Each week, we spotlight five ads that stood out. Some win us over with bold ideas, others with standout craft, clever copywriting, or sheer originality—and a few we can’t explain. We just like them.
This week’s picks include a poignant look at the rising costs of motherhood, a satirical campaign from Uber One starring Chris McDonald, a bold political stunt from Crikey, a sculptural twist on public perception from Telstra, and a cheeky World Laughter Day jab from Qatar Airways. Scroll on for this week’s Friday Ad 5.
‘Motherhood on Hold’ – Tackling the Financial Burden of Starting a Family
Created to highlight the growing economic challenges of having children, ‘Motherhood on Hold’ uses a striking HR exit interview setup to illustrate how financial concerns are reshaping life decisions for many women. The campaign by FCB Kinnect underscores costs related to prenatal care, childcare, and education, suggesting that what was once an emotional decision is now increasingly dictated by economics.
Chris McDonald Brings the Swagger to Uber One x McDonald’s
Uber One celebrates McDonald’s return to the platform with a tongue-in-cheek campaign starring Chris McDonald—famous for his larger-than-life screen personas. Playing an exaggerated version of himself, he resents the fact that Uber One’s deals are accessible to everyone, poking fun at the notion of exclusivity with dry humor and club-room arrogance.
Crikey Campaign Exposes Political Advertising Loopholes
In an unconventional campaign created with DDB Group Melbourne, Crikey entered the political arena to make a point—literally. The media outlet “ran for parliament” to spotlight loopholes in Australia’s electoral advertising laws, calling out questionable tactics like spam texts and misleading ads used by major parties across the political spectrum.
Telstra’s ‘Into Art’ Campaign Turns Skeptics into Sculptures
Telstra’s campaign “Into Art,” developed with +61 and Bear Meets Eagle On Fire, features three everyday Australians who claim not to like art—until they become it. Sculptor Sam Jinks turns them into hyper-realistic statues, challenging assumptions and inviting viewers to reconsider their relationship with art in unexpected ways.
Qatar Airways Trolls the Competition for World Laughter Day
They say laughter is contagious, well apparently so are our great ideas.
Happy World Laughter Day. More coming soon pic.twitter.com/jyT2xKBd0l
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) May 4, 2025
In a short ad posted on X, Qatar Airways spoofs corporate speak with a fictional airline executive promising innovation, revolution, and future-facing tech—before a reporter quietly notes, “But hasn’t Qatar Airways already done this?” It’s a sly jab at competitors on World Laughter Day.
Know a campaign that should be featured in an upcoming edition of Friday Ad 5? Send it our way here.
