When Harry Met sally Reunites at Katz’s Deli for Hellmann’s Super Bowl Ad
Thirty-five years after when Harry Met Sally first hit theaters, the iconic duo of harry Burns adn Sally Albright is back—and this time, they’re promoting Hellmann’s mayonnaise in a Super Bowl commercial. The beloved characters, played by billy Crystal and Meg Ryan,return to New York’s famed Katz’s Delicatessen for a nostalgic nod to one of the film’s most memorable scenes.
In the 1989 romantic comedy,Sally’s infamous fake orgasm at Katz’s became a cultural touchstone. Now, the pair is revisiting the deli for a 30-second ad that will air during the second quarter of Fox’s Super Bowl telecast on February 9. “It just felt like the perfect storm for us to get back together at the same table and have indigestion,” Crystal quipped in a recent interview.
The ad, created by Hellmann’s parent company unilever, aims to blend humor and nostalgia—two themes that have proven successful in past Super Bowl campaigns. Jessica Grigoriou, Unilever’s senior vice president of marketing for condiments, explained the brand’s strategy: “We want to continue to up the bar every year and continue to surprise people too and do something a little bit more unexpected.”
This isn’t Hellmann’s first foray into the Super Bowl spotlight. Last year, the brand enlisted Kate McKinnon, Pete Davidson, and a “Mayo Cat” to highlight its mission of reducing food waste. This year,though,the focus shifts to showcasing how Hellmann’s enhances everyday meals.
Reviving classic characters for Super Bowl ads is a trend that has seen mixed success. In 2022, General Motors brought back the cast of Austin Powers for a commercial that featured Dr.Evil’s latest scheme to take over the world. While these campaigns often rely on nostalgia, Hellmann’s is betting that the enduring appeal of When Harry Met Sally will resonate with viewers.
the timing couldn’t be better. The film recently celebrated its 35th anniversary and was added to the National Film Registry, cementing its place in cinematic history. For fans of the movie, the Hellmann’s ad offers a chance to revisit Harry and Sally’s quirky dynamic—and perhaps even their infamous deli order.
| Key Details |
|——————|
| Film | When Harry Met Sally (1989) |
| Characters | Harry Burns (Billy Crystal),Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) |
| Location | Katz’s Delicatessen,New york |
| Ad Sponsor | Hellmann’s (Unilever) |
| Super Bowl | February 9,2024,during Fox’s telecast |
As the countdown to the Super Bowl begins,fans of When Harry Met Sally can look forward to a delightful reunion—and maybe even a new catchphrase. Will Harry and Sally’s chemistry still sizzle after all these years? Tune in to find out.
For more on the enduring legacy of When Harry Met Sally, check out its National Film Registry entry. And don’t miss Hellmann’s latest campaign, which promises to be as unforgettable as the film itself.In a nostalgic nod to pop culture,iconic characters from beloved films and TV shows have been resurrected in recent years for high-profile commercials,blending the old with the new in ways that captivate audiences. From The Sopranos to When Harry met Sally, these ads have become a cultural phenomenon, offering fans a chance to revisit their favorite moments while introducing them to a new generation.
In 2022, characters from HBO’s The Sopranos made a surprise return in a Chevrolet Super Bowl commercial. Jamie-Lynn Sigler reprised her role as Meadow Soprano, sparking emotional reactions from fans of the iconic mob series. The ad not only brought back the beloved characters but also hinted at their lives post-series finale, leaving viewers with a sense of closure and curiosity.
Similarly, in 2019, Anheuser-Busch InBev’s Stella Artois ran a Super Bowl spot that brought together Jeff Bridges as “The Dude” from The Big Lebowski and sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City. The unexpected pairing delighted fans, showcasing how brands are leveraging nostalgia to create memorable moments.
Comcast took a different approach in 2019 by creating a sequel of sorts to the beloved 1982 movie E.T.. The commercial, which aired during NBC’s broadcast of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, featured the alien and actor Henry Thomas. The company consulted with director Steven Spielberg to ensure the ad stayed true to the original film’s spirit, demonstrating the care taken to honor these cultural touchstones.
One of the most iconic recreations came from Hellmann’s, which brought back Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal for a Super Bowl commercial inspired by When Harry Met Sally. The duo reprised their roles at the same table used in the original film, with Ryan noting, “It looks precisely, exactly the same.” Crystal added that their rapport made it feel as if the characters “have been coming there for 35 years every Saturday or Sunday and this is their thing.”
The commercial, though, was no easy feat. Ryan, who had previously done ads for Burger King and deodorant, remarked, “I always felt like movies were easier, frankly, with less attention to detail, you know? There is a lot that 30 seconds or 45 seconds or 60 seconds have to communicate. It’s a different animal.”
hellmann’s went the extra mile by allowing fans to order the turkey and pastrami sandwiches featured in the ad, complete with instructions to recreate Sally’s specifications. customers could even schedule deliveries for the Friday before the Super bowl,adding an interactive element to the campaign.
The ad also included a modern twist with a cameo from Sydney Sweeney, who delivered the iconic line, “I’ll have what she’s having.” This nod to the original film’s famous scene highlighted how consumer culture has evolved since 1989. As Crystal noted, “At the time, you hadn’t heard the word ‘orgasm’ in a film unless it was a Ron Jeremy movie. Now,there’s far worse on TV.”
These commercials demonstrate the power of nostalgia in advertising, blending beloved characters with modern storytelling to create moments that resonate across generations. Whether it’s The Sopranos, E.T., or When Harry Met Sally, these ads remind us of the enduring impact of pop culture.
| Key Highlights | Details |
|————————————————————————————|———————————————————————————————–|
| The Sopranos Super Bowl Commercial | Jamie-Lynn Sigler reprised her role as Meadow Soprano in a Chevrolet ad.|
| Stella Artois Super Bowl Spot | Featured Jeff Bridges as “The Dude” and Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw. |
| Comcast’s E.T. Sequel | Aired during Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, with input from Steven Spielberg.|
| Hellmann’s When Harry Met Sally Recreation | Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal returned, with a cameo from Sydney Sweeney. |
| Interactive Element | Fans could order sandwiches featured in the Hellmann’s ad.|
These campaigns not only celebrate the past but also pave the way for innovative storytelling in advertising,proving that sometimes,the best way forward is to look back.
Exploring the Power of Nostalgia in Modern Advertising
Editor: Nostalgia has become a powerful tool in advertising, especially with the resurgence of iconic characters from beloved films and TV shows. Could you share some examples of how brands have successfully leveraged this trend?
Guest: Absolutely! One standout exmaple is the 2022 Chevrolet Super Bowl commercial that brought back characters from HBO’s The sopranos. jamie-Lynn Sigler reprised her role as Meadow Soprano, sparking emotional reactions from fans. The ad provided a glimpse into the characters’ lives post-series finale,offering a sense of closure and nostalgia.
Editor: That’s captivating! How did other brands blend nostalgia with modern storytelling?
Guest: In 2019, Stella Artois created a Super Bowl spot that paired jeff Bridges as “The Dude” from The Big Lebowski with Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City. This unexpected combination delighted fans and showcased how brands can merge iconic characters from different universes too create memorable moments.
Editor: Comcast took a slightly different approach with their E.T. sequel. Can you elaborate on that?
Guest: certainly! Comcast’s 2019 commercial, which aired during NBC’s broadcast of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, was a sequel of sorts to the 1982 movie E.T.. The ad featured the alien and actor Henry Thomas, with input from director Steven Spielberg to ensure it stayed true to the original film’s spirit.This careful approach demonstrated the company’s respect for the cultural importance of the movie.
Editor: Hellmann’s also made waves with their When Harry Met Sally recreation. What made this ad unique?
Guest: Hellmann’s brought back Meg Ryan and Billy crystal, recreating the iconic diner scene from When Harry Met Sally. The duo reprised their roles at the same table used in the original film, and the ad even included a cameo from Sydney Sweeney, who delivered the famous line, “I’ll have what she’s having.” The brand also added an interactive element, allowing fans to order the sandwiches featured in the ad, complete with instructions to recreate Sally’s specifications.
Editor: how do these campaigns balance nostalgia with modern consumer culture?
Guest: These campaigns cleverly blend beloved characters with contemporary storytelling techniques. For instance, the Hellmann’s ad included modern touches like the interactive sandwich ordering and Sydney Sweeney’s cameo, while still honoring the original film’s legacy. This balance ensures that the ads resonate with both longtime fans and new audiences.
Editor: What’s the key takeaway from these nostalgic advertising efforts?
guest: The key takeaway is the enduring power of nostalgia in advertising.By revisiting iconic characters and moments, brands create emotional connections with audiences, bridging the gap between the past and the present. These campaigns demonstrate that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to look back.
