Super Bowl LVIII certainly didn’t disappoint after the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 25 to 22 in a thrilling overtime victory at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
But for people less interested in what’s happening on the ground, the annual rollout of high-revenue commercials from top brands is usually just as exciting. This year there was one, with actor Michael Cera, who seemed to steal the show on social media. And surprisingly, it’s about skin care.
Related: Why Super Bowl Commercials Are the Ultimate Marketing Game
Cera appears in the 60-second commercial for skin-care brand CeraVe, where he attempts to present himself to a board of dermatologists and company executives, claiming to have invented the cream in a dramatic and slightly bizarre monologue.
There you have it: CeraVe is developed with dermatologists. Not Michael Cera. #CeraVe pic.twitter.com/s9lNwB6Jmt
—CeraVe (@cerave) February 12, 2024
“I think it would be really nice if people thought I did this,” he tells the room, in an affectionate tone.
The commercial garnered high praise on social media where many called it the best of the year, some even touting it as a “perfect” and “10/10” commercial.
Cerave with Michael Cera is a perfect commercial. Is this how advertising works?
— Danny Heifetz (@Danny_Heifetz) February 12, 2024
All right, @CeraVe is by far my favorite Super Bowl commercial.
– I love the collaboration with Michael Cera
— is legitimately a funny commercial
– plays on the TikTok gag
– still focused on the product!10/10, no notes. pic.twitter.com/TePegdCfLi
— Jack Appleby (@jappleby) February 12, 2024
ok Michael Cera with Cerave is the best lol
—Douglas Reyes-Ceron (@dreyesceron) February 12, 2024
Cerave using Michael Cera is smart, memorable and funny. One of my favorite ads so far. #BrandBowl pic.twitter.com/aPN9EiwyPl
— Jess Smith (@WarJessEagle) February 12, 2024
According to AdAge, a 30-second spot during the big game this year onwards CBS was estimated at $7 million, a 55% increase in average cost compared to 2019.
Related: Study: 2023 Super Bowl Commercials Drive Consumer Demand
For companies willing to shell out money, their brand or product was seen by the masses. According to Nielson, an estimated 120 million people tuned in to watch Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday.
There’s no word yet on whether the commercial will translate into moisturizer sales, but it’s already a hit on social media.