Super Bowl XLIX was marked by ads starring puppies and sentimentality, but a morbid ad by Nationwide Insurance sparked viewers’ ire on Twitter.
Preventable accidents are the #1 cause of death among our children. #MakeSafeHappen http://t.co/nqWGjfL1g8 https://t.co/mBQBnZG82p
— Nationwide (@Nationwide) February 2, 2015
The spot was supposed to highlight preventable around-the-house accidents. But after alluding to the death of a child, it drew a decidedly negative response on social media.
#MakeSafeHappen briefly trended on Twitter, but in a snarky way, of course.
Nationwide says "Enjoy the Halftime Show!" pic.twitter.com/VGesJZBWlN
— Dan O'Donnell (@DanODradio) February 2, 2015
Overheard in Nationwide advertising meeting: "Yeah, these are okay, but do you have anything where we can kill a kid?"
— Eric Stangel (@EricStangel) February 2, 2015
The second I see a kid in one of these commercials I immediately assume they're going to die. Thanks, Nationwide! #SuperBowl
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) February 2, 2015
This article first appeared on prweek.com.