X

Jeep Super Bowl commercial has Bill Murray reliving Groundhog Day in a Gladiator

Jeep piles on the laughs with its big game ad.

Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
Sean Szymkowski

This Sunday isn't only the Super Bowl, it's Groundhog Day, and what better way to celebrate both than with a big game commercial that includes Bill Murray.

That's exactly the route decided to go for its game day ad. With some help from the Gladiator pickup, we're treated to a humorous, nostalgic spin on the classic film Groundhog Day. Much like in the film, Murray, as Phil Connors, is once again tossed into a time loop as he lives out the same day over and over again. A couple of the film's memorable characters make surprise returns too.

Except there's a Jeep Gladiator, and as Murray points out, that's different. The actor's comedic portrayal and self-awareness makes for a mighty comedic spot, and through it all, Murray takes Jeep's pickup on numerous adventures with his furry friend. That's a groundhog, if you didn't pick up on that.

The whole crux of the ad is simple; although Groundhog Day may be identical to Murray, every day is different with the rugged Gladiator. It's a peachy spot that doesn't try too hard and at least for me, tickles the funny bone just right. 

For die-hard fans of the film, it'll surely ring the nostalgia bell, with a handful of locations featured in the film present in the ad. Of course, it all happens to the tune of I've Got You Babe by Sonny and Cher.

Watch this: 2020 Jeep Gladiator: Taking truck love to a new level

2020 Jeep Gladiator is business in front, truck bed in back

See all photos