Reel Ad of the Week

DISH leans into awkward moments to have “The Talk”

By Reel Chicago
December 16, 2025

DISH isn’t running from the comparison anymore. It’s leaning straight into it. In its latest campaign, The Talk, created in collaboration with Highdive, DISH tackles one of the brand’s longest-standing challenges head-on: the perception that it lives permanently in second place behind DirecTV. Rather than over-explaining features or drowning viewers in fine print, the work takes a simpler, more human route—one rooted in family dynamics everyone recognizes.

The spot centers on a familiar and slightly awkward moment. A curious grandchild asks the kinds of direct, uncomfortable questions kids are famous for. Grandpa, clearly out of his depth, sidesteps the interrogation and lands on the one thing he knows for sure: DISH is the better choice. It’s funny, disarming, and instantly relatable, turning a competitive comparison into a warm, conversational truth. Watch below:

Chris Rose, group creative director, Highdive commented, “This campaign reintroduces DISH in a way that’s bold, surprising, and impossible to ignore. So many people stick with DirecTV out of habit – we’re lovingly shaking them awake with the simple truth: switching from DirecTV to DISH saves you money. Period. Think of it as a friendly intervention for anyone still paying DirecTV prices. Answering tough questions from your grandkids might be hard, but saving money on your TV bill? We made that the easy part.”

Kurt Simon, vice president, brand marketing at DISH Network added, “‘The Talk’ is innocent, simple, and instantly relatable. It taps into that genuine connection between a grandfather and his grandchild to prove a clear truth: There’s More to DISH. We are focused on the customer and doubling down on our 45-year commitment to value, service and connection, and we’re proud to offer the lowest price in Satellite TV.”

That approach is what makes The Talk stand out. Instead of sounding defensive or desperate, DISH reframes the decision as common sense. The humor does the heavy lifting, allowing the brand to say what many consumers already suspect but haven’t acted on: switching from DirecTV to DISH saves money, and sticking around out of habit doesn’t make much sense anymore.

The campaign arrives at a critical moment for the category, as subscriber churn and streaming competition continue to reshape how audiences think about pay TV. Rather than pretending those pressures don’t exist, DISH uses them as fuel, positioning itself as the smarter, more value-driven alternative during a key acquisition window.

Rolling out as part of a larger 360-degree push across broadcast, online video, and paid social, The Talk feels designed to meet viewers where they are—scrolling, watching, and rethinking old decisions.

In a category often weighed down by complexity and comparison charts, The Talk succeeds by doing less and meaning more. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most effective way to change perception isn’t by shouting louder, but by having an honest conversation.

For that reason, DISH’s The Talk earns Reel Chicago’s Ad of the Week – a smart, human piece of work that proves a simple truth can still break through when it’s told the right way.

CREDITS:

AGENCY: Highdive