Super Bowl Ads 2010

Ah, yes, it's that special time of year where millions of people actually look forward to commercials. We all know how much money companies shell out for 15 or 30-second spots. Expectations are high. And now that the Neilsen numbers are out (and HUGE: 106 million people, beating out M*A*S*H as the most watched program EVER), these ads got major exposure. But were they any good?

Mmmm, not so much. About 85% of the ads were absolutely terrible: Set-ups with no punch, stupid instead of stupid-funny, or just plain dull (the Denny's chickens? Really?)

The best of the best? Betty White, no contest, although by the end of the game, we all forgot what the ad was for (Snickers). Great visuals, clear explanation, awesome tag.

Honorable mention goes to "The Late Show." Yes, it was cool seeing Dave, Oprah, and Jay all together. There could have been another joke or line in there to finalize the ad. It just ended awkwardly. But that star power all on one couch was impressive.

Worst? Hard to say. Dove for Men was pretty lame. Teleflora wasn't anything we haven't seen before. And personally, I'm not digging the new E*trade baby. Oh and those chickens...

The major themes this year were old people (Betty, future Brett Favre, the Boost Mobile "Shuffle" crew), and dumb men (Bud Light Book Club, multiple Doritos spots, "I Wear No Pants,").

Overall, kind of a disappointing year for ads. And there were over 45 minutes of them. Maybe next year will be better.

You can watch and rate all the Super Bowl 2010 ads here.