BLACKPINK, BTS AND THE ART OF SELLING ANYTHING. HOW IDOLS BECAME A GLOBAL ADVERTISING PHENOMENON

17. 3. 2026 BLACKPINK released their new EP Deadline on 27 February 2026. It is their first group project since the 2022 album Born Pink and also the first outcome of renewed group activity following a four year solo hiatus. The comeback of a group that ranks among the most commercially leveraged acts in the history of K pop provides an ideal opportunity for deeper reflection: why are Korean pop idols such irresistibly powerful advertising tools, and how has their relationship with television advertising evolved from a local phenomenon into a global strategy adopted by multinational corporations?

IT WAS MEANT TO BE A SHOWCASE OF TECHNOLOGY, BUT NOSTALGIA STOLE THE SHOW: WHAT DOES SUPER BOWL LX REVEAL ABOUT THE STATE OF MARKETING?

8. 2. 2026 Super Bowl LX is behind us. The evening at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara was once again more than just a sporting event—it turned into a media platform watched by over 124.9 million viewers in the U.S., peaking at 137.8 million during the second quarter, making it the second most-watched broadcast in American television history. This level of concentrated attention also underpins an astronomical advertising business. A 30-second slot cost around $8 million on average, with some premium placements exceeding $10 million, while total investment per commercial often ranged between $15 and $25 million. This year’s edition delivered the expected dominance of artificial intelligence and tech brands, but also a surprisingly strong return to emotion, nostalgia, and clearly defined values. What truly resonated in these ads—and what inspiration can be drawn from them—is illustrated in the following examples. Lay’s: Last Harvest One of this year’s most remarkable commercials felt, dramaturgically speaking, almost out of place at the Super Bowl. The chip brand Lay’s presented a short indie-style film about an aging farmer facing his final harvest. His daughter is taking over the farm, making it a story of generational transition. Even if it may not seem so at first glance, this was a very bold spot. Snack brands at the Super Bowl typically opt for humorous, celebrity-driven presentations. Here, however, we see an authentic story centred on emotion and a narrative of “real ingredients for real people.” Especially in a year dominated by highly hyped tech showcases, Lay’s offered a moment for genuine reflection and introspection. From the perspective of the evening’s overall structure, it was something of an anomaly—one that, nevertheless, received very positive reviews.

SUPER BOWL 2026: BUDWEISER, KINDER BUENO, AND OTHER BRANDS ONCE AGAIN BANK ON THE MOST EXPENSIVE AD SPOTS

30. 1. 2026 Here it comes! The ads for this year’s Super Bowl are already making waves and sparking conversations. For fans in the U.S.—and beyond—the Super Bowl is far more than just the football championship game. It’s an event that, for one evening each year, brings together sports, entertainment, advertising, and pop culture. Even people who don’t normally follow American football tune in. It’s the ultimate mass spectacle, and the commercials are an inseparable part of it—many viewers watch them with the same anticipation as the game itself. And long after the stadiums have emptied, Super Bowl ads continue to be dissected and discussed across social media and in the press.

AMID MARKETING’S AI OBSESSION, SOME CONSUMERS ARE ‘EXCITED FOR REALITY’

10. 12. 2025 To reach them, brands like Apple and Heineken are highlighting practical effects and emphasizing real connection.

NOSTALGIA LEVEL: MAX. HOW DO RETRO ADS WIN CUSTOMERS’ HEARTS?

25. 8. 2025 Memories of the good old days are both enjoyable and highly impactful – something brands eagerly leverage in their marketing. Nostalgia is one of the major marketing trends of 2025 and can connect consumers with the past, evoke positive emotions and create a deeper relationship with the brand. Advertisements referring to the popular culture of past decades, retro visuals or iconic slogans act as a kind of time machine, transporting viewers back to moments stored deep in their memory. Some brands, such as Coca-Cola, Nintendo and Volkswagen, have long relied on nostalgia and made it a key part of their identity. In times of rapid technological progress and uncertainty, retro marketing offers a safe haven – and an effective way to reach different generations. How do companies draw inspiration from the past, and why does this approach work so well?

SUMMER-FLAVOURED TV ADVERTISING: THE MOST DELICIOUS AND FUNNIEST BBQs

15. 8. 2025 When the smell of smoke and roasted meat wafts through the air from your neighbours in the early evening, it’s hard to resist the temptation to light up the barbecue and prepare some summer delicacies yourself. The growing popularity of summer BBQ parties presents an opportunity for food and barbecue equipment manufacturers. And what better way to reach consumers than with TV ads that make families’ mouths water as they watch together?

SUMMER-FLAVOURED TV ADS: THE MOST SPARKLING REFRESHMENT FOR THE HOTTEST DAYS

10. 7. 2025 Hot summers are perfect for advertising all kinds of drinks and other refreshments. What advertising strategies do the most famous brands choose, and which summer adverts are the most appealing?

BRAND BATTLES IN THE BEVERAGE MARKET: COCA-COLA AND PEPSICO ON THE BATTLEGROUND

3. 4. 2025 The Cola Wars, which have been raging for over a hundred years between the iconic brands Coca-Cola and Pepsi, take place not only on store shelves but especially in advertising space. In this fight, television commercials have played a key role, becoming the main tool for building consumer loyalty and brand identity. The rivalry between the two beverage manufacturers has made its mark on advertising history. Who benefits the most from it?

THE 25 BEST SUPER BOWL ADS OF THE PAST 25 YEARS

15. 3. 2025 From Pepsi's collab with Britney Spears to Bud's 'Wassup?' ADWEEK selects 25 of the best Big Game commercials since 2000.

PRINCESSES, FROGS AND GENIES IN ADVERTISING: FOREIGN BRANDS LOVE FAIRY TALES

16. 1. 2025 Fairy tales accompany us throughout our lives. In childhood, they carry us away on waves of imagination, in adulthood, we tell fairy tales to our children and grandchildren to simply explain the difference between good and evil and to pass on to them the values of life. In addition, fairy tales are a great element for advertising because they help consumers make an emotional and personal connection with brands. And that’s why fairy tale themes have been found across modern advertising in various forms for a very long time.

FILM ANNIVERSARY: ADVERTISERS TAKING INSPIRATION FROM THE MATRIX WILL DODGE BULLETS AS WELL

5. 8. 2024 Keanu Reeves dodging bullets is just one of the scenes that have inspired many creatives in the film and media industry. The Matrix is a phenomenon that can’t be easily topped. So, it is no wonder that ideas from the film and its protagonists have appeared in television ads. 5 August marks the anniversary of the Czech premiere of the first part of this fantastic sci-fi tetralogy, which captivated the masses around the world. Let’s take a look at a few TV ads based on The Matrix.