Commercials: can’t live with ‘em, can’t live without ‘em! The only way to truly avoid them is to record a show and watch it later, but when it comes to the Super Bowl, no one is willing to sacrifice watching it live. With 30 seconds of air time equating to $3 million, Super Bowl ads are profitable as well according to CNN.com.

     Some even claim the best part about the Super Bowl is watching the commercials, especially if your team is not on the scoreboard. SHS senior, Chloe Vickers, is certainly not afraid to admit that she watches the Super Bowl “just for the commercials.” Vickers is definitely not a part of a silent minority as Spanish teacher Mrs. Lima is the first to admit that commercials are “the only reason I watch the Super Bowl.”

    In 2011, the Super Bowl broke the American record for the most watched program with over 111 million viewers, according to the Huffington Post. In honor of Super Bowl 46, here is list of some of the most popular Super Bowl commercials of the 21st century. Many have been from well-known brands, like Pepsi or Doritos, while some are thanks to newcomers.

   Volkswagen- Darth Vader (2011): Kids are almost always cute, but kids dressed up as Darth Vader are sure to impress, especially when they think they can turn on cars with their mind.

   Google- Parisian Love (2010): Google always provides for clever commercials, but this one is by far the cutest as viewers are on the edge of their seats waiting to see what happens.

    E*Trade- Babies (2011): The E*Trade babies have become so popular recently, but the 2011 commercial with the classic baby and his tailor is sure to bring about lots of laughs.

   Doritos- Pug (2011): Everyone always wants the Doritos, but who would’ve thought dogs do too?

   Snickers- Betty White (2010): Celebrity endorsements in commercials can either be a hit or amiss, but Betty White’s support almost assures that it will be the former.

    Budweiser- Alien Dog (2001): “Wazzup?!” is the only take away from his time on Earth this alien disguised as a dog can bring back to his alien friends.

   VISA- Superheros (2005): No need to call all superheroes if you lose your credit card anymore! Just watch this commercial for further explanation.

   FedEx- Caveman (2006): Fedex cemented its superiority over all other shipping methods in this funny commercial set in prehistoric days.

   Hulu- Alec Baldwin (2009): Hulu made its debut with this clever slam on TV. and a celebrity endorsement thanks to Alec Baldwin.

   Careerbuilders- Casual Fridays (2010): This witty commercial depicts how easily casual Fridays can go downhill when taken too far.

   Although many people anxiously wait for Super Bowl Sunday to see the turnout and catch all the action, few can debate the excitement surrounding the new commercials. Senior Korleen Sheridan put it best when she said “I can’t wait for the Super Bowl commercials!”

*go to www.scituation.net to see our favorites from Super Bowl 46*