Budweiser's latest Super Bowl ad, American Icons, is stirring up more controversy than its predecessor, Bud Light's ill-fated transgender spokesperson promotion. The 60-second spot features an unlikely friendship between a bald eagle and a Clydesdale horse, symbolizing an unbreakable bond that transcends generations.
However, the ad's nostalgic value comes with a heavy dose of irony, as it harks back to a bygone era of American iconography that feels increasingly out of touch with the country's current social climate. The imagery is unmistakably retro - think George Washington at Valley Forge and Pegasus soaring through the skies.
The pairing of a struggling baby bird with a Clydesdale horse who provides shelter and support has all the makings of a heartwarming tale, reminiscent of an American folk song. But what does it really say about America in 2026? Is it a genuine attempt at tapping into collective nostalgia or simply a cynical ploy to sell beer?
One thing is certain: Budweiser's marketing strategy seems to be working, with the ad already sparking heated reactions on social media. The question remains whether this formulaic approach will resonate with a broader audience or simply reinforce the perception that America has lost its way.
Bud Light's predecessor in the company's Super Bowl ads took a bold step last year by featuring Dylan Mulvaney, a trans social media star, in an attempt to showcase diversity and inclusivity. The response was swift and savage, with several high-profile conservatives condemning the ad as "woke" propaganda. Since then, Budweiser has retreated to its equine-friendly roots, releasing an ad featuring a Clydesdale at the Lincoln Memorial.
This year's ad, American Icons, seems to be walking a fine line between celebrating an enduring American tradition and poking fun at it for its timelessness. With Lynyrd Skynyrd's Free Bird providing a sonic backdrop, it's hard not to see this as a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the state of America today.
Ultimately, Budweiser may have tapped into something primal with this ad - an enduring desire for comfort and connection that transcends politics and social divisions. But whether this is a genuine attempt at cultural relevance or simply a clever marketing ploy remains to be seen.
However, the ad's nostalgic value comes with a heavy dose of irony, as it harks back to a bygone era of American iconography that feels increasingly out of touch with the country's current social climate. The imagery is unmistakably retro - think George Washington at Valley Forge and Pegasus soaring through the skies.
The pairing of a struggling baby bird with a Clydesdale horse who provides shelter and support has all the makings of a heartwarming tale, reminiscent of an American folk song. But what does it really say about America in 2026? Is it a genuine attempt at tapping into collective nostalgia or simply a cynical ploy to sell beer?
One thing is certain: Budweiser's marketing strategy seems to be working, with the ad already sparking heated reactions on social media. The question remains whether this formulaic approach will resonate with a broader audience or simply reinforce the perception that America has lost its way.
Bud Light's predecessor in the company's Super Bowl ads took a bold step last year by featuring Dylan Mulvaney, a trans social media star, in an attempt to showcase diversity and inclusivity. The response was swift and savage, with several high-profile conservatives condemning the ad as "woke" propaganda. Since then, Budweiser has retreated to its equine-friendly roots, releasing an ad featuring a Clydesdale at the Lincoln Memorial.
This year's ad, American Icons, seems to be walking a fine line between celebrating an enduring American tradition and poking fun at it for its timelessness. With Lynyrd Skynyrd's Free Bird providing a sonic backdrop, it's hard not to see this as a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the state of America today.
Ultimately, Budweiser may have tapped into something primal with this ad - an enduring desire for comfort and connection that transcends politics and social divisions. But whether this is a genuine attempt at cultural relevance or simply a clever marketing ploy remains to be seen.
. The nostalgia factor is real, and who doesn't want to feel all warm and fuzzy inside like a Clydesdale horse giving shelter to a baby bird? At the same time, it's a bit like they're saying "oh, we know you're upset about some things, so let's just stick with what everyone loves" 
. Can't say for sure if this one will be a winner or a loser, but it's definitely got me thinking 
.
, but high-key wondering if it's also kinda tone-deaf 
It's like they're saying "Hey, America, let's go back to the good ol' days when we were all just one big happy family" 
. I'm here for the heartwarming Clydesdale and eagle friendship, though - it's genuinely adorable 
! The question is, will it resonate with everyone or just be another "old white guy beer ad" 
? Only time (and social media) will tell 
I gotta say, Budweiser's latest ad is def one of the most nostalgic ads I've seen in ages... 
Think about it, it's like they're trying to evoke this whole old-school American thing that feels kinda... forced? 
Like, we're living in 2025 and they're still gonna trot out George Washington and Clydesdales? 
Still, at the same time, I can see why it might be effective - who doesn't love a good underdog story? And Lynyrd Skynyrd's Free Bird is straight fire 
. But idk man, it feels like they're trying to tap into this collective nostalgia that's not even necessarily theirs to own... 
Still, I'll be watching how this one plays out on social media 
but at the same time i get why some ppl might think it's out of touch. like, how many americans have ever even seen a bald eagle or a Clydesdale horse in person? 
it feels like budweiser is just trying to tap into this idealized version of america that doesn't exist anymore 
but i guess that's just the point, right? we're all nostalgic for something that never really was. and btw, who knows w/ beer ads, lol sometimes you just gotta roll with it 
. I mean, what does it really say about America in 2026? Is it genuinely tapping into our collective nostalgia or just a marketing gimmick?
. One minute they're embracing diversity and inclusivity with Dylan Mulvaney, the next they're back to their equine-friendly roots 
I'm so confused about this ad... it's like, they're trying to make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside with the bald eagle and Clydesdale horse being BFFs 
. But I guess what really got me is how this ad makes me feel - it's like they're tapping into something deep down inside me that wants connection and comfort, you know? 
It's hard to say if it's a genuine attempt at being relatable or just a clever marketing trick, but either way, it's definitely getting people talking 
. Can't deny that Budweiser is on point with this one 
The way they're trying to tie it into this idea of nostalgia and American tradition feels like they're trying too hard to make a point. Can't we just enjoy the ad without overthinking it for once? 
. The pairing of a bald eagle and Clydesdale horse is literally too cute for words 
. But at the same time, I'm not sure if it's totally on point with the current social climate 
. But I'm curious to see how people react to it online - will it spark some real conversation or just get dismissed as a marketing gimmick 
?
), and while this one might be less divisive, it still feels like Budweiser is trying to recapture the magic of yesteryear 
. I'm not sure if that's gonna resonate with everyone, especially those who are looking for something more contemporary 
.
. The question is, will people actually respond to it or just see right through the marketing vibes?