Dunkin’ Super Bowl 2026 Teaser: “Golden Cringe,” Sitcom Stars & Ben Affleck’s Big Game Return

As Super Bowl LX — the 2026 NFL championship on February 8, 2026 — draws near, attention isn’t just fixed on the matchup between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks; it’s also on what advertisers will unveil during the Big Game’s legendary commercial breaks. Among the earliest teasers to drop is Dunkin’ Donuts’ 2026 Super Bowl ad preview, a celebrity-laden, nostalgic and humor-driven clip that aims to set the tone for a major Dunkin’ campaign throughout Super Bowl week.

Dunkin’s teaser — which debuted during the Grammy Awards broadcast — stars Ben Affleck alongside ‘90s television icons Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc and Jason Alexander, and teases a full commercial set to air live during the Super Bowl.

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Ben Affleck Returns: The Face of Dunkin’s Big Game Campaign

Ben Affleck’s involvement in Dunkin’s Super Bowl campaigns has become something of a tradition. The Boston native — long a vocal fan of the brand — has headlined Dunkin’s 2023, 2024 and 2025 commercials, turning them into cultural touchpoints beyond simple product promotion.

Last year’s campaign leaned into the fictional DunKings boy-band concept, complete with extended narrative videos and celebrity cameos — a campaign that took on a life of its own online and in social media after its Super Bowl debut.

This year’s teaser continues that broader brand strategy by keeping Affleck at the center of the narrative — but with a fresh twist, pulling in stars associated with some of the most beloved television sitcoms of the 1990s.

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The “Golden Cringe” Teaser Explained

The Dunkin teaser sets up with Affleck, seated with Aniston, LeBlanc and Alexander, presenting them with a mystery VHS tape labeled “Network Pilot ’95 v3.” In a comedic bit that blends nostalgia with self-aware humor, Affleck insists the footage is either terribly cringeworthy or perhaps hilariously brilliant.

• Affleck pitches it as “monster cringe” and “golden cringe.” He asks for reactions, hoping the tape represents something worth sharing.

• Aniston cuts in with “No one can see this,” humorously rejecting the idea that the footage should be aired.

• The tone is self-deprecating and playful, suggesting that what appears in the full Super Bowl ad might be intentionally awkward — at least for comedic effect.

The teaser’s mix of retro VHS culture, sitcom nostalgia and celebrity banter underscores Dunkin’s intent to connect with a broad audience: football fans, pop-culture enthusiasts and anyone who remembers the sitcom era of the 1990s.

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Why This Matters for Dunkin’s 2026 Super Bowl Strategy

1. Continuity Through Humor and Celebrity

Dunkin’s Super Bowl campaigns — particularly those featuring Affleck — are now part of the brand’s identity during the Big Game. Rather than simple 30-second product pitches, Dunkin’ crafts ongoing comedic storylines that stretch from teasers to extended videos and social media follow-ups.

By leaning into humor and celebrity cameos, Dunkin’ effectively turns its commercials into mini-events, encouraging online conversation and anticipation in the lead-up to the game itself.

2. Nostalgia as a Creative Hook

The use of 1990s sitcom stars — Jennifer Aniston and Matt LeBlanc from Friends, and Jason Alexander from Seinfeld — taps into a deep well of cultural nostalgia. These actors aren’t just celebrities; they represent iconic shows that remain popular decades after their original runs and continue to attract viewers on streaming platforms.

This creative choice suggests Dunkin’ isn’t targeting only traditional football audiences, but also aiming to broaden its reach among pop-culture fans and even younger demographics familiar with these stars through streaming reruns.

3. Positioning Dunkin’ as a Big Game Cultural Moment

Super Bowl commercials often define pop-cultural moments long after the game ends. Dunkin’s 2026 teaser, with its witty premise and star ensemble, positions the brand not as a background sponsor but as a headline entertainment attraction in its own right.

Affleck’s repeated appearances also help create continuity from year to year — almost turning the Dunkin’ character into a recurring protagonist in the Big Game commercial landscape.

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Celebrity Power: Sitcom Legends and Brand Chemistry

Jennifer Aniston

Aniston’s involvement brings not just star power, but an instant emotional connection for millions of viewers who grew up with Friends. Her “no one can see this” line in the teaser captures a perfect blend of personal discomfort and comedic timing.

Matt LeBlanc

LeBlanc’s participation reinforces the sitcom throwback angle, complementing Aniston’s presence while adding his own brand of laid-back humor to the mix.

Jason Alexander

As a key figure from Seinfeld, Jason Alexander brings his own legacy — one centered on observational humor and witty delivery, providing another layer of comedic texture for the ad’s teaser setup.

The combination of these stars with Affleck — a box-office name and local Boston favorite — maximizes cross-demographic appeal, creating a cast likely to resonate with viewers across generations.

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Past Dunkin’ Super Bowl Campaigns: Building a Narrative Tradition

Understanding this year’s teaser benefits from looking at Dunkin’s previous Big Game spots:

• 2023: Affleck’s first Dunkin’ Super Bowl appearance showed him working at a Dunkin’ drive-thru in Medford, MA — surprising real customers and tying the ad to real-world community roots.

• 2024: The DunKings concept emerged, with Affleck, Matt Damon, Tom Brady and Jennifer Lopez appearing as part of a tongue-in-cheek attempt to form a Dunkin’ boy band, complete with merch and viral moments.

• 2025: Dunkin’ expanded the DunKings universe with extended videos and cameos from Boston-connected figures, deepening the brand’s narrative footprint.

This year’s teaser continues the theme of storytelling beyond a standard commercial, hinting that Dunkin’ plans to build anticipation and engagement before the full ad even airs.

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Fan & Media Reaction

From the moment the teaser aired during the Grammys broadcast, fans and media outlets took notice:

• Reporters highlighted the star power and nostalgic premise, noting how the teaser mixes humor with the promise of something larger at play for Super Bowl Sunday.

• Headlines emphasized the “cringe” theme and the celebrity lineup, using phrases like “monster cringe” and “golden cringe” to describe Affleck’s pitch to his co-stars.

Overall, reaction underscores how even a short teaser — less than a minute of footage — can generate real interest and curiosity about what the full commercial will deliver during the game itself.

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Countdown to February 8, 2026

The full Dunkin’ commercial is set to air during Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, and the “Golden Cringe” teaser has set the stage for high expectations. With its blend of celebrity appeal, throwback humor and self-aware absurdity, the campaign reflects Dunkin’s broader strategy: make commercials that don’t just sell coffee and donuts, but become part of the cultural conversation around one of the year’s biggest TV events.

Whether the full spot lives up to the teaser’s promise remains to be seen — but if Dunkin’s recent Big Game history is any guide, it’s likely to be memorable, shareable and talked about long after kickoff.