The Super Bowl isn’t just about football. It’s a massive stage for brands to showcase their boldest ads. Companies spend millions to make an impact. But sometimes, they cross the line. Over the years, several commercials have been banned for being too shocking or offensive.
Super Bowl ads: A pricey spotlight
Beyond the game, commercials steal the show. Millions of viewers tune in not just for the action but for the ads. Big brands fight for the spotlight. In 2023, a 30-second ad cost around $7 million. That’s a hefty price tag.
To stand out, companies push creative limits. They aim to shock, amuse, or inspire. Some succeed. Others spark outrage. Over the years, several ads faced backlash. Many were pulled before airing. Some were even banned outright.
The most controversial Super Bowl ads
Some commercials made history—for the wrong reasons. They offended, shocked, or crossed ethical boundaries. Social media erupts when brands misfire. Here are some of the most infamous Super Bowl ads that got banned:
- 0:00 Intro
- 0:02 Carl’s Jr 3 Way Burger Bikini Commercial
- 0:50 Carl’s Jr Big Sausage Breakfast Commercial
- 1:53 Danica Patrick GoDaddy Massage Commercial
- 2:23 GoDaddy Speeding Ticket Commercial
- 4:27 Doritos Crash the Super Bowl Commercial
- 4:57 Kim Kardashian Carl’s Jr Super Bowl Commercial
- 5:28 GoDaddy Shower Commercial
- 5:59 Carl’s Jr Banned Super Bowl Commercial
- 6:43 Scarlett Johansson Soda Stream Commercial
- 7:13 Banned Doritos Super Bowl Commercial
- 7:43 Fly Cheaper Super Bowl Commercial Sexy Flight Attendant
- 8:18 GoDaddy Sexy Super Bowl Commercial
- 8:49 GoDaddy Body Paint Commercial
- 9:19 Doritos Tailgate Crash the Super Bowl Commercial
Super Bowl ads: A risky Game
Every year, brands gamble big money on Super Bowl ads. Some become legendary. Others become infamous. With millions watching, one wrong move can spark a PR disaster.
As the Super Bowl approaches, fans wonder: which commercials will make history this year? And will any be too outrageous to air?
