# Humorous LNY Stories Panda Express’ Lunar New Year Ad Celebrates Family, Food, and Humor By Georgia Wray Norsten | Published 2025-01-22 | Special Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/panda-express-lunar-new-year References: [adage](https://adage.com/creativity/work/panda-express-gives-americans-taste-lunar-new-year-charming-family-tale/2599466?utm_source=creativity-daily-wednesday&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20250122&utm_content=hero-headline)  The [Panda Express](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sizzling-shrimp) [Lunar New Year campaign](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bonchon-lunar-new-year) delivers a delightful blend of humor and heart in its latest ad, crafted by creative agency Opinionated. The two-minute film, directed by Max Sherman, captures the nerves and charm of a young man meeting his girlfriend’s family for the first time during a Lunar New Year celebration. With a focus on family dynamics and cultural pride, the ad depicts playful interactions as two aunts interrogate the nervous suitor. The story unfolds over a delicious Lunar New Year spread, featuring Panda Express classics like ‘The Original Orange Chicken,’ spring rolls, and even a pivotal fortune cookie moment. The campaign perfectly balances authenticity with universal themes of togetherness and joy. Launching across [YouTube](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blazing-bourbon-chicken), social media, and in-store promotions, Panda Express invites everyone to savor the spirit of Lunar New Year, making the celebration accessible and relatable to all through food and storytelling. Image Credit: Panda Express ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 66% | Activity: 77% | Freshness: 35% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Special](https://www.trendhunter.com/special) > [Holiday](https://www.trendhunter.com/holiday) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Culturally-inclusive Ad Campaigns:** Brands are increasingly embracing culturally inclusive themes in advertising, using holidays like Lunar New Year to connect with diverse audiences through relatable storytelling. - **Humor in Brand Storytelling:** The use of humor in brand storytelling is gaining traction as a tool to create memorable and engaging consumer experiences, enhancing emotional connections with the audience. - **Food-centric Marketing Strategies:** Marketing campaigns centered around food are becoming a popular medium for companies to engage customers, blending culinary experiences with brand narratives. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Advertising and Marketing:** The advertising sector is evolving with storytelling techniques that incorporate cultural themes and humor, offering innovative pathways for brand differentiation. - **Food and Beverage:** Incorporating cultural celebrations into product offerings provides the food and beverage industry with opportunities to expand their market reach and improve brand loyalty. - **Digital Media:** Digital media platforms are essential for the dissemination of engaging content that merges promotional activities with culturally relevant storytelling. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Lunar New Year Animations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cjroblue.md) - [Nostalgic Lunar New Year Spots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chinese-new-year-film.md) - [Asian QSR Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sizzling-shrimp.md) - [Plant-Based Orange Chicken Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-orange-chicken-campaign.md) - [New Year Restaurant Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/good-fortune-scratcher-game.md) - [Asian Cuisine-Celebrating Global Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lee-kum-kee1.md) - [Familial Spirits Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/family-spirit.md) - [Lunar New Year Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunar-new-year-campaign1.md) - [Smartphone-Filmed Festive Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-garlic.md)