Brand Collaborations Gone Awry: Lessons from ‘The Handmaid’s Tale,’ ‘Severance,’ and ‘The White Lotus’

If you thought the universe had hit peak absurdity, brace yourself for the latest mishaps in brand collaborations that are taking a nosedive into the realm of the utterly ridiculous. In a world where we should know better, series like ‘The White Lotus,’ ‘Severance,’ and ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ serve as cautionary tales of what happens when corporate greed and creative integrity collide. Each of these shows, despite their critical acclaim, has been marred by brand partnerships that have left audiences wondering if the creators have lost their minds—or their moral compasses. It’s as if someone decided to mix oil and water and expected a miracle to occur.

In ‘The White Lotus,’ a series that thrives on social commentary about privilege and entitlement, the attempts at product placement have felt more like a desperate grasp for cash than a seamless blend of art and commerce. Can we really enjoy a satirical drama about the wealthy while simultaneously being assaulted by ads for luxury brands? The show’s biting critique of the elite is undermined when the characters are decked out in the very labels that the narrative seeks to critique. It’s like watching someone throw a lit match into a pool of gasoline and then being surprised when it ignites.

Meanwhile, ‘Severance’—a show that cleverly dissects the corporate world and the horrors of work-life balance—has also succumbed to the all-too-familiar pitfall of brand collaborations. The irony is palpable; a show that critiques the very essence of corporate culture finds itself entangled in it. One can’t help but chuckle darkly at the thought of characters who are literally severed from their work lives also being used to promote products that symbolize that very oppression. It’s almost poetic in its tragic absurdity.

Then there’s ‘The Handmaid’s Tale,’ a series that has become a cultural touchstone for discussions about gender and power. Yet, even this dystopian narrative isn’t immune to the allure of brand partnerships. The show has faced backlash for linking its name to products that seem at odds with its message of resistance and empowerment. Can we even take a stand against oppression while wearing the very brands that profit from it? It’s a question that leaves us all scratching our heads, wondering if anyone involved is paying attention.

All of this culminates in a sad symphony of missed opportunities, where the artistic vision of these shows is compromised in the name of profit. One can only shake their head in disbelief at the sheer predictability of it all. It’s almost comforting to know that in a world spiraling into chaos, we can still count on the entertainment industry to find new and inventive ways to sell out. At this point, should we even pretend to be surprised?

Sources: Celebrity Storm and New York Post, Variety, The Guardian
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed