Actress Betty White will be "one of the main attractions in NBC's next push to bring broader audiences" to its "SNF" telecasts, as she will appear in a promo debuting tonight promoting the Packers-Bears season opener on Sept. 5, according to Brian Steinberg of VARIETY. White in the spot says, "There's only one thing more badass than this year's kickoff -- and you're looking at her." White "may not resonate with football die-hards," but NBC is hoping she can "help add to its regular crowd." NBC Sports CMO Jenny Storms indicated that Pro Football HOFer Brett Favre and the Bears' "Superfans" from "SNL" fame also will appear in promos "set to run on TV and in digital and social media in days ahead." Steinberg notes other NBC personalities will be seen "talking about favorite football memories." Additionally, NBCSN's Chris Simms will "offer 'football analysis' of NBC shows" like "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" and "The Good Place" (VARIETY.com, 8/27).
WHAT WOULD DITKA THINK? In Green Bay, Kendra Meinert notes the Superfans also promote Packers-Bears in a new spot, as they get their hands on "what appears to be 'an adorable Bears kicker doll.'" However, there is "just one problem: The teddy bear is being sold in Green Bay, so when you squeeze it, it says 'double doink.'" That is a "not-so-cuddly reminder for Bears fans of how the team was knocked out of the playoffs last season with a missed field goal." A tweet from @SNFonNBC "promises more promos to come, so perhaps da Packers will be the punchline in the rivalry the next time around" (GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE, 8/27).
