The cultural landscape of 2025 has been defined by unexpected trends, headline‑making feuds and viral moments that captured public attention worldwide.
Winter
The TikTok ban that never happened
After months of anticipation for a nationwide ban scheduled for January, the policy faltered when neither President Joe Biden nor President Donald Trump signaled intent to enforce it. U.S. users hurried to alternative platforms, including the Chinese‑owned app RedNote, before Trump finally signed an executive order in September that transferred majority ownership of TikTok to American hands.
Kendrick Lamar’s record‑breaking Super Bowl halftime
Fresh from winning five Grammy Awards for his diss track “Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar headlined the Super Bowl halftime show, drawing an average 133.5 million viewers – the highest‑rated halftime in history. The performance, narrated by Samuel L. Jackson and featuring Serena Williams, SZA and DJ Mustard, reignited Drake’s lawsuit against Universal Music Group, which a federal judge dismissed in October, closing a legal battle that spanned 2024‑2025.
Spring
Labubu plush doll frenzy
The tooth‑shaped Labubu dolls, sold in blind boxes by Pop Mart, sparked the year’s biggest collectible craze. Rapid sell‑outs gave rise to a secondary market for resales and counterfeit “Lafufus,” a life‑size Labubu fetched over $170,000 at a Beijing auction, and thefts prompted police involvement in California.
First all‑female spaceflight since 1963
Katy Perry and “CBS Mornings” co‑host Gayle King joined a historic all‑female crew aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard, the first women‑only flight since Valentina Tereshkova in 1963. The mission generated viral moments, including a meme of Perry holding a daisy while singing “What a Wonderful World.”
Summer
‘Kpop Demon Hunters’ drives global pop culture
Animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” introduced fictional groups Saja Boys and HUNTR/X, who became worldwide pop icons. Their songs “Your Idol” and “Golden” dominated charts, earned Grammy and Golden Globe nominations, and inspired Halloween costumes. Netflix touts the movie as its most‑watched ever and one of 35 eligible for animated‑feature Oscars.
Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad sparks controversy
An American Eagle campaign featuring Sydney Sweeney’s “great jeans” ignited accusations of eugenic undertones, while some praised it as an anti‑woke statement. The ad attracted Donald Trump’s comment calling it the “HOTTEST” ad, and Sweeney later told People she opposes hate and divisiveness, acknowledging that silence had widened the divide.
Parasocial relationships cross the line
Fans’ one‑sided attachments to celebrities intensified, prompting “Love Island USA” and “The Summer I Turned Pretty” to issue anti‑bullying public service announcements. Despite the efforts, online sleuths continued to harass contestants and actors, highlighting the toxicity of extreme fandom.
Kiss‑cam scandal at a Coldplay concert
During a July Coldplay show, CEO Andy Byron was caught on kiss‑cam embracing HR chief Kristin Cabot, prompting lead singer Chris Martin to question the couple’s fidelity. The incident went viral, and both executives resigned from the data‑company Astronomer amid the backlash.
Fall
Taylor Swift’s “Showgirl” era
In October, Taylor Swift released her 12th studio album “The Life of a Showgirl,” collaborating again with Max Martin and Shellback. The record, featuring upbeat tracks and lyrical nods to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, coincided with Kelce’s public garden‑proposal and a massive diamond ring that sent Swifties into a frenzy.
Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension revives free‑speech debate
ABC pulled “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” after Kimmel’s jokes about the death of right‑wing commentator Charlie Kirk drew criticism from FCC Chair Brendan Carr. The suspension sparked protests and a boycott call, but Kimmel returned a week later, criticizing former President Trump while seeking to calm tensions.
Gen Alpha’s “6‑7” slang spreads online
The numeric phrase “6‑7,” accompanied by a hand‑weighing gesture, surged across the internet and among younger users. Teachers began banning the slang, and In‑N‑Out Burger reportedly removed “67” from its order system amid the trend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the proposed TikTok ban and why did it not take effect?
The ban, slated for January 2025, was delayed because neither President Biden nor President Trump acted to enforce it. Users migrated to other apps, and Trump later signed an executive order in September that transferred majority ownership of TikTok to American entities, effectively sidestepping the ban.
How did the Labubu plush dolls become such a high‑profile collectible?
Labubu dolls sold in blind‑box format sold out quickly, creating a resale market and counterfeit “Lafufus.” A life‑size doll sold for over $170,000 in Beijing, and thefts in California attracted police attention, underscoring the craze’s intensity.
What were the repercussions of the kiss‑cam incident at the Coldplay show?
After the kiss‑cam caught CEO Andy Byron and HR chief Kristin Cabot, Chris Martin questioned their behavior, and the incident went viral. Both executives subsequently resigned from their positions at Astronomer.
Which of these cultural moments might continue to influence trends and conversations in the months ahead?
