McDonald’s is making headlines this holiday season, but not for its usual fries or festive menu items. Instead, the fast-food chain is catching attention for its new Christmas commercial — one that was created entirely with artificial intelligence.

Released on December 6, the ad has sparked plenty of debate online, with some praising it as clever and modern, and others calling it lazy or even creepy. The commercial was produced by ad agency TBWA in partnership with international AI production company The Sweetshop. While the ad may look like a product of the future, the team behind it says it was very much shaped by real people.

Melanie Bridge, CEO of The Sweetshop, pushed back on the idea that AI had full creative control. “AI didn’t make McDonald’s Christmas ad. We did,” she said, noting that human directors, scriptwriters, and editors led the process. According to Bridge, the team chose to use AI not as a shortcut, but because a live-action version of the ad would have cost much more to make. She also said the goal was to keep a high level of craft and creativity, even if AI helped bring it to life.

Still, reactions from the public have been mixed. Some online users were quick to point out that a project like this meant fewer jobs for actors, animators, and production crews — especially during a time of year when many rely on seasonal work. Others joked that maybe Hollywood should take note: if people are going to be replaced by AI anyway, maybe some actors will tone down the lectures and focus on staying relevant.

Critics also didn’t hold back when it came to the ad’s tone. One social media comment read, “Please make the cookie talk,” while another added, “Please make Grammy way less creepy.” Viewers described the ad as “odd,” “off,” and “emotionally weird,” with some saying it missed the heart and warmth usually found in holiday commercials.

The ad reworks a classic Christmas song into a version titled “The Most Terrible Time of the Year,” highlighting the stress and chaos many feel during December. TBWA’s chief creative officer, Darre van Dijk, said the goal was to challenge the usual feel-good formula. He added that the team wanted to mix high-quality production with the “craziness” that AI allows.

According to new research from MediaTest, two-thirds of Dutch consumers say they wish for more personal time during the holiday season. McDonald’s Netherlands used that data to help shape the campaign, tying it into their broader holiday message that “December could use a little McDonald’s.” In other words, when the season gets overwhelming, a quick meal at McDonald’s might feel like a small moment of peace.

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Despite the criticism, many people acknowledged that the fries are still top-tier, and pairing them with a cold Coca-Cola remains a holiday tradition for some. Others, while not impressed with the ad itself, admitted it likely saved the company a lot of money — especially compared to a traditional shoot with a full cast and crew.

As of now, McDonald’s hasn’t indicated whether future ads will follow the same AI-driven approach. But with big-name brands exploring artificial intelligence more often, it seems likely that this won’t be the last time a commercial like this hits our screens.

Whether viewers love it or hate it, one thing is clear: AI is here to stay — and it might just be coming for your Christmas commercials next.

Twitchy | NDTV