25 Exciting Pop Culture Events Coming in 2025
Fans of pop culture should definitely circle their calendars for the exciting lineup of movies, TV shows, and projects set to debut in 2025.
In theaters, movie lovers can get ready for Tom Cruise reprising his role in Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning, while Renée Zellweger returns in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande will once again portray Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, in Wicked: For Good.
“We’ve expanded on their friendship,” Erivo shared with Entertainment Weekly in February 2024 regarding the two-part film adaptation. “This adds a uniquely special element that allows viewers to truly engage with their journey. We have something very special in store.”
Moreover, 2025 will witness musicians launching new tours, celebrities publishing fresh books, and many cherished TV shows either making a grand reappearance or bidding farewell.
Prepare your planners and continue reading to discover what’s in store for the upcoming year:
‘The Traitors’ Season 3 Premieres — January 9
Returning host Alan Cumming will unite reality TV stars as they engage in a deceitful game for a substantial prize. In this season, contestants start as “Faithfuls” until the “Traitors” emerge and strategically eliminate them one by one from the castle. Featured contestants include Tom Sandoval, Dorinda Medley, Chrishell Stause, Nikki Garcia, and others.
‘Are You a Charlotte’ Podcast Launches — January 13
Actress Kristin Davis collaborates with iHeartRadio to launch a new podcast that explores her iconic role as Charlotte York in Sex and the City. This podcast promises to be more than a simple rewatch, bridging both past and present as Davis delves into various topics with humor, heart, and optimism.
Kelsea Ballerini Kicks Off Her 1st Arena Tour — January 21
Following the success of her album Patterns, Kelsea Ballerini is set to embark on the most significant tour of her career. “This isn’t my first rodeo (but it IS my first arena tour!!!!!!),” she exclaimed on Facebook in October 2024. “I’m so excited to be back on the road with all of you in 2025 singing our hearts out together.” Featured special guests include Sasha Alex Sloan, Ashe, The Japanese House, and Marynn Taylor at select performances.
‘The Flip Off’ Premieres — January 29
Anticipation builds as Tarek El Moussa and Heather Rae El Moussa go head-to-head against Christina Hall in a new HGTV series. Fans will discover which former partner can find, purchase, renovate, and flip a house for the maximum profit, thereby earning bragging rights and a luxurious vacation funded by the loser.
The 2025 Grammys — February 2
Set to unfold at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, the 2025 Grammys promise to be a spectacular night for music lovers with a plethora of unforgettable performances. Event organizers are yet to announce guest appearances, but Beyoncé has already secured 11 nominations for her album Cowboy Carter.
Adam Levine Returns to ‘The Voice’ — February 3
After a decade-long break, Adam Levine is making a grand return as a coach for the singing competition’s 27th season. “The OG is back!” announced the Maroon 5 frontman on Instagram when revealing the news in June 2024. “I’M RETURNING to #TheVoice next Spring 2025 🎤🎸✌️So excited! V27 @nbcthevoice #TeamAdam.” Levine will share the coaches’ chair with Ballerini, John Legend, and Michael Bublé.
Super Bowl Halftime Show — February 9
Kendrick Lamar is set to light up New Orleans while performing at The Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show. “There’s only one chance to win a championship,” he stated on Instagram in September 2024 while announcing his halftime performance. “No second chances, let’s go!”
‘Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy’ Premieres — February 13
The beloved rom-com character Bridget Jones (Zellweger) is back for her fourth outing. In this newest film, Bridget grapples with being widowed after Mark (Colin Firth) tragically dies during a humanitarian mission in Sudan. Now, she’s navigating life as a single mother to 9-year-old Billy and 4-year-old Mabel, all while feeling emotionally adrift.
‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 Premiers — February 17
The White Lotus is set to debut sooner than expected. “This social satire is centered around an upscale Thai resort and follows the interactions of various guests and employees throughout a single week,” HBO teases after revealing a trailer in December 2024. The cast includes Parker Posey, Sarah Catherine Hook, Jason Isaacs, Sam Nivola, and Patrick Schwarzenegger as members of the affluent Ratliff family.
‘Suits LA’ Premieres — February 23
The Suits franchise is expanding with a new spin-off. This show will center around Ted Black (Stephen Amell), a former federal prosecutor from New York who has “reinvented his career by representing powerful clients in Los Angeles.”
“His firm is on the verge of a crisis, and to survive, he must embrace a role he once disdained,” the official synopsis states, per Variety. “Ted is surrounded by a stellar cast of characters, testing loyalties to each other and themselves while integrating their professional and personal lives.”
Bryan Greenberg, Josh McDermitt, and Lex Scott Davis will also be features on this NBC series.
‘Othello’ Returns to Broadway — February 24
Broadway welcomes back Shakespeare as Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal star in Othello at the Barrymore Theatre. Under the direction of Tony award winner Kenny Leon, previews will start on February 24, with the opening set for March 23.
Conan O’Brien Hosts the Oscars — March 2
While the nominees have not been revealed yet for this year’s ceremony, Conan O’Brien has already announced that he will be hosting. “America wanted it, and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme,” he humorously remarked in a November 2024 statement. “Additionally, I’m hosting the Oscars.”
Carrie Underwood Judges ‘American Idol’ — March 9
Two decades after she auditioned for American Idol, Carrie Underwood will turn the tables and serve as a judge for the show’s 23rd season. “It’s a full-circle moment to transition from announcing your victory on @americanidol 20 years ago to being at the judge’s table,” wrote host Ryan Seacrest on Instagram in August 2024. “Welcome back, @carrieunderwood!”
Dylan Mulvaney Releases Her Debut Book — March 11
Transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, who gained notoriety through her viral “Days of Girlhood” TikTok series, will publish her debut book in spring. “Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer contains a collection of journal entries detailing my first year of transition alongside essays reflecting on some of the messier moments,” she shared on Instagram in September 2024. “This project has been a labor of love for over two years, and I can’t wait for you to read it.”
‘Snow White’ Premieres — March 21
Disney is ready to adapt the classic animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs into a live-action feature. With Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot cast as the Evil Queen, the new film aims to preserve the essence of the original, with a few fresh twists.
MLB Opening Day — March 27
While the football season with Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift has kept many entertained, the start of baseball season brings its own excitement. Aaron Judge, Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Bryce Harper, and a host of other MLB stars will return for another thrilling year of America’s favorite pastime. Whether it’s enjoying peanuts and crackerjacks, spotting attractive athletes, or cheering for your favorite team, there’s something for everyone as baseball season kicks off.
Coachella Music Festival — April 11
Dust off your flower crowns and get ready for festival season as Lady Gaga, Green Day, and Post Malone headline the renowned festival in Indio, California. Spanning over two weekends in April, the event promises star-studded parties, notable celebrity fashion, and, of course, plenty of music. Other performers include Missy Elliott, Charli XCX, Megan Thee Stallion, and Zedd.
Stagecoach Festival — April 25
The West Coast’s biggest country music festival returns to Indio, California, with headliners Zach Bryan, Jelly Roll, and Luke Combs. Over the three-day festival, fans can expect not only cowboy culture but also performances by the Backstreet Boys and T-Pain, alongside delicious BBQ from Guy Fieri.
‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ Premieres — May 23
Tom Cruise reprises his legendary role as Ethan Hunt in what is rumored to be his final installment in the Mission: Impossible series. This eighth chapter kicks off immediately after the events of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, as Ethan and his team inch closer to thwarting the menacing AI known as the Entity.
‘Freakier Friday’ Premieres — August 8
Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan will reunite as a mother-daughter duo over 20 years after Freaky Friday became a classic. “The sequel picks up years after Tess (Curtis) and Anna (Lohan) experienced their identity crisis,” reads the official Disney synopsis. “Now with a daughter of her own and a soon-to-be stepdaughter, Tess and Anna navigate the complications of merging two families, discovering that magic can indeed happen again.”
‘Wicked: For Good’ — November 21
Continuing the second act plot of Broadway’s Wicked, the sequel picks up a few years after the first film events. Once branded the Wicked Witch of the West by Oz, Elphaba (Erivo) continues her pursuit to advocate for the land’s animals, while Glinda (Grande) ascends to become The Wizard’s spokesperson.
Erivo also hinted at a new song in this sequel that promises to captivate audiences.
“I had the pleasure to co-write one of the new songs, and it holds a special place in my heart,” Erivo revealed to Variety in December 2024. “When we filmed it, the emotional resonance moved the entire crew to tears. I hope everyone is ready — it’s a song that truly embodies who Elphaba is.”
‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ Premieres — December 19
Plot details remain under wraps, but director James Cameron aims for blockbuster success with the third film in the Avatar franchise. Kate Winslet, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldaña, and Sam Worthington are anticipated to reprise their roles, with the film slated to release just before the holiday season.
‘The Valley’ Season 2 Premieres — TBA
From Kristen Doute’s engagement to Luke Broderick to Brittany Cartwright’s romantic encounters with Jax Taylor’s friend, Season 2 of The Valley is set to showcase plenty of shocking moments. With guest appearances from LaLa Kent, Scheana Shay, and Tom Schwartz, Season 2 promises to elevate the drama. “If Season 1 was fantastic, Season 2 will be explosive,” Jesse Lally teased exclusively to Us in December 2024. “Every single person is ready to step up.”
‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Season 2 Premieres — Spring 2025
Can “MomTalk” thrive in the landscape of reality television? The answer is undoubtedly yes. Following the first season’s exploration of Taylor Frankie Paul’s claims of “soft swinging” with fellow Mormon couples, the reality star and her circle of “MomTok” influencers are set to return for 20 new episodes in the spring.
Too Many Shows Ending — 2025
As they say, all good things must conclude — but why all at once? Television enthusiasts brace themselves for a year of farewells, as 9-1-1: Lone Star, The Handmaid’s Tale, Stranger Things, and The Conners will air their final episodes.