The “enemies-to-allies” trope has a new champion for the 2026 winter season. How to Lose a Popularity Contest, a Tubi Original YA romantic comedy, officially premiered on January 16, 2026, and has quickly become a top-trending title on social media.1 Starring Sara Waisglass (Ginny & Georgia) and TikTok star-turned-actor Chase Hudson (also known as Huddy), the film is being praised for its witty script and the surprising chemistry between its two leads.2
As of today, the film is fully available for streaming. Here is your definitive guide on how to watch the movie for free.
Official Streaming Guide: Tubi Exclusive
Because this is a Tubi Original, the film is hosted exclusively on the Tubi platform. Unlike Netflix or Prime Video, there is no subscription fee required to watch.3
Gandhi Talks Where to Watch
- Primary Platform: Tubi TV
- Cost: Free (Ad-supported).4 You do not even need to create an account to start watching, though signing in allows you to save your progress.
- Accessibility: Available on the Tubi app for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, iOS, Android, and major Smart TVs, or via web browser at Tubitv.com.5
International Viewing (Outside the US/Canada)
Tubi’s library varies by region due to licensing.6
- US/Canada/Australia: The film is widely available.
- UK/Europe/India: If the film is not appearing in your local Tubi library, fans have reported using a VPN connected to a US server to access the Tubi Original catalog.7
The Plot: Class President vs. The Underachiever
The film, directed by Stephen S. Campanelli, follows a classic high school rivalry with a modern twist.8
In Your Radiant Season Where to Watch
The Hook:
Ellie Pearse (Sara Waisglass) is a type-A overachiever who has meticulously planned her path to an Ivy League college.9 Her only obstacle? Her ex-boyfriend is running for student body president on a platform of pure popularity.10 To take him down, Ellie forms an unlikely—and highly dysfunctional—alliance with her former middle school bully and current slacker, Nate Reed (Chase Hudson).11 Their mission is simple: make the ex lose. However, the plan goes off the rails when Ellie and Nate begin to realize their old rivalry might have been masking something else entirely.
Cast & Crew
| Role | Actor | Known For |
| Ellie Pearse | Sara Waisglass | Ginny & Georgia, Degrassi |
| Nate Reed | Chase Hudson | Downfalls High, Musician (Huddy) |
| Rowan Cross | Graham Verchere | The Good Doctor |
| Quinn | Lillian Doucet-Roche | A Cinderella Story |
| Director | Stephen S. Campanelli | Drinkwater, Indian Horse |
Quick Watch Summary
| Platform | Type | Region |
| Tubi | Free (Ad-Supported) | US, Canada, Australia (Primary) |
| Apple TV | Rental / Purchase | Expected Late 2026 |
| Netflix | Subscription | Not Available |
Editor’s Note: The “Huddy” Factor
The film has sparked a massive wave of “edit” videos on TikTok, with many fans noting that Chase Hudson has significantly improved his acting chops since his debut in Downfalls High. The film currently holds a strong audience rating on platforms like Letterboxd and IMDb for its “comfort movie” energy.
