Building the 2025 Mount Rushmore

This year saw some pretty spectacular pop culture moments… but there’s a few we hope to never see again. 

We’re breaking down the best and worst of 2025, from blockbuster hits like KPop Demon Hunters and Sinners, to the rebirth of rock with bands like Geese. 

Sam takes on this big task with help from Traci Thomas, host of The Stacks podcast, and Franklin Leonard, founder of The Black List. One thing they all agreed on? Ms. Rachel just might be this year’s unsung hero.

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The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.