• Published: Feb 10 2025 07:24 AM
  • Last Updated: May 29 2025 11:49 AM

Tubi's controversial Super Bowl ads, including a 'fleshy hat' cowboy, sparked debate. Mixed reactions and technical livestream issues clouded the campaign's effectiveness, raising questions about its risky strategy.


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Tubi's Super Bowl Ads: What Were They *Thinking*?

Okay, so Tubi, that free streaming service, really threw us all for a loop with their Super Bowl commercials this year. I mean, seriously, who saw *that* coming? Instead of the usual polished ads, we got… well, let's just say it was a mixed bag. One ad was pretty standard, but the other? Let's just say it involved a cowboy and a fleshy hat. Yes, you read that right.

A Comedy and a Cowboy: Tubi's Double Whammy

First up, they had a commercial for their new show, "The Z-Suite," starring Lauren Graham. It seemed pretty normal: a generational clash in the workplace, the kind of thing we've all seen before. The creator talked about wanting to avoid stereotypes, and for the most part, it seemed pretty harmless. A safe bet, right?

Then came the second ad. And things went… sideways. This one featured a young cowboy with, get this, a fleshy hat glued to his head. It was… unsettling. Think David Lynch meets a rodeo. Social media exploded. Some people thought it was brilliant, others were just plain grossed out. It was a real "love it or hate it" situation, and honestly, I'm still not sure where I land.

Experts Weigh In: A Divided House

Marketing experts were just as divided as the rest of us. Some saw it as a daring attempt to be inclusive – a way to say something relevant about the times we're living in and the recent conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Others? They called it a complete disaster, saying it failed to connect with the brand in any meaningful way. It really depends on who you ask.

One creative director offered a pretty interesting take, suggesting it was a reflection of our anxieties around AI, biotech, and even social media's impact on how we see ourselves. He said it tapped into something bigger, something we're all grappling with on some level. You know, stuff that keeps you up at night.

Technical Troubles: Adding Insult to Injury

To make matters worse, Tubi's free Super Bowl livestream had technical issues. Lots of people couldn't cast the game to their TVs, which is just salt in the wound after watching those commercials. Tubi tried to fix things, but honestly, it kinda felt like watching a slow-motion trainwreck.

Was it All Worth It?

Tubi took a huge risk. The "fleshy hat" ad definitely got everyone talking, but did that translate into more viewers? More subscriptions? It's hard to say. The technical problems didn't help either. The whole thing shows just how tricky it is to create a Super Bowl ad that really connects with everyone. It's a tough game, that's for sure. What did *you* think?

Frequently Asked Questions

What was in Tubi's Super Bowl commercials? One was a pretty standard ad for their new show, "The Z-Suite." The other? Let's just say it involved a cowboy and a fleshy hat. It's unforgettable, that's for sure.

Did Tubi's livestream work? Nope. Many people had trouble casting the game to their TVs.

What's the general reaction to Tubi's commercials? Extremely mixed. Some loved the boldness, others thought it was a complete flop.

Let's Talk: What did you think of Tubi's Super Bowl commercials? Share your thoughts below!

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