The Progressive AI Commercial – Flo is a Llama Now?

Sometimes I catch myself saying that something is cheap when I really mean it’s inexpensive. One difference is that the word cheap has a connotation: low quality. It’s like saying someone is nice when what you actually mean is that they’re kind. There’s a difference. Progressive is known for funny commercials with a cast of characters like Flo and Dr. Rick. In a sideways move that has viewers bewildered, Progressive has now entered the growing brands who use Artificial Intelligence for animation. Here’s their recent ad featuring the familiar voice of Flo but she’s not Flo. She’s a talking llama. Because why not? 😵‍💫

There’s nothing artificial about the comments directed at the ad. People are just plain not having it. The phrase AI slop is being thrown around. Other descriptors like soul less, terrible, garbage, the beginning of the end. One person commented how bad the animal effects are, reminding readers that animation was better decades ago. These fans are simply pointing out the adage Dr. Rick might tell people trying to not become their parents: Just because you can, doesn’t mean you have to.

AI has come a long way in a short time and I suppose this was Progressive’s attempt to put something together worthy of being on TV without the usual high price tag. They might have checked one box: inexpensive. Unfortunately, the ad also looks cheap.

-Out of the Wilderness