History: A look at the history of the struggles and strife, the tragedies and the triumphs of African-Americans in the U.S., including programming on the Civil Rights era. Everyone in the family can learn with documentaries like “The Black List” examining some of the reasons for Black History Month. And children young and old can take a trip back in time understanding the importance of historical events with “Seizing Justice: The Greensboro 4,” “On the Shoulders of Giants” and “Birds of a Feather: Tuskegee Airmen.”
Profiles in Courage: The biographies of influential African-Americans come to life with dramatic profiles and stories of acclaimed leaders and others who are not so well known—but perhaps should be, such as that of Lena Baker in “Hope & Redemption: The Lena Baker Story.”
Dramas: Programs and movies like “Independence Day” showcasing award-worthy performances from notable African-American actors such as Will Smith. You can also explore and share real-life family relationship dramas like “Braxton Family Values.”
Hearth & Home: Savor shows like “Down Home with the Neelys” that provide a look at food and other aspects of modern African-American culture and society.
Of the People: These programs exemplify the contributions made by multicultural talent, shows written by, starring, directed or produced by African-Americans, like Morgan Freeman in “Million Dollar Baby.”
Powerful Portrayals: Storytelling has always been an important part of African-American culture. Drama fans can enjoy Black cinema offerings, which chronicle the challenges of African-American protagonists in a variety of ways.
That’s Entertainment: Laugh along with comedy specials such as “Chris Rock: Bigger and Blacker,” while romantic comedies warm the heart. If music is your thing, there are shows and movies such as “Ray,” the remarkable story of one of America’s true musical geniuses, Ray Charles, that look into the past, present music-making of African-American artists.
Get your reservations now! FOX has renewed officially renewed Kitchen Nightmares for a fifth season, ordering 16 new episodes of the series.
Throughout the show’s run, Chef Gordon Ramsay has travelled to 54 cities around the country offering restaurants on the brink of closure some much-needed guidance and, more often than not, a healthy dose of tough love.
For many establishments, Chef Ramsay’s inimitable style and unique brand of delivery is difficult to swallow. With the economy hitting the restaurant business especially hard, these restaurateurs are looking to Chef Ramsay to wake them up from their own Kitchen Nightmares.
“It’s great to be back for a fifth season…who knew there were that many nightmares to be had?!” said star and executive producer Gordon Ramsay.
New Episodes of Kitchen Nightmares, Season 4, air Fridays at 8 PM.
