The Super Bowl commercials are a cultural phenomenon, blending humor, emotion, and star power for a once-a-year viewing experience. This year, T-Mobile stole the show with their 13th consecutive Super Bowl commercial, “Tell Me Why (T-Mobile’s Version).” The commercial was a nostalgic homage to the ’90s, featuring the Backstreet Boys surprising customers at T-Mobile’s Times Square flagship store with a reimagined version of their hit song “I Want It That Way.”
The 60-second spot not only showcased the musical talents of the Backstreet Boys but also highlighted T-Mobile’s offerings, such as streaming subscriptions and delivery benefits. The commercial was a hit, earning a spot in Billboard’s Top 10 Super Bowl commercials for 2026 and generating 2.5 times more engagement than the average Super Bowl ad.
One of the standout moments of the commercial was Pierson Fodé, who stood in the freezing Times Square crowd holding a handmade sign that read “I ❤️ Netflix Included.” This clever nod to T-Mobile’s streaming perk and Fodé’s own Netflix projects added an extra layer of wit to the commercial.
Behind the scenes, the filming of the commercial faced challenges as a winter storm hit New York City, forcing the crew to condense their two-day shoot into one grueling night. Despite the freezing temperatures, Fodé, a Washington native, remained unfazed, fully committed to the shoot even while others were bundled in parkas and turtlenecks.
The commercial’s airing was a surreal moment for Fodé, who hosted a watch party with friends after a last-minute schedule change kept him home for the game. The response was overwhelming, with fans reaching out and the Backstreet Boys themselves creating fan edits of the commercial.
In a world where Super Bowl commercials are almost as anticipated as the game itself, T-Mobile’s nostalgic tribute, paired with Fodé’s clever cameo, stood out as a memorable and entertaining moment in advertising history.
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.