Commercials aren’t normally a reason why someone would watch a TV program. In fact, some people actively and aggressively avoid commercials altogether.
For example, my parents are avid sports watchers, and if it’s a busy sports day, my dad will either mute the TV during commercials or just switch to another game, depending on what’s on.
Then there are those who also actively avoid “normal” TV with commercials by centring on Netflix and/or Amazon and/or Disney+, etc. etc.
I like Netflix too, but find there are some really good shows on network TV, and among the broadcasts is the Super Bowl, which is not shown on any of the streaming services.
Some people only watch it for the commercials, some for the half-time show, and then there are those who actually watch the game (which was really good, by the way, with the Chiefs coming from behind when they were down 20-10, to win the championship).
Since we are sadly on the Canadian side of the border, we are discriminated against and are denied the pleasure of watching Super Bowl commercials during the game.
Since there is the Internet and YouTube, it’s possible to see the commercials after the fact, but that is totally ridiculous. Regardless of what the courts ruled, to me it is absolutely wrong that when I switch to an American channel, that signal is hijacked by a Canadian broadcaster who inserts their incredibly bad and boring Canadian commercials.
Since Super Bowl advertisers pay upwards of $5 million-plus to be shown on that broadcast, you know they’re going to make those commercials really well. Some 30-second commercials cost as much as some movies to make with all of the special effects and whatever else goes into the making of these little works of art.
I hate that we’re denied this just because we’re Canadian.
As for the half-time show, I was listening to some women discuss it, and saw comments online about it, and the overwhelming feeling was that the crotch-grabbing and skimpy outfits were degrading and disgusting — and I have to agree.
One comment I read online was by a father, who was dismayed by the show and took his daughter into another room for snacks while J-Lo and Shakira did their thing. He said the two women are very talented, but they’re reduced to using their curves to entertain the crowds. I agree, and am glad there was at least a good game on.
