Health Brands Take Center Stage During Super Bowl LIX Advertising Blitz
As Super Bowl LIX concludes with the Philadelphia Eagles claiming victory, a spotlight shines on how various pharma and health advertisements performed during one of the most-watched events in the United States. Major health brands such as Pfizer, Novartis, and Hims & Hers showcased their campaigns alongside other notable names including Bayer, Cetaphil, Power to the Patients, and WeightWatchers. The ads presented varied approaches to engage audiences, but a common theme emerged: the intent to connect with patients, encouraging them to take a more proactive stance on their health.
A report released by EDO on Monday highlighted that health-related advertisements experienced “massive engagement” among consumers. Laura Grover, SVP and head of client solutions, stated, “Consumer priorities may be evolving, but audiences continue to gravitate toward practicality and real-world utility over novelty.” This finding emphasizes that during this year’s Super Bowl, brands that aligned their messages with genuine consumer value succeeded, indicating the event is more than just a branding opportunity; it can significantly influence business performance.
Pfizer’s Standout Performance
Among the health ads featured, Pfizer’s 60-second advertisement titled “Knock Out” received widespread acclaim. The commercial depicted a dream sequence involving a pediatric cancer patient engaged in shadowboxing, accompanied by LL Cool J’s iconic track “Mama Said Knock You Out.” According to the USA Today Ad Meter, Pfizer’s spot was ranked 10th overall with a rating of 3.336. It effectively communicated a strong message regarding the fight against cancer, resonating with audiences and garnering high marks in terms of likeability, scoring 19% above the average.
In comparison to other Super Bowl ads, Pfizer’s advertisement stood out in engagement, with iSpot revealing that viewers appreciated the emotional depth of its message. The commercial evoked positive sentiments embedded with feelings of hope, admiration, and gratitude. DAIVID, a U.K.-based ad agency, echoed these sentiments, noting intense positive emotions associated with the ad. Despite mixed metrics from EDO, which placed Pfizer’s ad 58th in terms of engagement, its impact on viewer sentiment was undeniable.
The Polarizing Hims & Hers Ad
In contrast to Pfizer, Hims & Hers’ advertisement titled “Sick of the System” stirred significant controversy. The 60-second spot highlighted the telehealth company’s compounded GLP-1 offerings, provoking polarized reactions from medical professionals, viewers, and lawmakers alike. Prior to Super Bowl Sunday, the FDA was called upon by two senators to review the advertisement, highlighting concerns that it may mislead patients by not adequately disclosing safety information.
Despite bubbling controversy, EDO reported that Hims & Hers’ commercial ultimately delivered impressive results with 7.7 times more engagement than the median ad. However, opinions were divided — DAIVID noted the ad’s emphasis on negative emotions such as shame, fear, and guilt hindered its acceptance. The USA Today Ad Meter ranked it 49th, receiving a rating of 2.51. Kantar’s analysis, however, portrayed a more favorable view, highlighting strong performances in impact, power, and enjoyment.
Novartis’ Unique Approach
Novartis opted for a distinctive campaign style with its breast cancer awareness ad titled “Your Attention, Please.” The ad featured a provocative introduction showcasing women in various types of clothing to draw attention to the importance of breast health and proactive screening. Despite its unconventional start, the ad found favor with more than 40% of surveyed viewers who cited its message as a strong point, earning a ranking of 16th overall from the USA Today Ad Meter with a rating of 3.22.
Diving into audience engagement analysis, EDO ranked it 31st overall with 1.2 times more interaction than the median ad. Kantar noted Novartis’ commercial standings as 62nd in impact and 88th in enjoyment, suggesting a commendable reception overall.
Conclusion: A Shift in Consumer Engagement
Super Bowl LIX has showcased how health brands can effectively navigate the challenging waters of advertising while making significant emotional connections with viewers. The results indicate that advertisements with genuine consumer relevance, strong emotional connections, and practicality resonate better in today’s evolving market landscape. As brands like Pfizer, Hims & Hers, and Novartis demonstrated their marketing skills on this grand stage, they set a benchmark for future health-related advertising endeavors.