Why Google's CODA Commercial Has The Internet In Tears

In the aftermath of the 2022 Oscars and the awards for actor in a supporting role, best picture, and writing (adapted screenplay) going to the drama "CODA," Google's 2021 commercial featuring a child of deaf adults is getting some well-deserved attention.

The commercial focuses on Tony, the adult hearing child of two deaf parents. Tony explains how he bridges the hearing world and the deaf one using Google search and YouTube videos that demonstrate ASL. Tony says that he's "always had one foot in the deaf world and one in the hearing world" — and that translating for his parents has made them closer. Now Tony has a son of his own, and he uses Google Meet and its live captioning feature to communicate with his deaf parents. The commercial gives us a montage of Tony's son, Owen, meeting major milestones like eating solid food, rolling, and even signing himself, all of which are filmed and then streamed to Tony's parents, who react with pure delight to seeing their grandchild thrive.

The commercial has definitely struck a major chord with viewers. Here's why it has the Internet in tears.

The ad was in various network rotations in the week leading up to the Academy Awards, which means it had already been drawing plaudits from audience members even before "CODA" won its three Oscars.

"That #Google commercial knocked up some dust into my eyes, or something," said @JCinPhilly, one of many people who find the commercial touching. "That Google Meet commercial about coda and closed captioning is really, really well done," said @weswilson4. "I'm not deaf or a CODA but I am a grandmother and I cry every time I see this commercial," @rlwolfefl agreed, exemplifying the many viewers who are moved by the ad even though they have no personal experience with the deaf community.

To wit, @danmerker said that the commercial is "one of my favorites I've ever seen. Perfect in every way." Some also praised the commercial for its educational value. Other viewers were slightly less enthusiastic about fully giving Google plaudits for the commercial. "I'm 'p***ed at Google for manipulating my emotions for profit but still choked up over this CODA commercial' years old," said @ShandonFowler.

Whether one is happy that the commercial has opened viewers everywhere to new worlds or reluctantly moved by the sentiment on display within it, it's hard to deny that Google definitely touched a lot of hearts.