Viking and Cowboy Heartthrobs Make the Ultimate Date in New Films from BBDO Toronto

Romance novel giant Harlequin has taken two of their most sensational heroes and brought them to the women of the real world in a humorous new hidden-camera campaign encouraging women to “Make a Date with Harlequin.” 

The first of two videos features a larger-than-life Viking on a bowling date with a modern, everyday woman. As the obviously mismatched couple enjoy an over-the-top encounter with one another, the audience gets to enjoy the gobsmacked reactions of the unsuspecting patrons. The second video showcases a cowboy, complete with horse and lasso, on a lunch date with a familiar, relatable woman. 

“Harlequin is all about taking our readers on romantic escapes; we loved the idea of bringing that notion to everyday life,” said Farah Mullick, Senior Director of Marketing at Harlequin.

“It was really quite nerve-racking watching from behind the curtain—you just never know how people are going to react,” said Joel Pylypiw, an Associate Creative Director at BBDO Toronto, the agency behind the work. “Luckily for us, we captured some really funny moments.” 

The online video campaign launched March 15 and is being supported with a targeted online buy, print ads, dedicated PR and blogger outreach as well as loyalty and event programs. 

Harlequin, a Toronto-based company now owned by News Corp, has entertained women with their broad range of intrigue, suspense and romance novels since 1949. To date they have sold more than 6.28 billion books.