When you think of satire that blurs the line between reality and absurdity, ‘The Onion’ “the original fake news” comes to mind. Launched in 1988 as a humble print newspaper in Madison, Wisconsin, this publication has grown into a cultural juggernaut. It delivers fake news with such sharp wit that readers often pause to question its authenticity. As Christine Wenc noted in her recent piece Funny Because It’s True, ‘The Onion’ earns its title as “the original fake news” by consistently poking fun at society’s quirks. With my knowledge fresh as of April 1, 2025, let’s dive into how this satirical powerhouse remains relevant amidst today’s chaotic media landscape, touching on recent trends and its enduring legacy.
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The Roots of Satire Done Right
‘The Onion’ started small, founded by two University of Wisconsin students, Tim Keck and Christopher Johnson. Initially, it targeted local audiences with absurd headlines like “Area Man Consults Refrigerator Light on Meaning of Life.” Fast forward to the digital age, and it’s now a global name in comedy. Its brilliance lies in mimicking real news so well that some folks—yes, even in 2025—mistake it for truth. I remember a friend texting me in a panic about a 2017 article claiming a man sued his dog for emotional distress. A quick laugh later, I reminded her: it’s The Onion. That’s the magic—satire so clever it fools you for a split second.
What sets it apart? The publication doesn’t just make stuff up; it reflects reality through a distorted lens. Take its coverage of tech trends. With Apple’s AI health coach, Project Mulberry, making waves in 2025, ‘The Onion’ could easily spin a headline like “Apple Watch Now Guilt-Trips Users Into Eating Kale.” It’s fake, but it lands because it mirrors our obsession with health tech.
‘The Onion’ “The Original Fake News” in 2025
Fast-forward to today, and ‘The Onion’ keeps evolving. Its YouTube relaunch in 2024 brought back the Onion News Network, a satirical show that first hit screens in 2007 and aired on IFC in 2011. Now, it’s thriving online with absurd gems like “Local Man Discovers Time Travel, Immediately Regrets It.” This revival taps into our craving for quick, funny content—perfect for a generation scrolling X or bingeing SABC+’s free streaming service. Speaking of X, posts there often highlight the confusion ‘The Onion’ sparks. One user recently quipped, “Every time I share an Onion link, someone calls it fake news—duh, that’s the point!”
Christine Wenc’s 2025 article nails it: ‘The Onion’ thrives because it’s “funny because it’s true.” Her take underscores how the site’s fake stories—like a hypothetical “Max Scherzer Retires After Thumb Declares Independence”—hit close to home. Scherzer’s real-life 2025 injury (thumb inflammation sidelining him with the Blue Jays) shows how ‘The Onion’ could twist a mundane sports update into comedy gold.
Why It Still Works
So, why does ‘The Onion’ endure when misinformation floods the internet? For one, it’s upfront about being fake. Unlike shady clickbait sites, it wears its satire badge proudly. Readers know what they’re getting: a laugh, not a lecture. Plus, its timing is impeccable. With iOS 18.4 dropping in 2025—think ambient music and Syrian flag emojis—’The Onion’ might jest, “New iPhone Update Lets Siri Judge Your Taste in Music.” It’s absurd yet relatable, especially as Apple pushes AI into every corner of our lives.
Another reason? It’s versatile. Whether mocking politics, tech, or celebrity news—like Dave Coulier’s cancer-free milestone in March 2025—’The Onion’ adapts. Picture this headline: “Uncle Joey Beats Cancer, Credits Cut-It-Out Catchphrase.” Silly? Sure. But it captures the public’s joy while adding a ridiculous twist. That’s the formula: take a nugget of truth and stretch it until it snaps into hilarity.
Quick Hits: ‘The Onion’ By the Numbers
- Founded: 1988
- YouTube relaunch: 2024
- Peak absurdity: 100% (unofficial stat, but you get it)
- Fooled readers: Countless since day one
‘The Onion’ “The Original Fake News” vs. Today’s Media
Compare ‘The Onion’ to modern media, and the contrast is stark. Real news outlets chase clicks with headlines about Apple’s health coach or SABC+’s free streaming. Meanwhile, ‘The Onion’ invents stories that feel just as plausible—like “Streaming Service Offers Free Therapy After Binge-Watching Fails to Fill Void.” It’s not competing with reality; it’s enhancing it. Where legit sources report Max Scherzer’s IL stint, ‘The Onion’ might claim his thumb started a rival team. The exaggeration makes you chuckle, then think.
Social media amplifies this. X users still debate whether an Onion post is real, proving its satire cuts deep. In a world where AI health tools and free streaming dominate headlines, ‘The Onion’ reminds us to laugh at ourselves. It’s not about fooling us—it’s about showing how foolish we can be.
The Future of Fake News
What’s next for ‘The Onion’? As tech and culture shift, it’ll keep pace. With Project Mulberry set for 2026, expect headlines like “AI Health Coach Recommends Screaming Into Void for Stress Relief.” Or, as SABC+ grows, maybe “Man Discovers Free Streaming, Still Watches Paint Dry.” Its strength is staying ahead of the curve, mocking what’s hot before we take it too seriously.
Could it falter? Doubtful. Satire’s timeless, and ‘The Onion’ has the chops to tweak its style without losing its edge. Even as misinformation swirls, its clear intent—humor, not harm—keeps it safe. Wenc’s right: it’s the original, and it’s still kicking.
Wrapping It Up
‘The Onion’ “the original fake news” isn’t just a relic of the ’80s—it’s a living, breathing satire machine. From its print roots to its 2024 YouTube glow-up, it’s proven that fake news can be a force for good laughs. In 2025, amidst AI health coaches, sports injuries, and free streaming, it’s as relevant as ever. Christine Wenc hit the nail on the head: it’s funny because it’s true. So, next time you see a wild headline, pause. Is it ‘The Onion’? If so, enjoy the ride—it’s been fooling us brilliantly for decades.
Share your thoughts on ‘The Onion’ and its best fake headlines in the comments below!