In the shadowy world of genre television, the ‘Big Game’ somehow always manages to weave its way into the most unexpected narratives. From government conspiracies to supernatural beings lurking in Staten Island basements, Super Bowl Sunday leaves its mark on even the most otherworldly of stories. Here are five instances where our favorite genre shows cleverly incorporated the iconic day of football festivities.
The third Rock from the Sun captured the essence of the day in a two-part special titled ’36! 24! 36! Dick!’. The Solomon family, aliens undercover as humans, stumble upon the buzz surrounding Super Bowl Sunday. To their surprise, they uncover a unique threat: a group of Earth’s top supermodels are actually rival aliens using the massive broadcast of the game to hypnotize the entire human population. A satirical take on the mind-controlling power of high-budget commercials, this storyline proves that even in the realm of the extraterrestrial, the influence of the Super Bowl cannot be escaped.
What We Do in the Shadows takes a humorous spin on the day of the big game in an episode titled ‘Brain Scramblies’. Ancient vampires find themselves attending a neighbor’s Super Bowl party, mistaking the event as a celebration for a mythical creature known as the “Superb Owl”. Their excitement turns to disappointment when they realize no such creature exists, showcasing the quirky humor that this show is known for.
In The X-Files episode ‘Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man’, the ultimate conspiracy surrounding the Super Bowl unfolds. The shadowy figure behind world events, known as the show’s shadow-government architect, reveals his pettiest decree yet: the Buffalo Bills must never win a Super Bowl as long as he lives. With this revelation, the ‘Big Game’ becomes yet another pawn in the hands of the secret Syndicate, adding a layer of intrigue to the world of sports.
As for The Simpsons, the legendary episode ‘Sunday, Cruddy Sunday’ follows Homer and a group of Springfield residents on a wild adventure to the Super Bowl. Though not fitting neatly into the sci-fi or fantasy genre, the show’s signature weirdness shines through with fake tickets made of crackers, a locker room prison break, and a stampede onto the field. This parody of the Super Bowl pilgrimage captures the essence of the day in true Simpsons fashion.
Stranger Things, known for its innovative marketing strategies, made a splash during Super Bowl LI with a teaser announcement for its second season. The commercial, starting as a vintage Eggo ad, quickly transitions into the eerie realm of the Upside Down, signaling Netflix’s commitment to the show’s success. Despite aliens, conspiracies, and alternate dimensions, the Superb Owl persists, a nod to the enduring presence of the iconic day in popular culture.
The Super Bowl has a way of seeping into all corners of our entertainment, from sitcoms to supernatural dramas. Even in the most fantastical of worlds, the influence of this day of football festivities remains a constant presence.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.