It’s a week of firsts for a number of big brands this week. Catch up on all the debuts and new campaigns that you need to see this week in our Weekly Must Reads.

Netflix is Just One Story Away

After seeing near-record viewership numbers through the coronavirus pandemic, Netflix has finally released its first global brand campaign, called “One Story Away.” The first video ad features clips of fan-favorite Netflix original series, including “Stranger Things,” “When They See Us,” and “Tiger King.” The campaign, which has been in development for nearly a year, is meant to capture the passion for storytelling and the diverse array of stories found in Netflix’s portfolio. “One Story Away” launched in 27 countries last week, along with supporting out-of-home, radio and print ads.

The new campaign and stuck-at-home consumers are certainly giving Netflix even more momentum through 2020. Last quarter, Netflix added 10 million new subscribers and reached 193 million total global subscribers. Check out the ad and learn more about Netflix’s ongoing success here: https://www.adweek.com/tv-video/netflix-rolls-out-first-global-brand-campaign-to-continue-originals-momentum/

Walmart+ Launches This Week

Amazon has had a lock on the online shopping membership program for years, but last week, Walmart launched ads for its long-awaited competitor program, Walmart+. The service, which begins on September 15, will offer same-day delivery for the products it carries in stores. Their coordinated advertising campaign focuses on broadcast TV, streaming services and social media. Many of the ads feature some of the 22 families across the country who received early Walmart+ access and were filmed as they tested the program.

Walmart saw a sales boost earlier this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but as of now, Amazon’s e-commerce presence is eight times larger than Walmart’s. Do you think Walmart+ will eventually become a more formidable e-commerce competitor to Amazon? Get the whole story here: https://digiday.com/marketing/how-walmart-is-advertising-its-new-loyalty-program-walmart/

Washington Football Team’s Debut Ad Campaign

The newly unnamed Washington Football Team released its debut ad campaign last week in conjunction with the start of the 2020 NFL season. This is the first promotion for the team since retiring its Redskins logo and using the generic “Football Team” while a permanent name is developed this year. The campaign is titled “No name but TEAM,” and puts an emphasis on bringing together the Washington, D.C. area, the fans and the team itself.

One key component of the campaign is a new website, washingtonjourney.com, that fans can use to submit ideas for new team names, logos and even uniforms. Do you think the new campaign will help Washington move past their troubled past? Learn more here: https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/washington-football-team-initiates-new-advertising-campaign/

Lowe’s Sets Their Home Team

Another brand geared up last week for the start of the NFL season, too. Lowe’s has created a “Home Team” with one player from each of the 32 teams to support projects and organizations in their team’s community. The first commercial aired last Thursday during the NFL’s first game and featured NFL fans who share the same address as the North Carolina Panthers’ stadium – 800 Mint Street. Fans across the country who live on Mint Street were featured as they tackled home improvement projects – including Christian McCaffrey installing a ceiling fan.

The campaign aims to uplift NFL fans as they watch the season from home and remind them that “this year, we’re all on the home team.” Lowe’s Home Team players will also participate in virtual fan engagements and showcase their own personal home improvement projects. Find out more about Lowe’s efforts to united communities and fans here: https://www.marketingdive.com/news/lowes-unites-nfl-fans-with-home-team-player-tie-up/584853/