Bald eagles and Lynyrd Skynyrd: is Budweiser's all-American Super Bowl ad serious?

Budweiser's Latest Foray into American Iconography Raises Eyebrows with Unlikely Friendship Between Eagle and Clydesdale.

In its latest Super Bowl ad, Budweiser takes viewers on a nostalgic journey featuring an unlikely friendship between two beloved symbols of America: the bald eagle and the Clydesdale horse. The 60-second spot showcases an endearing story of an adorable foal that forms a bond with a struggling baby bird, which eventually grows into a majestic bald eagle. As the bird spreads its wings, it takes to the sky as Lynyrd Skynyrd's iconic song "Free Bird" reaches its climax.

Budweiser's intentions behind this ad are unclear, but analysts believe that by focusing on universally beloved phenomena – in this case, unlikely animal friendships – the brand is attempting to tap into a winning formula for Super Bowl ads. According to an analysis of 500 ads at the University of Virginia, animals and nostalgia are key elements of success.

However, critics argue that Budweiser's approach comes after a right-wing boycott of its sister brand Bud Light in 2023, sparked by the ad featuring trans spokesperson Dylan Mulvaney. The backlash led to significant sales plummeting, with sales of both Bud Light and Budweiser dropping 24.6% and 9.2%, respectively.

The brand's decision to pivot towards more aggressively American marketing seems to be paying off, at least in terms of Super Bowl ad performance. Since releasing the Clydesdale-themed ad, Budweiser has stuck with this equine theme, releasing spots featuring a dog-horse alliance and hardworking white men in baseball caps. The latest spot also plays on classic rock nostalgia.

Some argue that Budweiser's approach is brilliant marketing – appealing to America's hardcore fans who can take the patriotic imagery literally, while those dismayed at the state of the country can interpret it as satire. And, of course, there's always room for a cold beer.

But beneath the surface of this heartwarming ad lies a more complex narrative about America's values and how they are perceived. As the US continues to grapple with its internal divisions, Budweiser's American Icons ad raises questions about what it means to be patriotic in 2026 – is it a celebration of nostalgia or a nostalgic portrayal of America's darker past?

OMG, I'm so over this ad ... like what's next? The Statue of Liberty and the bald eagle becoming BFFs with the American flag? It's just too much patriotic overload. And don't even get me started on the Clydesdale horses – they're already iconic, do we need to shoehorn them into every ad now? Ugh, it feels like Budweiser is trying way too hard to be "America" and it just comes off as insincere.

And can we talk about the whole trans thing again? I mean, I get that people have strong opinions, but boycotting a brand over an ad featuring a trans spokesperson? That's just plain crazy. And now they're trying to make up for it with this...this... equine-themed marketing nonsense? I'm so done with Budweiser's attempt to buy their way back into our hearts.

I mean, at the end of the day, it's all just a bunch of marketing hype . They want to sell beer and make us feel good about America, but what about the complexities of our society? Can't we have an ad that actually talks about something real for once?

I'm not sure if Budweiser's latest move is a masterstroke or a misstep, but what really got me thinking is the idea that our perception of patriotism can be so twisted. I mean, who thought forming an unlikely friendship between an eagle and a Clydesdale would be the key to unlocking America's true identity? It's like they're trying to bottle up this complicated sense of national pride into a 60-second ad. And honestly, is it really about celebrating what makes us great, or are we just nostalgic for a past that never truly existed? I mean, think about it – what does our perception of America say about ourselves as people? Do we see it as a land of freedom and equality, or do we romanticize a time when things were supposedly simpler? Either way, Budweiser's ad is like a mirror reflecting back at us our own biases and values.

I'm feeling kinda weirded out by this new Budweiser ad . They're trying to make an unlikely friendship between an eagle and Clydesdale horse all cute and heartwarming, but I think there's more to it than that. It feels like they're trying to tap into our nostalgia for America, you know? Like, remember when things were simpler? The ad is all about the buddy vibes between these two American icons, but what if it's just a way to distract us from the real issues?

I'm not saying it's bad, mind you. The ad's got some great elements – who doesn't love an underdog story or a classic rock soundtrack? But I think we need to be careful about what we're celebrating here. Is this just a nostalgic portrayal of America's "good old days", or is it actually commenting on the state of our country? That's the part that has me thinking, you know?

man... i think budweiser's trying to tap into the whole "patriotic nostalgia" vibe and honestly, its kinda working . but at the same time, there's this underlying message that's kinda... murky? like, are they celebrating america's values or just regurgitating some old-school patriotic ideals that might not be as inclusive as we'd like . i mean, it's a beer company trying to make us all feel good about american icons, but what about the stuff we're leaving behind? is it really just about nostalgia or are they trying to say something more? idk, maybe thats just me overthinking this

omg i'm low-key obsessed w/ this new budweiser ad like who wouldn't love an adorable foal and a baby bird becoming BFFs?! it's so wholesome and nostalgic, i can already imagine my friends and family watching it during the super bowl and getting all teary-eyed

idk what budweiser's intentions are, but imo they're onto something w/ this 'animal friendships' vibe it taps into our inner child and makes us feel all warm fuzzy inside & let's be real, who doesn't love a good ol' american anthem like "free bird"?

but what i find really interesting is how this ad ties in w/ the current state of america is it a celebration of nostalgia or a commentary on our country's darker past? maybe budweiser's onto something w/ this 'patriotic' theme, and we should be having more conversations about what it means to be patriotic in 2026

I'm not sure I agree with all this fuss over Budweiser's latest ad. It just seems like they're trying too hard to get back into the spotlight. The idea of an unlikely friendship between an eagle and a Clydesdale is kinda cool, but it feels like they're just using that as an excuse to ramble on about America and patriotism. I mean, what does it even mean?

And yeah, I've seen those other ads with the dog and horse alliance, and the baseball cap guys... they all feel a bit forced, you know? It's like Budweiser is trying too hard to tap into some sort of nostalgic America, but it just comes off as a bit cringeworthy.

I do think it's interesting that they're going for this more patriotic vibe, though. Maybe it's a way of reaching out to fans who are feeling left behind by all the chaos in the world right now. At least it's not super preachy or anything... but I'm still on the fence about whether it's actually working or just going to end up being another marketing gimmick

Budweiser's trying to tap into our sentimental sides but it feels like they're just rubbing it in . I mean, who thought pairing an eagle and a Clydesdale was a good idea? It's just so...extra. And what's with the nostalgia trip? It's like they're trying to make us forget about all the issues that are still plaguing America. And don't even get me started on the commercialism of it all. I mean, come on, we can't have a beer ad without being forced to feel something deep down inside . The fact that sales dropped after the trans spokesperson controversy just goes to show how shallow their marketing really is.

Ugh, this just reeks of trying too hard to be 'American' . Like, who thought it was a good idea to pair an eagle with a Clydesdale horse in the first place? It's just another way for Budweiser to pander to the masses and make a quick buck off nostalgia . And don't even get me started on how they're using this ad to distance themselves from their previous controversy - it's just a PR stunt . But, I guess if you're into that sort of thing, the fact that it worked for them in the Super Bowl is pretty impressive . Maybe Budweiser should've just stuck with what they were doing before and not tried to rebrand themselves as some kind of 'American icon' .

I think this new ad by Budweiser is kinda cool . It's all about showing friendship and growth, even between animals from different worlds . Maybe they're trying to tap into our feelings for the country right now . People love nostalgia, and who doesn't love a good underdog story? But at the same time, I wonder if it's just an attempt to get us to like them again ... I mean, after that whole controversy with Bud Light last year . Can't we all just have a cold beer together and enjoy some cute animal pics?

I gotta say, Budweiser's gone all out on this one . They're like, super nostalgic for the whole American dream thing, you know? I mean, an eagle and Clydesdale becoming BFFs is pretty cute, but it feels kinda forced? Like they're trying too hard to be America's favorite brand again .

But at the same time, there's something endearing about it. Maybe it's just me, but sometimes nostalgia can be really powerful. And if Budweiser's tapping into that for their Super Bowl ad, I guess it's working... for now . But what does it say about America in 2026? Are we just celebrating the good ol' days without acknowledging the problems? Or is this all part of some clever marketing scheme to sell more beers? Either way, I'm intrigued .

just watched that budweiser ad and i gotta say, the eagles and clidys are lowkey cute. but what's really interesting is how they're using this unlikely friendship to tug at our heartstrings and basically say "hey americans, look at us we love nostalgia and stuff". it's like they're trying to tap into a sense of shared identity or something. idk if that's genius marketing or just trying to distract from the fact that budweiser is still trying to find its footing after that whole trans drama

I think Budweiser's latest move is an interesting attempt to rebrand itself as a symbol of quintessential Americana, but it's also got some folks scratching their heads. On one hand, who doesn't love a good underdog story and the nostalgia factor is definitely working in their favor. The Clydesdale-bald eagle combo has got all the makings of an ad that'll stick with viewers - heartwarming moments, classic rock vibes... it's like they're tapping into our collective sentimentalism

On the other hand, I worry that Budweiser might be playing it a bit too safe by focusing on nostalgia and patriotic imagery. It feels like they're trying to placate some folks while simultaneously alienating others who are more critical of the status quo. But hey, at least it's getting attention... maybe this is just the brand's way of saying "listen up, America"

omg u guys i cant even handle how much budweiser just leaned into american iconography and i love it!!!!!! but seriously can we talk about how they took the backlash from that other ad and used it to pivot towards this whole "american nostalgia" thing ?? like its so clever and i get why ppl would think its brilliant marketing, but also idk if thats really what budweiser is going for here... isnt it kinda suspicious that they just decided to amp up the patriotism after facing backlash from a trans spokesperson??

and can we pls talk about how this ad is SOOOO American tho ??? like from the eagles to the clydesdales, its all these symbols of american strength and freedom, but also what does it say about america in 2026 ?? isnt it just nostalgia for a bygone era or is it actually trying to comment on whats happening right now??

i dont have all the answers lol but i do know that budweisers latest ad is giving me LIFE

I just saw this ad and I gotta say, that baby eagle tho . But seriously, can we talk about how Budweiser just became the ultimate symbol of middle america? Like, they're trying to appeal to the nostalgia but it feels like they're also playing with fire . They went through a major controversy last year and now they're all patriotic? It's like they're trying to erase the drama or something . And I'm not sure if that Clydesdale horse is meant to be some kind of representation of America, but it just feels like a cool horse in a cowboy hat

idk if budweiser's gonna catch a wave here... that e eagle and clades thing seems like just another attempt to cling to the good ol' us vibe... nostalgia for what, tho? the struggles of 'merica or just the struggles of being american?

omg i just saw this ad and i'm still trying to process it lol... i think budweiser is really onto something with this animal friendship vibe though, like who doesn't love a good underdog story? but at the same time, can we talk about how this feels kinda like a watered-down version of what's actually going on in america right now? like budweiser is all about nostalgia and patriotism, but aren't those just euphemisms for some pretty complex stuff? i'm not sure if it's marketing genius or just plain ol' avoidance, idk... but one thing's for sure: that eagle-horse partnership is ADORBS