There's no other event that draws in more U.S. viewers every year than the Super Bowl. So some advertisers use the ratings to bring attention to some very serious issues.
One of those ads is a text conversation from The NO MORE Project, which brings attention to the warning signs of domestic violence. (Video via The NO MORE Project)
The NFL donated the airtime to the awareness campaign, which aims to end domestic violence and sexual assault.
Colgate had a 30-second spot asking viewers to shut off their faucets while brushing their teeth to conserve water, showing just how far those extra gallons can go. (Video via Colgate)
The ad feels especially timely as residents of Flint, Michigan, are still struggling to get clean water. (Video via WXYZ)
But after last year's Super Bowl featured some downright depressing commercials, most notably Nationwide's infamous dead kid spot, many companies have shied away from the sadness. (Video via Nationwide Insurance)
Budweiser opted to go the humorous route by having Oscar winner Helen Mirren hurl a string of insults at would-be drunk drivers. (Video via Budweiser)
"If you drive drunk, you, simply put, are a shortsighted, utterly useless, oxygen-wasting human form of pollution," Mirren said.
With an estimated 100 million people or more tuning in for Super Bowl 50, these messages have a chance to make a big impression.
This video includes images from Getty Images.
