Ah yes, the ’90s: an era before smartphones, social media and the algorithm. Television advertising was hitting its stride, and celebrity endorsement had more impact on what we consumed than ever before. Enter Pepsi and its celeb-soaked advertisements, which were considered among the most groundbreaking, culture-making commercials of their time. Still, the brand couldn’t seem to compete with Coke, which consistently outperformed Pepsi in taste tests nationwide. That’s when Pepsi decided to do something bigger than it had ever done before — and for a brand so powerful, what could possibly go wrong? As it turns out, quite a bit. The new docuseries Pepsi, Where’s My Jet? tells the story of Pepsi’s ambitious campaign, a multimillion-dollar fighter jet and a teenage boy who decided to take on one of the largest corporations in America. Readers, please clear for takeoff: It’s going to be a fun ride.
The story of Pepsi, Where’s My Jet? began in 1996 with the release of an unprecedented marketing campaign in which consumers could exchange labels ripped from purchased Pepsi products for “Pepsi Stuff,” including sunglasses, leather jackets and, one ill-conceived Super Bowl commercial later, a fighter jet. Millions of people watching at home saw the advertisement, which claimed that for only 7 million Pepsi points — the equivalent of $700,000 — you could win a Harrier Jump Jet (which costs $32 million).
Pepsi executives assumed the astronomical amount of points required to obtain the jet would make it impossible for anyone to actually drink that much Pepsi and win the prize. However, they didn’t plan for one intrepid teenager named John Leonard to figure out a catch in their over-the-top offer, and Pepsi, Where’s My Jet? tells the twisty, thrilling story of what happened when he did.
Pepsi, Where’s My Jet? Is a four-part series directed by Andrew Renzi and executive produced by Andrew Renzi, Andrew Corkin, Nick Boak, Theo James, Andrew Fried, Jordan Wynn, Dane Lillegard and Sarina Roma. The series premieres on Nov. 17.
If you’re in Los Angeles this November, swing by Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Avenue to see a Douglas A-4 Skyhawk fighter jet up close, courtesy of Fighting Classics. It’ll be part of a four-day experience to celebrate the launch of Pepsi, Where’s My Jet? You’ll also find photo opportunities, a prize-filled Pepsi Challenge station, a ’90s swag station and even a retro Pepsi vending machine.
What’s more: You can enter for a chance to win a ride in that very same Douglas A-4 Skyhawk fighter jet. Keep an eye on Netflix’s Twitter for more information on how to enter (Terms and Conditions here).
The event will be open to the public beginning the evening of Friday, Nov. 18 through Monday, Nov. 21.
Location:
6301 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028
Hours of operation:
Friday, Nov. 18: 8 p.m.–midnight PST
Saturday, Nov. 19: 11 a.m.–midnight PST
Sunday, Nov. 20: 11 a.m.–11 p.m. PST
Monday, Nov. 21: 11 a.m.–9 p.m. PST
