How to Lose a Popularity Contest (2026) — Release Date, Cast, Trailer Breakdown & Why This Tubi Original YA Rom-Com Is About to Explode Online

Tubi is coming in hot for 2026, and its newest YA romantic comedy, How to Lose a Popularity Contest, is already buzzing across social media. Premiering January 16, this high-school rom-com blends sabotage, slow-burn chemistry, academic rivalry, and the irresistible nostalgia of messy teenage elections.

If you loved Ginny & Georgia, The Perfect Date, or To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before — buckle up. This one has your name written all over it.

How to Lose a Popularity Contest is the new Tubi Original rom-com starring Sara Waisglass and Chase Hudson. Premiering January 16, the movie mixes teen drama, sabotage, romance, and hilarious chaos. Here's the full breakdown: plot, cast, trailer details, themes, and why this YA comedy is already becoming a 2026 must-watch.

🎬 What Is How to Lose a Popularity Contest About?

High-achieving student Ellie has her entire life planned to perfection — GPA immaculate, extracurriculars stacked, future crystal clear.

Until one thing sends her spiraling:

💔 Her ex-boyfriend enters the school election… and starts winning.

Determined to wreck his campaign, Ellie partners with the last person anyone would expect:

🔥 Nate, the school slacker with a mysterious charm, zero ambition, and a knack for chaos.

Their mission? Sabotage the school election and expose it as the shallow popularity contest it really is.

But here’s the problem: The more time Ellie spends with Nate, the harder it becomes to tell where their fake partnership ends…and where something real begins.

Enemies-to-lovers?

Check.

Academic vs. rebel dynamic?

Check.

Teen romance chaos?

Triple check.

🎥 Trailer Breakdown — Sabotage, Teen Sparks, and a Delicious Rivalry

The official teaser makes one thing clear:

➡️ This isn’t just another school election — it’s a war.

Here’s what the trailer reveals:

💥 1. A Strategic Partnership That Goes Very Wrong (and Very Right)

Ellie recruits Nate to help her take down her ex’s campaign… only for Nate’s unpredictable behavior to help and hurt her plan at the same time.

💥 2. Hilariously Petty Election Tactics

Expect campaign posters, sabotage attempts, viral moments, and the kind of over-the-top drama only high school politics can deliver.

💥 3. The Slow-Burn Shift From Rivals to Crushes

That classic YA spark is all over the trailer.

Sharp banter.Moments of accidental intimacy.

The tension is real.

💥 4. A Ton of Heart Underneath the Comedy

The trailer hints at deeper themes — self-worth, identity, and the fear of not being “enough” without achievements.

This isn’t just about winning or losing.

It’s about figuring out who you are when your perfect plan falls apart.

👥 Cast — YA Favorites and Rising Stars

How to Lose a Popularity Contest features a stacked young cast who already have massive fan followings:

⭐ Sara Waisglass (Ellie)

Known for Ginny & Georgia. Brilliant at delivering heartfelt teen angst with razor-sharp comedic timing.

⭐ Chase Hudson (Nate)

The musician and actor (Downfalls High) takes on his biggest acting role yet — and fans are already losing it.

Supporting Cast Includes:

• Lillian Doucet-Roche

• Graham Verchere

• Aiden Howard

• Kyra Leroux

• Jana Morrison

• Ecstasia Sanders

• Sebastien Roberts

• Sean Amsing

Directed by Stephen S. Campanelli, the film blends youthful energy with clean, emotional storytelling.

❤️ Why How to Lose a Popularity Contest Is Already Trending

This film checks every box that YA rom-com fans crave:

✔ Enemies-to-lovers energy

Ellie and Nate are perfect opposites — which makes their chemistry ignite.

✔ A relatable school setting

Elections, drama, heartbreak, rumors… all the familiar teenage chaos.

✔ A charming, chaotic male lead

Nate is unpredictable but lovable — the type of character who steals every scene.

✔ A heroine whose messy journey feels real

Ellie isn’t perfect. She’s smart, stubborn, panicky, and emotional… which makes her deeply relatable.

✔ Tubi’s growing YA audience

After several hits in 2025, Tubi’s teen originals now come with large built-in hype.This one is no exception.

🎯 Who Should Watch It?

This movie is guaranteed to hit if you enjoy:

• YA romantic comedies

• Teen dramas

• Enemies-to-lovers tropes

• School election chaos

• Comfort-watch vibes

• Movies with heart AND humor

If you grew up on Disney Channel rom-coms, Netflix YA originals, or Wattpad-style stories — this one is your next obsession.

📅 Release Date & Where to Watch

✨ Premiere Date: January 16, 2026

✨ Platform: Tubi (Free streaming)

✨ Region: United States & regions supported by Tubi

No subscription needed. No paywall.Just free teen rom-com chaos.

🔥 Final Verdict — This Might Be Tubi’s Breakout YA Hit of 2026

How to Lose a Popularity Contest is funny, messy, romantic, and full of that nostalgic high-school energy fans love. It has all the makings of a breakout YA hit:

• A lovable cast

• A hilarious rivalry-to-romance plot

• Sharp writing

• Emotional depth

• A completely binge-worthy tone

Tubi’s upcoming 2026 slate is strong, but this one feels like the movie that will dominate TikTok edits, Twitter reactions, and fan theories.

Mark January 16 on your calendar.

Ellie and Nate are about to steal the spotlight — and probably each other’s hearts. 💘