This year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue has had no trouble making waves on the social front, thanks to the return of UFC superstar Ronda Rousey, the introduction of plus-sized model Ashley Graham, and even a twist that puts consumers into the action via virtual reality.
However, thanks to a savvy promotion in conjunction with FX Networks, the annual issue is getting a little more… animated. The publication recently reported that three female stars of the hit show Archer have made their debut in the issue. Pics of each of the characters, including Lana Kane, Cheryl Tunt and Pam Poovey.
True to the smart-alecky nature of the show itself, each image of the Archer stars comes with a description, similar to that of pictures in the real issue. This includes the photographer (in this case, characters from the show, like Sterling Archer and Algernop Krieger), location and a small caption underneath.
This promotion is a win-win for both SI and FX Networks, as it enables even more promotion for the swimsuit issue, and brilliantly ties in with Archer‘s forthcoming seventh season of the series, which makes its premiere next month.
The show has become a pop culture hit since its debut back in 2010, featuring characters in a fictitious spy organization that attempt to stop criminal activities around the globe and falling into various comical situations along the way.
The girls’ move into print is just the latest promotion for the returning series, as it previously debuted a trailer lampooning the 80s action series Magnum P.I.
FX Networks isn’t the only advertiser taking advantage of the swimsuit format of the magazine. Snickers also ran a humorous ad that appears on the back cover, featuring a model that’s been poorly photoshopped, with the sub-message “Photo retouchers get confused when they’re hungry.”
Could we see more potential ads like this in future issues? Perhaps. But for now, it’s all about Pam Poovey and company. Danger zone!
