Bowen Yang, Scarlett Johansson, and Jon Hamm came together on February 3 to debut Ritz’s commercial for the 2026 Super Bowl. The 30-second advertisement features the trio in a playful storyline tied to the snack brand’s signature theme, showcasing their chemistry in a setting designed to highlight the brand’s appeal.
Plot and Interaction in the Super Bowl Ad
The commercial opens with Jon Hamm and Bowen Yang hidden in a tree house, observing a beach party below. Hamm’s character expresses frustration at not being invited, saying, “Another day, another Ritz party,” followed by “Why didn’t they invite us?”
Yang replies with reluctance,
“Well, we’re salty and we hate parties and mingling and yapping,”
signaling their initial resistance despite the invitation implied by the setting. Hamm then points out the enticing presence of Ritz crackers at the party, appreciating their “salty, buttery flavor,” before suggesting they join for a short time.
Yang conditionally agrees:
“I’ll only go if my feet don’t have to touch the sand at all,”
emphasizing the quirky dynamic between the characters. At that moment, Scarlett Johansson arrives dramatically on a jet ski, shouting,
“Hey, salties, what’s the holdup? It’s party time!”
As Johansson invites them to join, Hamm hesitates before quickly agreeing, and the three ride the jet ski together as Johansson cheers, “Ritz party!” Hamm and Johansson then urge Yang to moderate his enthusiasm, telling him to “take it down a notch.”
Behind the Scenes: Easy Collaboration Among Cast Members
The cast’s rapport extended beyond the screen, with Bowen Yang describing the experience as “remarkably lovely and easy,” especially because he had worked previously with Johansson and Hamm. The former Saturday Night Live star expressed gratitude for collaborating with
“my old friends ScarJo and Jojo.”
Yang reflected on his excitement over this first Super Bowl commercial, noting how it felt significant to be part of a prestigious group of entertainers who have participated in these high-profile ads. He stated,
“People pay attention to those in a way that I think I took for granted over the course of being in the biz,”
and added,
“Every year, you hear of friends and acquaintances who do this spot and I feel very thrilled to be among these people.”
Context of the 2026 Super Bowl and Broadcast Details
The commercial will air during the highly anticipated faceoff between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, scheduled for Sunday, February 8, on NBC. This exposure places the Ritz brand alongside one of the most-watched sports events in the United States, further enhancing its visibility.
The Significance of This Commercial for the Stars
For Bowen Yang, the ad marks an important career milestone, standing out as his first Super Bowl commercial after years of comedy and television work. His emphasis on working with familiar and respected colleagues like Johansson and Hamm highlights the personal value he found in this project. Meanwhile, Johansson’s energized entrance and dynamic presence in the spot underscore her appeal in high-profile brand partnerships, reinforcing her status as a top-tier celebrity in commercial entertainment.
The collaboration among these actors, well-known for their varied roles and comedic talents, blends humor and charm, enhancing the commercial’s impact and memorability as it reaches a broad Super Bowl audience.
