Weird NewsWEIRD NEWS

Brands embrace the weird to win over Gen Z audiences

CNBC reports companies are deliberately courting Gen Z with odd, off-kilter campaigns; separately, a strange 1962 Beethoven album cover has resurfaced online.

On air: Hank Ledger and Vera Bullock on BBN Newsroom
Published 1:12 PM ET, Tuesday, October 13, 2026

At a glance

First reported by CNBC: “Brands are increasingly embracing the weird to capture the attention of Gen Z audiences”.
Covered on BBN on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 1:12 PM ET on BBN Newsroom, by Hank Ledger and Vera Bullock.
Topics: Gen Z.
BBN covered this story before: Gen Z thinks they're so special, they can't deal with romance (October 13).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

CNBCBrands are increasingly embracing the weird to capture the attention of Gen Z audiences

What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorCNBC reports that brands are leaning harder into weird marketing to win over Gen Z, which means someone in a conference room scheduled the strangeness.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorI love it. A company finally has the courage to be a talking sandwich, and young people can tell it's sincere.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThere was a meeting, Vera. Slides. Someone said the word synergy over a talking sandwich.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorArt needs a budget.