TV Commercial Review
Memorable
Effective
Style
Heart or Humor
Execution
Good
The small joys that make us human
Lavazza’s latest commercial, “Pleasure Makes Us Human,” is a beautiful blend of emotion, humor, and a touch of sci-fi centered around the universal joy of coffee. This coffee ad features a unique character named Luigi, a charming robot who longs to experience the simple pleasure of drinking Lavazza coffee – a pleasure his human colleagues enjoy daily. With the addition of beloved comedians and Hollywood stars Steve Carell and John Krasinski, the ad adds a delightful touch of humor and warmth, making it a standout in Lavazza’s long tradition of impactful storytelling.
Luigi’s Quest: Finding Humanity in a Cup of Coffee
Luigi, the robot at the center of the ad, is no ordinary machine. He is a curious, observant, and endearing character who works alongside human colleagues, witnessing firsthand the joy they derive from their daily coffee breaks. Lavazza’s ad captures Luigi’s fascination with these moments of pleasure, subtly portraying his longing to be a part of this ritual. This desire is conveyed through simple yet powerful visual cues—Luigi’s lingering gazes, his mechanical movements mirroring human gestures, and the gentle whirring of his gears as he dreams of tasting coffee.
The narrative is both whimsical and profound. Luigi’s mechanical existence is juxtaposed against the warmth and camaraderie of human interactions, creating an emotional undercurrent that draws viewers into his journey. His daily routine, filled with quiet observations of his colleagues enjoying Lavazza coffee, builds a sense of empathy and connection with the audience, making them root for Luigi’s dream to come true.
A Touch of Hollywood Magic: Carell and Krasinski
Adding to the ad’s charm, Steve Carell and John Krasinski make memorable appearances, reprising their on-screen chemistry that fans adored in “The Office“. Their roles in the ad are not just cameos; they bring humor and a sense of camaraderie that enhances the narrative. Carell and Krasinski share a coffee break with Luigi, adding layers of warmth and relatability to the story. Their interactions with Luigi are light-hearted yet meaningful, emphasizing the social and emotional significance of coffee sharing.
The inclusion of these two actors, known for their comedic timing and warm on-screen presence, elevates the ad, making it not just a story about a robot’s quest but also a reflection on the simple joys of life that connect us all. Their presence humanizes Luigi’s character even more, as he joins in the laughter and shared moments despite his robotic nature.

The Emotional Climax: Luigi’s Long-Awaited Sip
The climax of the ad is both heartwarming and magical. After days of observing and longing, Luigi finally gets to sip Lavazza coffee. The moment is depicted with a gentle touch of cinematic magic—the camera zooms in on Luigi’s metal hands cradling the cup, his sensors flickering as he takes that first, much-anticipated sip. This moment transcends the physical act of drinking coffee; it becomes a symbolic bridge between machine and human, encapsulating the shared joy and warmth that coffee brings our lives.
As Luigi experiences this simple pleasure, his robotic face registers a look of satisfaction and connection, perfectly capturing the ad’s central message: pleasure, no matter how simple, is a universal experience that makes us human. This scene, filled with emotional resonance, underscores Lavazza’s brand message that coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a moment of connection and joy that we all share.
Conclusion: A Masterclass in Emotional Storytelling
Lavazza’s “Pleasure Makes Us Human” is a brilliant piece of storytelling that goes beyond promoting a product. It highlights the universal appeal of coffee and its role in bringing people together, using the character of Luigi to explore deeper themes of connection, desire, and humanity. The ad’s narrative, enhanced by the humor and warmth of Steve Carell and John Krasinski, creates a powerful emotional impact that resonates long after the commercial ends.
The tagline, “Pleasure makes us human,” perfectly encapsulates the ad’s message. It reminds us that the small joys in life, like enjoying a cup of coffee with friends or colleagues, truly connect us, regardless of who or what we are. Lavazza has succeeded in crafting an ad that is visually stunning, emotionally engaging, and, most importantly, a celebration of the simple pleasures that make life special.












The cost of Lavazza coffee varies depending on the product, ranging from $8 to $20 per bag.
it serves as a reminder that sometimes, it’s the little moments of happiness, like enjoying a cup of coffee, that truly make us feel alive.
This ad perpetuates harmful stereotypes about productivity and happiness in the workplace. Disappointing messaging from Lavazza.
Interesting concept for coffee ad.
Disappointing and regressive messaging.
harmful stereotypes by suggesting pleasure is what defines humanity, promoting selfishness over empathy.