Is there a particular (e.g., North America, Global) you want to highlight?

Consequently, became a safe space. In a year of contentious vaccine debates and election fallout, a horse on a beach or a kitten falling off a couch was neutral, joyful, and universally understood. Brands capitalized on this. Commercials for insurance, cars, and even SaaS products pivoted to animal mascots because human actors felt "too aggressive" to the fatigued viewer.

The relationship between humans and animals has been a longstanding one, with animals playing a vital role in human entertainment, companionship, and inspiration. The entertainment and media industry has consistently featured animals in various forms of content, from films and television shows to documentaries and social media platforms. In 2021, the trend continued, with a plethora of animal-centric content captivating audiences worldwide.

The Critical Turn: Animals in Entertainment and Media Content (2021)