Let’s Go Watch Some Commercials

Super Bowl 47. The same as last year except different.

If you have an internet connection and some free time this coming sunday evening, well then are you sure in for a treat. This internet connection is going to allow you to tune in to the biggest sporting event on T.V. without even turning on a T.V. That’s pretty neat. Or extraordinarily annoying. I lean more towards extraordinarily annoying. It is kind of funny to read how my friends can’t believe that the batter missed the puck on that last serve and didn’t make the field goal. Yes, it is dang near impossible to delve in to the world of Facebook, Twitter, or virtually any other form of social media during the Super Bowl without receiving a play-by-play from your “friends”. Even as big of a deal as the Super Bowl is in the world of Social Media and the Internet, it is an even larger deal on T.V.

“That’ll Be 4 MIllion Dollars.”

According to The Huffington Post, Super Bowl ads will cost a record $4 Million this year. Thats for a single 30 second ad. Given the potential viewership that the Super Bowl provides, a steep price like $4 Million for a 30 second ad is not surprising. Sports Illustrated says that the 2012 was the most watched television program in the history of the United States. In fact, the last three Super Bowls are the three highest watched T.V. programs in United State history. No wonder these ads are so expensive. Considering nearly 115 Million people will  not only see these ads, but actively watch them and absorb the information given, $4 Million almost seems cheap. Almost.

“Shh! The Commercials Are On!”

I played football from 2nd grade through my senior year in high school. Typically when I watch a game on T.V. I focus on the game while its on, and then go get food or a drink during the commercials. This is almost completely reversed during the Super Bowl. I can’t count how many times at Super Bowl parties I or my friends have been shushed during the commercials. To me, this is mind-numbingly annoying. But, this is proof of just how influential these ads are. We have come to expect these ads to be hilarious, informational, and innovative and we will pay very close attention to these ads until those expectations are met or surpassed. Whether that happens or not will quickly and eagerly be discussed immediately after each commercial ends. Typically, I find myself disappointed. But then again, I am a pessimist. Speaking of disappointment, don’t even get me started on the halftime show.

RANDOM THOUGHTS THAT OCCURRED WHILE WRITING THIS BLOG:

1. I’m not sure how to feel about the fact that the last three Super Bowls are the three highest watched television programs in history. I feel like some more important things have happened that are more worthy of our viewing. Like any episode of Breaking Bad.

2. The powers that be should probably put me in charge of booking the halftime show entertainment. Instead of Beyonce, I’m thinking a performance by Jeff Lynne and Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). Jeff Lynne is awesome. Maybe even a reunion of The Traveling Wilburys . That would be so cool.

3. The Volkswagen commercial from last years Super Bowl is my favorite ever. The kid is dressed up as Darth Vader and walking very confidently to the Rebel Theme. I may be biased. I was Darth Vader for halloween when I was six.