‘How to Lose a Popularity Contest’: Sara Waisglass & Chase Hudson Team Up in New Trailer
Tubi’s the new epicenter of the teen rom-com! Fresh off Sidelined 2: Intercepted‘s success, the streamer has another romantic comedy on the way: How to Lose a Popularity Contest.
The movie is based on The Love List’s 2024 “Best Unproduced Romance Scripts” by Kaitlin Reilly and Dorian Keyes. How to Lose a Popularity Contest features two of young Hollywood’s most in-demand stars, including Ginny & Georgia breakout Sara Waisglass. “I have wanted to be part of a rom-com since I was a little kid, and this script is that and so much more. We’re having the best time making it, and I can’t wait for people to see the film,” the actress said in a statement.
A few weeks before its premiere, Tubi released the movie’s first trailer, which you can watch at the top of the page. From the cast to what we know about a release date, scroll down to get the latest updates about How to Lose a Popularity Contest.
When does How to Lose a Popularity Contest come out?
How to Lose a Popularity Contest hits Tubi on January 16, 2026. The film is part of Tubi’s growing young adult programming slate, which includes its Sidelined franchise. Noah Beck and Siena Agudong‘s Sidelined 2: Intercepted recently premiered on the platform, following the first movie’s 2024 release.
“Sara’s on-screen charisma and vulnerability are a perfect contrast with Chase’s roguish charm,” said Adam Lewinson, Tubi’s Chief Content Officer. “We’re excited to keep up the momentum with younger viewers by bringing fun and engaging YA content to Tubi with How to Lose a Popularity Contest.”
Who is in the How to Lose a Popularity Contest cast?
Actor, singer, and TikTok star Chase Hudson will play the leading role of Nate. After his rise in the world of TikTok, Hudson made music his primary focus and released his debut album, Teenage Heartbreak, in 2021. He starred in Downfalls High, the movie adaptation of Machine Gun Kelly‘s album, Tickets to My Downfall. How to Lose a Popularity Contest will mark Hudson’s first-ever rom-com!
Hudson saw himself in his character. “We share the same lingo, so it felt familiar to portray that on screen. I honestly felt like I was playing a younger version of myself,” Hudson told Teen Vogue. “I was also excited to tap back into my baseball roots and tell this story with such a great cast; we all became close. There were a few scenes I knew would challenge me, but I love a challenge.”
On June 30, Tubi announced that Waisglass had joined the cast as Hudson’s leading lady, Ellie. “Ellie is mean,” the actress said in the same Teen Vogue article. “She’s hurting, she’s got a lot of grief that she carries which makes her much more controlling (of her surroundings and her peers).”
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“I have wanted to be part of a rom-com since I was a little kid, and this script is that and so much more. We’re having the best time making it, and I can’t wait for people to see the film,” Waisglass said in a statement.
Hudson added, “Sara has all the qualities of a true rom-com actress. She’s so sweet and funny and a true pro when it comes to her craft! I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.”
What is How to Lose a Popularity Contest about?
How to Lose a Popularity Contest follows Ellie, an organized perfectionist who has accepted her fate as an unpopular high schooler looking forward to a future at a prestigious college where no one will call her “Max,” the unfortunate nickname she received from Nate (Hudson) years ago.
The movie is a “sharp, flirty high school rom-com about a charming underachiever and a type-A overachiever teaming up to win student body president — and maybe each other.”
Is there a How to Lose a Popularity Contest trailer?
In case you missed it, scroll up to see Waisglass and Hudson in action as Nate and Ellie. Once you watch, let us know what you think of what you’ve seen so far in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out Swooon‘s exclusive preview clip from the movie.
How to Lose a Popularity Contest, January 16, Tubi
