A few months ago in our post Sitcom Dad Strikes Again we highlighted a stupid AT&T commercial that portrays us modern dads as bumbling idiots. We wanted to make it a point to also track TV advertisements that do the opposite and capture the positive trend of dads doing better. Rome wasn’t built in a day so it was a bit challenging to come up with 5 solid representations that don’t don’t revert back to Al Bundy characterizations (full disclosure: we love Al.). But we have found some gems in spots that depict dad in a positive light.
Below are the 5 best Dad Commercials of 2010 (thus far…):
1. Apple – “Smile”
Don’t actually love this overall campaign as it’s a bit corny, but this spot is definitely the high point. Tough job for dad, dealing with his adolescent teen daughter, but he handles it with elegance:
2. Chevy Traverse – “Dad & Daughter”
Love this spot. Dad is engaged with his kids, sees an opportunity to connect with one of his kids who may feel disconnected and makes dads look great. Good work, Chevy.
http://playgroundnetwork.com/videos/traverse.flv3. Nintendo – “Get Up and Get Playing”
Just kind of respect a guy who is uninspired and going through the motions throughout the day, then manages to get that second wind and represent dads well at family time. And of course the product itself is ripe for Dad/kid bonding.
4. Fathead – “Father’s Day”
This commercial is funny, dad is patient with his kid when the kid is seemingly calling him names. He’s out there tossing the pigskin with his son and his son loves him enough to immortalize him with the Fathead on Father’s Day. That’s a win for dad.
5. McDonald’s – “Mom vs. Dad”
Although the kid at the end of the commercial (spoiler alert)…short changes his pop, we like to see dad exerting himself like that to remain a relevant member of the household.
http://playgroundnetwork.com/videos/momvsdad.flvHonorable Mention: Playstation – Desperate Dad
Had to create an honorable mention slot for this commercial because it’s hilarious and Kevin Butler is the man. Plus, this dad is just trying to get his wife and kids to spend more time with him, so we applaud the raw effort here.
