2025 was the year when culture went completely off the rails. From bizarre collectibles to explosive celebrity feuds, and from viral scandals to controversial bans, this year had it all. But here's where it gets controversial: was 2025 a year of cultural progress or a descent into absurdity? Let’s dive into the moments that defined this wild ride, as curated by NBC News, and you decide.
Winter: The Season of Unfulfilled Bans and Explosive Performances
The year kicked off with a highly anticipated TikTok ban that never actually materialized. After months of speculation, the nationwide ban, slated for January, fizzled out as neither President Joe Biden nor President Donald Trump showed interest in enforcing it. U.S. users, fearing the worst, flocked to alternative platforms like the Chinese-owned RedNote in protest. But in a surprising twist, Trump struck a deal in September, transferring majority ownership of TikTok to Americans. Was this a win for free speech, or a missed opportunity to curb social media’s influence?
Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show became a cultural juggernaut, drawing 133.5 million viewers—the most-watched halftime performance ever. Fresh off his Grammy wins for the Drake diss track “Not Like Us,” Lamar’s performance escalated an already heated feud. Samuel L. Jackson, dressed as Uncle Sam, narrated the show, which featured cameos from Serena Williams, SZA, and DJ Mustard. Drake’s subsequent lawsuit against Universal Music Group for promoting the song was dismissed in October, marking the legal end to a feud that dominated headlines for much of 2024 and 2025. But did Lamar’s performance cross the line from art to personal attack?
Spring: Creepy Dolls, Space Celebs, and Viral Crazes
Spring brought the Labubu craze, a phenomenon that defied all logic. These toothy, slightly unsettling plush dolls became the year’s most sought-after collectibles. Sold in blind boxes by Pop Mart, Labubus flew off shelves, sparking a lucrative resale market—and even a wave of fakes known as Lafufus. A life-size Labubu sold for over $170,000 in China, and heists of these dolls became so common that California police got involved. Was this a harmless fad or a disturbing reflection of consumerism gone wild?
In a lighter moment, Katy Perry and Gayle King were among the celebrities who briefly ventured into space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket. The all-female crew, which included former NASA scientist Aisha Bowe and bioastronautics researcher Amanda Nguyen, made history as the first female-only spaceflight since 1963. Perry’s viral moment—holding a daisy and singing “What a Wonderful World”—became an instant meme. But was this a triumph for women in STEM, or just another PR stunt for the ultra-rich?
Summer: K-Pop Fever, Cultural Flashpoints, and Toxic Fandoms
Summer belonged to KPop Demon Hunters, an animated film that became Netflix’s most-watched movie ever. The fictional groups Saja Boys and HUNTR/X became global sensations, with fans dressing up as the characters for Halloween. The film’s songs, “Your Idol” and “Golden,” dominated charts and earned Grammy and Golden Globe nominations. But was this a genuine cultural phenomenon or just another example of Hollywood’s formulaic success?
Sydney Sweeney became an unexpected cultural flashpoint after an American Eagle ad touted her “great jeans.” Accusations of racial undertones and eugenics promotion sparked backlash, while others praised it as a rebuke of “wokeness.” Even Trump weighed in, calling it “the ‘HOTTEST’ ad out there.” Sweeney later addressed the controversy, condemning hate and divisiveness. But did the ad cross the line, or were critics reading too much into it?
Parasocial relationships reached a breaking point as fans of Love Island USA and The Summer I Turned Pretty turned toxic. Both shows issued anti-bullying PSAs, but harassment continued, with contestants and actors facing vitriol for their on-screen roles. Have we gone too far in blurring the lines between reality and fiction?
The “Kiss Cam Cheating Scandal” at a Coldplay concert became the year’s most memed moment. A married CEO and his chief people officer were caught on camera, leading to resignations and a viral sensation. Was this a harmless scandal or a disturbing invasion of privacy?
Fall: Showgirls, Free Speech Debates, and Gen Alpha Slang
Taylor Swift entered her “fiancée/showgirl era” with the release of The Life of a Showgirl, her 12th studio album. The album, featuring upbeat tracks and lyrics seemingly about her engagement to Travis Kelce, sent Swifties into a frenzy. But is Swift’s continued dominance a testament to her talent or a sign of an oversaturated music industry?
Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension from Jimmy Kimmel Live! sparked free speech debates after his jokes about Charlie Kirk’s death drew conservative fury. Protests erupted, and celebrities threatened boycotts. Kimmel returned within a week, addressing the controversy and criticizing Trump. Was this a victory for free speech, or did Kimmel go too far?
Finally, Gen Alpha’s slang term “six-seven” became inescapable, baffling older generations. Teachers banned it, and even In-N-Out Burger removed “67” from its order system. Is this just harmless slang or a sign of generational disconnect?
2025 was a year of extremes, where culture both united and divided us. What do you think? Was 2025 a year of progress or absurdity? Let the debate begin.
