Aubrey Plaza's Iconic Super Bowl Commercials
In the high-stakes world of the Super Bowl, where football legends clash and viewers worldwide tune in for more than just the game, the commercials often become the real MVPs. This year, with the Philadelphia Eagles sidelined after a disappointing season, fans are turning their attention to the ads for some much-needed entertainment. Leading the pack is Aubrey Plaza, the queen of deadpan humor and versatile acting, who has cemented her status as a Super Bowl advertising staple. As the Seattle Seahawks face off against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX (or whatever Roman numeral we're on by 2026), Plaza's roles in several iconic commercials are sparking debates hotter than the on-field action.
Aubrey Plaza: From Indie Darling to Super Bowl Star
Aubrey Plaza's journey to Super Bowl fame is a testament to her unique blend of sarcasm, charm, and unpredictability. Born in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1984, Plaza first gained widespread recognition for her role as April Ludgate on NBC's Parks and Recreation, where her dry wit became a fan favorite. But it was her foray into film and television—starring in hits like Legion, The White Lotus, and Ingrid Goes West—that showcased her range, from horror to dark comedy.
Transitioning to advertising, Plaza has become a go-to talent for brands seeking edgy, memorable campaigns. Her Super Bowl appearances aren't just cameos; they're masterclasses in how to blend celebrity allure with product placement. According to a recent Delaware News Journal piece by Tammy Paolino, Plaza's involvement in multiple Super Bowl spots has fans debating which ad truly fumbles or scores a touchdown. With the Eagles' early exit this season, local Delaware supporters are especially eager for these lighthearted distractions.
Early Super Bowl Breakthroughs
Plaza's Super Bowl debut traces back to earlier years, but her 2023 Michelob Ultra ad remains a benchmark. In that spot, she portrayed a mystical guardian of the beer brand, delivering lines with her signature monotone that had viewers laughing and reaching for a cold one. The ad's clever tie-in to fantasy football and relaxation themes resonated during a tense NFC Championship buildup, earning millions of YouTube views post-airing.
Building on that success, Plaza returned in 2024 for a Squarespace campaign, where she played a quirky inventor pitching absurd website ideas. Her deadpan delivery of lines like "Why settle for ordinary when you can build a site for your pet rock's memoir?" captured the platform's creative ethos, driving a 15% spike in sign-ups, per company reports. These early roles established Plaza as more than an actress—she's a cultural commentator who makes ads feel like mini-movies.
Spotlight on 2026 Super Bowl Commercials
For the 2026 Super Bowl, broadcast on February 8 from a yet-to-be-announced stadium, Plaza is pulling double duty with two high-profile ads. The first, for a major streaming service (rumored to be Netflix), features her as a time-traveling critic reviewing historical events with modern snark. Imagine Plaza interrupting the signing of the Declaration of Independence to quip about plot holes—it's peak Plaza absurdity, perfectly timed for a halftime show break.
The second ad, partnering with a popular snack brand like Doritos, reunites her with Parks and Rec co-stars for a chaotic office party gone wrong. As the Seahawks and Patriots battle it out—evoking memories of their 2015 thriller—Plaza's character navigates snack-induced mayhem, poking fun at work-life balance in the post-pandemic era. Early leaks suggest this spot could go viral, much like the 2025 Uber Eats ad where she "forgot" her lines on purpose for comedic effect.
Why Plaza's Ads Resonate with Fans
What sets Plaza apart in the crowded Super Bowl ad landscape? It's her authenticity. Unlike overly polished celebrity endorsements, her performances feel improvised and relatable. Marketing experts note that her millennial-gen Z appeal bridges generational gaps, with 2025 Nielsen data showing her ads retaining 20% more viewer attention than average. For Eagles fans nursing playoff wounds, these commercials offer comic relief, turning disappointment into delightful diversion.
Moreover, Plaza's Delaware roots add a local flavor. Growing up in the First State, she's no stranger to Philly sports passion. In a pre-Super Bowl interview with Paolino, she joked, "If the Eagles can't win, at least I can crash the party in an ad." This self-aware humor endears her to regional audiences, boosting engagement on platforms like TikTok, where fan edits of her spots rack up billions of views.
The Bigger Picture: Impact on Brands and Culture
Super Bowl ads aren't cheap—slots cost upwards of $7 million for 30 seconds in 2026—but Plaza's involvement yields high ROI. Brands report increased social media buzz and sales lifts of 10-25% post-airing. Her 2024 Chevy ad, for instance, highlighted electric vehicles with a satirical take on road trips, aligning with eco-conscious trends and earning praise from environmental groups.
Culturally, Plaza's commercials reflect broader shifts in advertising. Gone are the days of slapstick alone; today's spots weave in social commentary. Her work challenges stereotypes—portraying strong, unconventional women who don't need saving—resonating in an era of #MeToo and empowerment narratives. As the Seahawks-Patriots matchup unfolds, expect Plaza's ads to dominate watercooler talk, Twitter trends, and even post-game analyses.
Looking Ahead: Plaza's Next Moves
Beyond the Super Bowl, Plaza's star is rising. With upcoming projects like a lead in an A24 horror-comedy and a potential Parks and Rec revival, her ad gigs are just the tip of the iceberg. Fans speculate she'll continue blending worlds, perhaps directing her own commercial someday. For now, as the confetti falls in 2026, one thing's clear: Aubrey Plaza doesn't just appear in Super Bowl commercials—she owns them.
In a league where ads rival the game, Plaza's contributions remind us why we watch. Whether you're rooting for Seattle's defense or New England's offense, tune in for the laughs. And if you're shopping via those affiliate links? Support the content that keeps the conversation going. After all, in the Super Bowl circus, every spot counts.
