How 3 of the Biggest TV Shows Are Using Promotional Products Right Now

Brendan Menapace

Even though we live in an age with so many streaming services, each with their own marquee titles that people can watch whenever they want, there’s still that “water cooler culture” for certain shows, where as soon as a new episode drops, everyone starts talking about it.

While the means of watching those shows has changed, the need for good promotional marketing has remained the same. With that, we took a look at some of the best promotional products advertising some of the biggest names in television right now.

1. “Ted Lasso”

Everyone’s favorite American “football” coach is back on Apple TV for a third season. The thing with soccer is that each season brings a new uniform (or “kit” overseas). While we can’t get our hands on the latest AFC Richmond jersey quite yet, the attention to detail to create a branding experience like a real soccer club is pretty impressive. Not only can you still buy old jerseys, you can now get training shirts that the fictional players at Richmond wear.

Also, Jeni’s Ice Cream just collaborated with “Ted Lasso” for a new flavor called “Biscuits with the Boss,” referencing Ted’s affinity for bringing the club owner biscuits (or “cookies here) every morning.

The flavor comes in a special branded cup, too, and select customers will get their hands on additional promo items like T-shirts, scarves, and stickers.

2. “The Mandalorian”

There are currently two shows with Pedro Pascal escorting a child with special abilities to safety through a world full of danger, but one has zombies and another has aliens. This one is within the “Star Wars” universe, and thus creates all kinds of branding opportunities.

Microsoft made two branded Series X and Series S consoles with “Mandalorian”-themed paint jobs, including a green controller that comes in a little carrying case that looks like Baby Yoda (or “Grogu” if you’re being specific) in his little tunic.

Xbox has used the right angles and ample surface areas of its consoles for marketing really effectively. You might remember the mini fridge promotion.

Meanwhile, in “Mando” world, some Reddit users managed to leak special T-shirts designed for the Season 3 crew, as well as pins and posters. The T-shirts feature multiple imprints, with the front chest showing the specific department, such as set lighting, with a big back print of the title character and his ship. There’s also a little “Star Wars” logo on the one sleeve. We love a good four-location T-shirt decoration over here.

Finally, the Florida Panthers NHL team just teased a special logo on Twitter, implying that some promotions from a galaxy far, far away will make it to the arena for a “Star Wars” night, which has become common across pretty much every major sports league in the U.S.

3. “Succession”

Everyone’s favorite fighting finance family is back on HBO for its final season. The “Succession” store is great because, like “Ted Lasso,” it’s an extension of the show’s universe. The products aren’t for “Succession,” they’re for Waystar Royco.

Items like coffee mugs, smartphone cases and apparel are totally what you’d see on the e-commerce store of a big company like this fictional media conglomerate. And turning it into real merchandise without any fourth-wall break is a fun way to connect with fans.

There are also items for the fictional ATN News company within the Waystar Royco umbrella, including some socks and an embroidered hat.

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