Ads of the Week: 7 Campaigns That Caught Our Eye, From Taco Bell to Babybel

Dos Equis’ Most Interesting Man in the World is back from retirement, and he’s thirsty for adventure. 

Meanwhile, Taco Bell is serving Baja Blast in champagne flutes, because who says you can’t feel luxurious in a drive-thru? And in perhaps the most delightfully twisted campaign of the week, Jet-Puffed tortures adorable marshmallow characters. 

Elsewhere, Babybel leans into its small status with miniature vinyl records, Panda Express tugs heartstrings with a Lunar New Year animation, and Hershey’s returns to the spotlight just in time for Olympic gold.

Plus, our Most Effective Ad of the Week, in partnership with EDO, shows how AI can improve family trips.

Dos Equis | “At Long Last, He’s Back” by LePub

Dos Equis lured The Most Interesting Man in the World out of retirement, which had been decidedly uninteresting, after 10 years. With help from the beer brand, he’s reignited his spark and returns for a new round of epic adventures to inspire the next generation to “Stay Thirsty.”

Taco Bell | “Laps of Luxury” by Deutsch

To launch its new value menu, Taco Bell turned the drive-thru into fine-dining theater. The immersive, multi-course tasting experience comes complete with silver cloches, a string quartet, and champagne flutes filled with Baja Blast, proving you don’t need white tablecloths to feel fancy.

Jet-Puffed | “Love ‘Em to Death” by Gut

Marshmallow brand Jet-Puffed unveiled its first-ever creative platform in its 70-year history. It’s a dark, absurd take on the insight that marshmallows were made to suffer for the pleasure of others. Don’t get too attached to the cute marshmallow characters, which undergo all types of torture and even death to satisfy snackers.

Babybel | “Mini Wax Tracks” by Havas Chicago

Playing off its miniature size, Babybel is launching “Mini Wax Tracks,” with two exclusive remixes of  “I’m Your Baby” by producer Timbaland, pressed onto 1.5-inch mini vinyl records that fans can enter to win through Feb. 6. The campaign, created by Havas Chicago, transforms the brand’s global sonic identity into a culture-forward activation with remixes available on streaming platforms starting Jan. 23.

Panda Express | “Wishes” by Opinionated

Panda Express created its first animated short film for Lunar New Year to celebrate family togetherness. The spot tells the story of a young girl in San Francisco’s Chinatown, building on its “Have You Eaten Yet?” platform as it continues positioning itself as an ambassador of American Chinese culture.

Hershey’s | “Happiness Is the Real Gold” by The Martin Agency

Hershey’s first major brand campaign since 2018 debuts ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Featuring five U.S. athletes and their families, the work marks the start of a year-long celebration connecting the brand to cultural moments and joy throughout 2026.

Most effective ad of the week

Priceline | “Perfect Family Trip – AI travel assistant”

Priceline outperformed the average travel services and websites ad by 87% this week with a colorful spot demonstrating how its new AI assistant, Penny, helps customers find the perfect destinations for their dream trips. The spot aired 33 times this past week after debuting this past July, most frequently on National Geographic and ESPN.