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The commercial appears to begin happy enough, with a young boy trying to catch up to a group of his friends on their bikes. But it turns out he'll never catch up to his friends because...he's dead.
That's right. From catching cooties to traveling the world to getting married, Nationwide's commercial is all about the things the boy will never do because he was killed in an accident.
The commercial goes on to inform viewers that No. 1 cause of childhood deaths is preventable accidents while showing images of overflowing bathtubs, toppled TVs and cleaning products kept under the kitchen sink.
"We believe in protecting what matter most...your kids," the narrator says.
Viewers were quick to react, shocked at how dark the ad was.
Nationwide just wrecked the #SuperBowl. Debbie Downer.
— Andy Lally (@AndyLally) February 2, 2015
No, you're not going to ever travel the world. Why? Because a TV fell on you. Thanks, Nationwide.
— Brett Petersel (@Brett) February 2, 2015
And now my nine year old thinks he is gonna die because he can't ride a bike. Thank you nationwide.
— crse (@crse) February 2, 2015
Nationwide: We're not saying your kid is gonna die, but you better buy our insurance
— Matt Roller (@rolldiggity) February 2, 2015
My 10 yo daughter: "I don't think Nationwide is on my side"
— Nole Chick (@nolechick94) February 2, 2015
Advertising Exec: "All the best Super Bowl commercials are light, smart, and funny." Nationwide: "Let's go with dead children."
— Scott Hanselman (@shanselman) February 2, 2015
What did you think of the ad? Let us know in the comments below.
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