At Mediaplacement, we specialize in creating meaningful connections between brands and audiences through expertly crafted product placement and brand integration campaigns. Our recent Cold Stone Creamery brand integration in The Jennifer Hudson Show is a prime example of how entertainment can amplify brand storytelling in authentic, memorable ways.
In support of Cold Stone’s spring flavor launch—“Going Bananas for JELL-O Pudding” and “No One Lays a Finger on My Butterfinger”—Mediaplacement orchestrated a high-impact brand integration on The Jennifer Hudson Show, a nationally syndicated daytime talk show known for its uplifting tone, celebrity guests, and strong audience engagement.
The Strategy
Cold Stone’s campaign goal was to promote their new seasonal ice cream offerings by aligning with a platform that could deliver mass exposure while staying true to the brand’s joyful, celebratory personality. Mediaplacement identified The Jennifer Hudson Show as the ideal partner, given its wide reach, inclusive spirit, and natural alignment with family-friendly brands.
Our team worked closely with the show’s production staff to develop a moment that would feel organic to the episode format, yet unmistakably Cold Stone. The result was a standout product placement that delivered both visibility and engagement in an authentic, high-energy context.
The Execution
The activation aired on April 30, 2025 (Season 3, Episode 165) and was built around the show’s beloved “Mama Hud Needs” segment. The integration featured:
- 8 enthusiastic verbal brand mentions from Jennifer Hudson herself
- 84 seconds of prominent screen time, with Cold Stone signage, packaging, and scooped servings clearly visible
- A full studio audience ice cream giveaway, resulting in real-time emotional engagement and visual delight
- A strong call to action, with Jennifer exclaiming: “Cold Stone! Cold Stone! Ice Cream!” and “I’m going to get my Cold Stone!”
Why It Worked
This was more than a product placement—it was a moment. The seamless integration of Cold Stone into the segment’s narrative allowed the brand to live within the emotional rhythm of the show. By pairing ice cream with audience celebration and Jennifer’s genuine enthusiasm, the Cold Stone brand became part of a feel-good story viewers would associate with positivity, indulgence, and fun.
Key outcomes included:
- High brand recall driven by repetition and emotional context
- Strong visual exposure and clear product messaging
- Increased social media buzz, with audiences sharing their in-show experience and flavors across platforms
The Takeaway
This partnership underscores Mediaplacement’s commitment to delivering brand integration strategies that are immersive, authentic, and results-driven. For Cold Stone Creamery, it was the perfect way to introduce their spring flavors to millions of potential customers—with a little help from EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson.
At Mediaplacement, we don’t just place products—we place brands in moments that matter.
