In the advertising world, April Fools’ Day is comparable to the Super Bowl. Advertising agencies and corporations show off their creative flair with entertaining (and sometimes eye-roll worthy) spoofs. As we prepare to be blown away by the latest and greatest brand pranks in 2019, let’s reflect on our favorite April Fools’ Day pranks from 2018. So sit back, relax and get ready to chuckle (or groan).
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Netflix’s acquisition of Seth Rogen’s “personal autonomy.”
The streaming service released a fake press release and viral video revealing that it acquired the, “…mind, body, soul, dreams and doodles of Seth Rogen.” This timely prank promoted Rogen’s “Hilarity for Charity” fundraiser to help millennials better understand Alzheimer’s disease. Although, we would have totally binge-watched the murder mystery docuseries about Rogen starring John Goodman.
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Burger King unveils the Chocolate Whopper.
In 2018, the fast-food giant known for its 1989 “Left-Handed Whopper” prank, unveiled the Chocolate Whopper. This “burger” started off with a flame-grilled chocolate patty. Toppings included raspberry syrup, white chocolate rings, candied blood oranges, milk chocolate leaves, vanilla frosting and finished with a chocolate cake bun. Sounds delicious…maybe?
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Reese’s Eggs are not what you eggs-pected.
As a nod to our sweetest client, The Hershey Company, we had to include this “uneggs-pected” prank. What do Easter and April Fools’ Day have in common? Reese’s Eggs, of course! The confectionery mogul replaced eggs at the grocery store with Easter-themed, Reese’s peanut butter eggs. Then they placed hidden cameras all around the store to capture shoppers’ reactions. Check out the video of this egg-citing prank.
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Eharmony’s “Furever Love” canine compatibility companion service.
Eharmony took “puppy love” to a whole new level with a new dating website specifically designed for your furry best friend. On the heels of the company’s recent “Happiness Index: Love and Relationships in America” report, a new groundbreaking study revealed that 94 percent of American dogs reported they are happiest in monogamous relationships. Eharmony users can now use the “Furever Love” feature to create a custom profile for their four-legged friends. Think your pup is getting lonely? Check out the dating website’s spoof release here.
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23andMe teams up with Lexus to bring us Genetic Select.
How far has the genotyping business come? Well, according to a prank from 23andMe and Lexus, it has led to personalized cars based on genetic markers. In their TV spot, Lexus explains “the world’s first service that uses human genetics to match you with the car of your ‘genes.’” (We’re loving the play on words). With a small saliva sample using 23andMe technology, Lexus will unlock your DNA to design a car exclusively for you. From the genetically personalized cupholders based on your caffeine consumption to a windshield adjusted to fit your prescription, this car is tailored to your every need. However, we still don’t know how to feel about the “lick to start” feature.
Last year’s pranksters set the bar high, but we have great expectations for this year as we gear up for the one of the best days in advertising. Will any brand be able to dethrone Burger King after its infamous 1998 prank, the “Left-Handed Whopper?” We don’t know about you, but we’ll be on the edge of our seats in anticipation of the great pranks to come in 2019.
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