Why RITZ tapped Bowen (yes, that Bowen)
Bowen Yang’s surprise exit from Saturday Night Live capped off 2025 with plenty of chatter — and it turns out the guy didn’t waste any time sliding into snack-brand superstardom. RITZ swung big for its Super Bowl commercial lineup and quietly added Yang to a cast that also includes Jon Hamm and Scarlett Johansson. The result? A cheeky, buzzy spot built around Bowen and a very memorable seashell phone.
RITZ Island: what the ad looks like
If you liked last year’s salty spectacle with Aubrey Plaza, Michael Shannon and Bad Bunny, think of this as the sequel that grew up a little. The creative team wanted new faces and a fresh setting rather than recycling the same jokes, so they created a more cinematic, bigger-feeling world that still centers on the snack itself — but with extra personality this time.
Why Bowen fits the brief
RITZ told press they were casting to represent the many kinds of people who eat their crackers — not just one stereotype. Bowen brings a different mix of background and perspective: born in Australia to Chinese parents, raised in Canada, openly queer, and now a mainstream comedy star after years of grind and Emmy buzz. He’s the perfect person to make the brand feel inclusive without getting preachy.
The scene everyone’s talking about
The teaser puts Bowen front-and-center with a seashell phone that’s peak ridiculous — imagine a classic sitcom gag but with high production values and snack-driven stakes. It’s playful, slightly absurd, and clearly designed to be a clip people screenshot and meme between Super Bowl plays. (Also: RITZ, please sell that seashell phone as merch.)
Timing questions and the SNL exit
One mystery that fans are dissecting: was the commercial shot before Bowen announced he was leaving SNL, or afterward? RITZ only revealed the ad late in November, so the timeline is fuzzy. Either way, the spot lands right as Bowen transitions into new projects, which makes the placement feel perfectly timed.
Where to catch Bowen next
If you can’t wait for Super Bowl Sunday, Bowen’s still easy to find. He co-hosts the podcast Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers, and he’s also attached to the upcoming Cat in the Hat movie alongside Bill Hader. So whether he’s riffing on culture or appearing in family-friendly chaos, Bowen’s plate is full — and apparently so is RITZ’s.