This Week in TV News: Best Ads of the Year and Baby Yoda

This week we’re talking about the best shows and ads of 2019, plus Baby Yoda merch.

The best ads of the year. “It was a year of craft, biting humor and visceral surprises,” says Adweek reporter David Griner. The list includes Aviation Gin’s “Gift Responsibly,” which played off of the controversy of a Peleton ad; another gin maker, Sipsmith Gin, with a stylish animated ad from the “Isle of Dogs” animators; an IKEA ad showing the recreation of famous TV show living rooms; a Microsoft ad called “Changing the Game” that featured gamers of different ages and abilities; and in the top spot, HBO and Bud Light’s “Joust,” which both teased the final season of “Game of Thrones” and showcased the beer brand. Read more on Adweek.

Caffeinated cola is coming. Arriving this April, Pepsi Café will have twice as much caffeine as a regular Pepsi. Coca-Cola has a similar product called Coke Plus Coffee, sold in international markets for the past few years, and the brand is considering bringing it to the U.S. (Fortune)

The best shows of the year. The Hollywood Reporter rounded up the top shows that came out this year. For anyone who follows TV show buzz, the list shouldn’t have many surprises, with certified critical and audience hits including “Fleabag,” “Derry Girls,” and “Succession.” Before the decade ends, check out this list. (Hollywood Reporter)

Baby Yoda holiday gifts. The big star of Disney+’s “The Mandalorian” is, as we all know, Baby Yoda, who takes over the Internet with new gifs when the show comes out each Friday. As people search for holiday presents, Hasbro has responded to the mania with a line of infant Yoda-inspired toys, as has Disney.

Read last week’s TV news.