Budweiser has released its Super Bowl LX commercial two weeks early. Titled “American Icons,” the patriotic commercial is receiving praise for its throwback nature and America-first mantra. Is this commercial a step in the right direction for Budweiser to revive its brand?
Budweiser’s Super Bowl 2026 Commercial: American Icons
Budweiser has reached an important milestone. The ad is a tribute to the beermaker’s 150th anniversary.
The 60-second spot features a Clydesdale, an iconic staple of the Budweiser brand, and a bald eagle.
Budweiser is not the only organization celebrating an integral anniversary. 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. In other words, it’s America’s birthday, and Budweiser wants to honor that. “American Icons” is a story of friendship and a celebration of the partnership between Budweiser and America.
“As we celebrate Budweiser’s 150th anniversary and America’s 250th birthday, we knew we had to rise to the occasion in a way only Budweiser can. ‘American Icons’ brings our heritage to life through powerful storytelling with the Budweiser Clydesdales and an American Bald Eagle,” Todd Allen, SVP of Marketing for Budweiser at Anheuser-Busch, said. “This year’s spot will leave fans awestruck and proud to enjoy a Budweiser as they celebrate our shared milestone moments.”
Breaking Down the Commercial
It wouldn’t be a Budweiser commercial without a Clydesdale. The legendary horse makes its 48th appearance during a Super Bowl commercial.
Set to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Free Bird, the Clydesdale forms an unlikely friendship with a baby bird. The two bond over the years, as the baby bird rides on the back of the Clydesdale.
The idea is for the Clydesdale to teach the bird how to fly. The Clydesdale gallops in the field, while the bird stays on its back and hopefully builds the courage to leap off and fly.
In the commercial’s climactic moment, the bird, now an adult American bald eagle, spreads its wings and flies over the field, with the Clydesdale galloping beneath it.
It’s an iconic American image—a bald eagle and Budweiser— that represents history and tradition.
While the eagle and horse take off in the field, two farmers witness the entire saga. One of the farmers spots an emotional look on his face. “You crying? One of the farmers says, to which the other replies, “Sun’s in my eyes.”
There will be limited-edition collectible Budweiser cans to celebrate the 150th anniversary.
Emmy Award winner Henry-Alex Rubin directed the 60-second spot, which will air nationally during Super Bowl LX between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. The commercial is now available to watch on Budweiser’s YouTube and social channels.
Can Budweiser’s brand rebound?
Best damn commercial, ever!! Gave me chills, too!! https://t.co/IFOj7GrxiB
— Juanita Broaddrick (@atensnut) January 27, 2026
Over the past couple of years, Budweiser’s brand has decreased due to a series of polarizing decisions. One of those involved the partnership with Dulan Mulvaney, a transgender influencer.
The Mulvaney partnership led to a 20% decline in Anheuser-Busch sales. The company’s stock dropped, losing an estimated $5 billion to $6 billion in value over several months. The Mulvaney deal even led to some backlash from one of the company’s leading partners, Nascar.
The Budweiser commercial has already garnered praise from those looking for Anheuser-Busch to return to its American-themed spots.
X users have described the commercials as “amazing and patriotic,” with Juanita Broaddrick calling it the “best damn commercial ever.”
It’s still too early to tell if the Budweiser commercial will increase sales. However, the online reception has been positive and could only get stronger as more people see the ad.
