WhyHotNow
Archive

Past Hot Topics

Explore previously trending topics and why they mattered

Browse our archive of hot topics and their impact

January 4th, Sunday

Search Volume: 5M+

maduro

Nicolás Maduro is trending due to reports of his capture by US forces following a 'large-scale strike' in Venezuela, announced by Donald Trump. This event has triggered widespread disinformation, international reactions, and mixed responses from Venezuelans.

Venezuela
Geopolitics
Search Volume: 1M+

panthers vs buccaneers

The recent Panthers vs. Buccaneers game has ignited a firestorm of fan reactions and social media speculation, with some even claiming the NFL rigged the outcome.

NFL
Fan Reactions
Search Volume: 500K+

seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks are trending due to a surge in fan reactions across social media, highlighting everything from game-day boos to post-win celebrations and intense rivalries.

NFL
Fan Culture
Search Volume: 200K+

grizzlies vs lakers

The recent Grizzlies vs. Lakers game has sparked intense reactions across social media, with fans from both sides expressing strong emotions over the outcome and individual player performances.

NBA
Basketball
Search Volume: 200K+

rcd espanyol - barcelona

Tensions are flaring between RCD Espanyol and FC Barcelona following Joan García's transfer, sparking fan outrage and social media drama ahead of their derby match.

Football
Catalan Derby
Search Volume: 100K+

bournemouth vs arsenal

Arsenal's recent 3-2 win against Bournemouth, featuring a dramatic comeback and a Declan Rice double, has ignited widespread fan reactions and discussions across social media.

Premier League
Football
Search Volume: 100K+

thunder vs warriors

A recent game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors sparked widespread debate due to a controversial overturned call, fueling fan reactions and social media buzz.

NBA
Basketball
Search Volume: 100K+

maria corina machado

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado is trending after reportedly winning the Nobel Peace Prize, generating significant political and social media reactions, especially concerning her ties to Donald Trump.

Venezuelan Politics
Nobel Peace Prize
Search Volume: 100K+

espanyol vs barcelona

The historic rivalry between Espanyol and Barcelona is trending due to recent social media exchanges and fan reactions surrounding player transfers and upcoming matches.

Football
Rivalry
Search Volume: 100K+

monroe doctrine

The Monroe Doctrine, a 200-year-old U.S. foreign policy, is trending due to recent discussions about its application in Latin America and its controversial legacy.

Foreign Policy
Latin America
Search Volume: 50K+

where is venezuela on the map

Recent geopolitical events, including unverified reports of military strikes, have sparked a surge in searches for Venezuela's location, highlighting global interest in the South American nation.

Geopolitics
South America
Search Volume: 50K+

marco rubio

Senator Marco Rubio is trending due to a viral social media profile picture and a controversial directive for diplomats to use Times New Roman font.

Politics
Social Media
Search Volume: 50K+

manuel noriega

Manuel Noriega, Panama's former military dictator, is trending as his 1990 capture by the U.S. is being compared to the recent alleged capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Panama
US Foreign Policy
Search Volume: 50K+

timberwolves vs heat

The recent NBA game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Miami Heat is trending due to a hard-fought victory for the Wolves, controversial late-game calls, and passionate fan reactions.

NBA
Basketball
Search Volume: 20K+

sam darnold

Sam Darnold is trending due to recent social media reactions surrounding his NFL career, including past trades and current team interactions.

NFL
Football
Search Volume: 20K+

76ers vs knicks

The recent game between the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks has ignited a firestorm of fan reactions after the Knicks pulled off a dramatic comeback victory.

NBA
Basketball
Search Volume: 20K+

evangeline lilly

Actress Evangeline Lilly is trending due to her recent social media activity, including past controversies over COVID-19 comments and a new health update.

Celebrity News
Social Media
Search Volume: 10K+

craig morgan

Country music star Craig Morgan is trending due to a strong response to a fan's criticism, alongside renewed interest in his deeply emotional songs like "Almost Home" and "The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost."

Country Music
Fan Interaction
Search Volume: 10K+

rockets vs mavericks

A 2015 social media gaffe by the Houston Rockets' manager, involving a controversial tweet aimed at the Dallas Mavericks, led to immediate termination and a public apology.

NBA
Social Media
Search Volume: 10K+

trail blazers vs spurs

The recent matchup between the Portland Trail Blazers and the San Antonio Spurs is trending as both teams, coming off road wins, faced off in a highly anticipated NBA game.

NBA
Basketball

January 3rd, Saturday

Search Volume: 100K+

navy vs cincinnati

The recent Navy vs. Cincinnati football game, particularly the 2026 Liberty Bowl, is trending due to its intense plays, social media buzz, and the historical rivalry between the two teams.

College Football
Liberty Bowl
Search Volume: 50K+

rice football

Rice Football is trending due to a mix of pop culture references, social media activity, and recent news involving Rice University athletes, creating diverse online conversations.

College Sports
Pop Culture
Search Volume: 50K+

tommy lee jones daughter dead

The trending topic concerns the tragic death of Victoria Jones, daughter of acclaimed actor Tommy Lee Jones, who passed away at 34.

Celebrity News
Tragedy
Search Volume: 50K+

mexico earthquake today

A powerful 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck Mexico, with its epicenter near Acapulco, causing widespread shaking and evacuations across central and southern regions, including Mexico City.

Earthquake
Mexico
Search Volume: 50K+

arizona vs smu

The Arizona Wildcats and SMU Mustangs are trending as they prepare to clash in the Holiday Bowl, with Arizona aiming for a historic 10-win season.

College Football
Holiday Bowl
Search Volume: 20K+

christian sturdivant

Christian Sturdivant, an 18-year-old from North Carolina, was arrested for allegedly planning an ISIS-inspired New Year's Eve terror attack, thwarted by the FBI.

Terrorism
FBI Investigation
Search Volume: 20K+

byd

BYD, a leading Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, is trending due to its aggressive market expansion, new model launches, and a high-profile lawsuit against social media influencers.

Electric Vehicles
Automotive Industry
Search Volume: 20K+

wolf moon

The 'Wolf Moon' is trending as the first full moon of the year, often a Supermoon, captivating social media with its symbolic meaning and celestial beauty.

Astronomy
Culture
Search Volume: 20K+

rangers vs panthers

The New York Rangers and Florida Panthers are locked in a fierce battle for the Eastern Conference title, captivating hockey fans with their intense playoff series.

NHL Playoffs
Ice Hockey
Search Volume: 20K+

celina powell

Celina Powell is trending after posting a video of rapper Offset in bed, reigniting discussions about her history of exposing celebrity encounters.

Celebrity Gossip
Social Media Drama
Search Volume: 20K+

wake forest football

Wake Forest Football is trending after a significant win against North Carolina, sparking fan reactions and discussions about the team's performance and future.

College Football
ACC
Search Volume: 20K+

usc vs michigan

The recent football clashes between USC and Michigan have sparked intense social media reactions, highlighting the competitive nature of their new Big Ten rivalry.

College Football
Big Ten
Search Volume: 20K+

nuggets vs cavaliers

The Denver Nuggets and Cleveland Cavaliers are trending due to their recent and past NBA matchups, generating fan reactions and ongoing discussions about player performances and team dynamics.

NBA
Basketball
Search Volume: 20K+

spurs vs pacers

The recent game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Indiana Pacers is trending due to fan reactions, social media buzz, and the unique context of their matchups.

NBA
Basketball
Search Volume: 20K+

hawks vs knicks

The long-standing NBA rivalry between the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks is trending due to recent intense fan interactions, including an alleged assault and widespread booing of Trae Young.

NBA Rivalry
Fan Culture
Search Volume: 10K+

jonathan boley

The search for 4-year-old Jonathan Boley ended tragically when his body was found days after he went missing in Walker County, Alabama, sparking widespread grief.

Missing Child
Community Tragedy
Search Volume: 10K+

nets vs wizards

The Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards are trending due to recent thrilling matchups, including a standout summer league performance and past regular season nail-biters.

NBA
Basketball
Search Volume: 10K+

hornets vs bucks

The recent matchups between the Charlotte Hornets and Milwaukee Bucks are trending due to competitive games, coaching controversies, and strong social media engagement.

NBA
Basketball
Search Volume: 10K+

magic vs bulls

The Chicago Bulls recently secured a thrilling 102-99 victory over the Orlando Magic, completing a remarkable 20-point comeback for the second consecutive game, sparking widespread fan reactions.

NBA
Basketball
Search Volume: 5K+

trail blazers vs pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans recently secured a decisive victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, sparking significant online discussion and post-game analysis.

NBA
Basketball

January 2nd, Friday

Search Volume: 1M+

alabama football

Alabama Football is trending due to intense social media reactions following their recent Rose Bowl CFP quarterfinal game against Indiana, where they faced a significant defeat.

College Football
NCAA
Search Volume: 500K+

behren morton

Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton is trending as fans debate his performance and health status amidst a challenging season, with social media buzzing about his impact on the team.

College Football
Texas Tech
Search Volume: 500K+

did eleven die in stranger things

Fans are buzzing about Eleven's fate in Stranger Things, especially with the final season approaching. Despite intense speculation and emotional scenes, Eleven is confirmed to be alive.

Stranger Things
Eleven
Search Volume: 200K+

sunderland vs man city

A recent 0-0 draw between Sunderland and Manchester City has sent ripples through the Premier League, particularly benefiting Arsenal in the title race.

Football
Premier League
Search Volume: 200K+

zohran mamdani

Zohran Mamdani, a prominent NYC mayoral candidate and democratic socialist, is trending due to recent backlash over past social media posts and controversial appointees.

NYC Politics
Mayoral Race
Search Volume: 200K+

ole miss football

Ole Miss football is trending due to passionate fan reactions, social media clashes, and discussions surrounding coach Lane Kiffin's influence and team performance.

College Football
Lane Kiffin
Search Volume: 200K+

alix earle

Alix Earle is trending due to her emotional journey on 'Dancing with the Stars,' sparking widespread reactions and discussions across social media platforms.

Social Media
Reality TV
Search Volume: 100K+

switzerland

Switzerland is trending as its Interior Minister considers a social media ban for children, sparking a national conversation about online safety and digital well-being.

Social Media
Child Safety
Search Volume: 100K+

curt cignetti

Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti is trending after making pointed remarks about SEC scheduling, drawing widespread social media reaction and igniting debate among college football fans.

College Football
SEC vs Big Ten
Search Volume: 100K+

austin mack

Austin Mack, a redshirt sophomore quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide, is trending due to his rising profile in college football and fan discussions about his potential.

College Football
Alabama Crimson Tide
Search Volume: 50K+

tracy cortez

UFC fighter Tracy Cortez is trending due to her active social media presence, recent fight reactions, and a viral New Year's celebration with Alex Pereira.

UFC
MMA
Search Volume: 50K+

stranger things spinoff

The possibility of a 'Stranger Things' spinoff is trending as fans react to the final season and conflicting reports about future projects from the Duffer Brothers.

Netflix
TV Series
Search Volume: 50K+

rockets vs nets

The recent Rockets vs. Nets game is trending due to a surprising outcome, fan reactions, and ongoing discussions about team performance and player interactions on social media.

NBA
Basketball
Search Volume: 50K+

año nuevo

Año Nuevo, or New Year, is trending as people worldwide share their celebrations, reflections, and hopes for the coming year, especially within Spanish-speaking communities.

New Year
Celebration
Search Volume: 20K+

montauk

Montauk is trending due to a surge in social media buzz, from reality TV filming and local business controversies to TikTok's influence on its identity.

Hamptons
Social Media
Search Volume: 20K+

crans montana

Crans-Montana is trending due to a devastating fire and explosion at a ski resort bar on New Year's Eve, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries.

Switzerland
Tragedy
Search Volume: 20K+

este haim

Este Haim, bassist for the band HAIM, is trending for her expressive 'bass face' and humorous reactions, often shared by her sisters and celebrity friends like Taylor Swift.

Music
Viral Trends
Search Volume: 20K+

heat vs pistons

The Detroit Pistons recently defeated the Miami Heat in a surprising upset, ending the Heat's nine-game losing streak and sparking significant fan reactions.

NBA
Basketball
Search Volume: 10K+

gunner stockton

Gunner Stockton, a quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs, is trending due to recent game performances, social media reactions, and controversies surrounding his public statements and interactions with sports commentators.

College Football
Georgia Bulldogs
Search Volume: 10K+

76ers vs mavericks

The recent clash between the Philadelphia 76ers and Dallas Mavericks, marked by a clutch finish and standout performances, has ignited significant fan discussion and social media buzz.

NBA
Basketball

January 1st, Thursday

Search Volume: 1M+

michigan vs texas

Michigan's recent loss to Texas in the Citrus Bowl has ignited widespread discussion and reactions across social media, particularly concerning the Wolverines' performance and future outlook.

College Football
Citrus Bowl
Search Volume: 1M+

miami fl vs ohio state

The announcement of an Ohio State vs. Miami Cotton Bowl matchup has sent social media into a frenzy, with fans from both sides expressing strong opinions and predictions.

College Football
Cotton Bowl
Search Volume: 200K+

vanderbilt football

Vanderbilt Football is trending after a stunning upset victory against #1 ranked Alabama, sparking widespread social media buzz and a Heisman controversy.

College Football
Sports Upset
Search Volume: 200K+

pistons vs lakers

The Detroit Pistons' recent victory over the Los Angeles Lakers has ignited significant buzz, especially given the Lakers' high expectations and the Pistons' underdog status.

NBA
Basketball
Search Volume: 200K+

new year's eve day 2025

New Year's Eve 2025 is trending early due to a surge in viral memes, social media reflections, and discussions about evolving celebration styles.

New Year's Eve
Social Media Trends
Search Volume: 200K+

stranger things

The final season of Stranger Things has dropped, leading to a massive wave of fan reactions, from excitement over character arcs to criticism of pacing and plot points.

Netflix
TV Series
Search Volume: 200K+

where to watch the ball drop

As New Year's Eve approaches, millions search for ways to watch the Times Square Ball Drop, a global tradition marking the start of a new year.

New Year's Eve
Live Stream
Search Volume: 100K+

warriors vs hornets

The Golden State Warriors and Charlotte Hornets game is trending due to a recent high-profile matchup, often featuring Steph Curry playing in his hometown, generating significant fan and media buzz.

NBA
Basketball
Search Volume: 100K+

arizona state vs duke

Recent social media buzz highlights past and future matchups between Arizona State and Duke, particularly in football and basketball, sparking fan reactions and discussions.

College Sports
NCAA
Search Volume: 100K+

nebraska vs utah

The recent Las Vegas Bowl game between Nebraska and Utah has ignited significant discussion among college football fans, particularly due to Nebraska's disappointing performance.

College Football
Sports Trending
Search Volume: 100K+

fin de año

Fin de Año, or year-end, is trending as people across Spanish-speaking cultures share memes, reactions, and preparations for New Year's Eve festivities, highlighting unique traditions and universal anticipation.

New Year's Eve
Cultural Celebrations
Search Volume: 50K+

happy new years eve

Happy New Year's Eve is trending as people worldwide prepare to usher in the new year, sharing greetings, memes, and resolutions across social media.

New Year
Celebration
Search Volume: 50K+

andy cohen and anderson cooper

Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper are trending due to their popular and often hilarious New Year's Eve hosting duties on CNN, particularly their tequila shots and candid reactions.

Celebrity Duo
New Year's Eve
Search Volume: 50K+

ball drop

The Times Square Ball Drop is trending as social media buzzes about the extreme lengths people go to witness the iconic New Year's Eve event, from wearing adult diapers to enduring freezing temperatures for hours.

New Year's Eve
Times Square
Search Volume: 50K+

feliz año nuevo 2026

The phrase 'Feliz Año Nuevo 2026' is trending as people worldwide, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, anticipate and celebrate the upcoming New Year.

New Year
Celebration
Search Volume: 50K+

happy new year 2026 wishes

The phrase 'Happy New Year 2026 wishes' is trending as people are already looking ahead, sharing humorous messages, and expressing hopes for the upcoming year on social media platforms.

New Year
Social Media Trends
Search Volume: 50K+

knicks vs spurs

The New York Knicks recently defeated the San Antonio Spurs in a highly anticipated NBA Cup Final, sparking widespread social media buzz and fan excitement.

NBA
Basketball
Search Volume: 20K+

nuggets vs raptors

The Denver Nuggets and Toronto Raptors matchup is trending due to recent games, controversial calls, and passionate fan reactions across social media.

NBA
Basketball
Search Volume: 20K+

trail blazers vs thunder

The rivalry between the Portland Trail Blazers and Oklahoma City Thunder is trending due to recent lopsided games and a memorable playoff moment.

NBA
Basketball
Search Volume: 20K+

dwight yoakam

Dwight Yoakam is trending as a new generation discovers his classic country hits through viral reaction videos, sparking renewed interest in his iconic sound.

Country Music
Reaction Videos