REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – MARCH 04: Globie of Harlem Globetrotter greets fans during the Harlem Globetrotters World Tour 2025 on March 04, 2025 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Fabio Patamia/Getty Images)
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In a media landscape — and a world — often dominated by negativity, one trend is rising above the noise: positivity. From Steve Burns, the original host of Blue’s Clues, and “America’s Mom,” Tabitha Brown, offering comforting words on social media, to the Harlem Globetrotters partnering with UP Entertainment, to The Spirit Tunnel on The Jennifer Hudson Show, and even transit karaoke turning daily commutes into shared entertainment, optimism is making its mark.
Positivity isn’t new; it has been a cornerstone of storytelling since television’s earliest days. Classic shows from Father Knows Best and Leave It to Beaver to The Brady Bunch and The Waltons demonstrated the appeal of feel-good narratives, showing that audiences connect deeply with humor, kindness, and hope. Today, when scandal, disaster, and polarizing political narratives dominate headlines, uplifting stories can stand out even more — sparking emotional connections, encouraging sharing, and fostering loyalty in ways sensationalism rarely can.
February 1965: Promotional portrait of the cast of the television series, ‘Father Knows Best’. Clockwise from lower left: Billy Gray, Elinor Donahue, Robert Young, Jane Wyatt and Lauren Chapin. (Photo by Screen Gems/Getty Images)
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It’s not just audiences who benefit. Brands and businesses see the upside too. Campaigns rooted in hope, joy, and human connection drive stronger engagement, better recall, and lasting customer trust. As Dave Morgan, President and CEO of Simulmedia, notes, “This is clearly an important need, given the power of advertising to shape hearts and minds in America and the amount of negativity that Americans are seeing in their social media and news feeds.”
Launched in 2008, Simulmedia pioneered a data-first approach to TV and video advertising, helping brands target, plan, activate, measure, and optimize campaigns. Morgan adds, “We are seeing more positive messages on television this year.”
UP Entertainment Leads the Charge
No brand embodies this shift more than UP Entertainment, long known for championing uplifting content across cable, satellite, and streaming. On October 30, UP will celebrate its second annual National UPlift Someone Day, a holiday established in partnership with the National Day Archives last year to mark the network’s 20th anniversary and core mission: to uplift someone.
“National UPlift Someone Day is a celebration of kindness, connection, and the power of positive action,” said Charley Humbard, Founder and CEO of UP Entertainment. “As we head into the holiday season, we’re proud to partner with organizations that share our mission — and to kick off our Christmas programming, because nothing lifts spirits quite like a feel-good holiday movie.”
National UPlift Someone Day was created by UP Entertainment to amplify its mission beyond its content and foster a lasting positive impact on communities nationwide’
UP Entertainment
This year, UP is teaming with Feeding America to spotlight food insecurity while encouraging donations and volunteerism, and with Unique Travel Corp. on an “Uplifting Escape” sweepstakes for a Caribbean getaway. Additionally, the Harlem Globetrotters — celebrating their centennial in 2026 — are joining the festivities, encouraging fans to participate via social media and newsletters.
Uplifting, Family-Friendly, and Inspiring
From the beginning, the Harlem Globetrotters have entertained audiences while spreading messages of teamwork, sportsmanship, optimism, and fun. Beyond the court, they engage in community outreach, youth programs, and global tours, leaving a lasting, uplifting impact on fans of all ages.
“Uplifting fans and spreading joy is who we are and all that we do for 100 years and beyond. It’s the backbone of why we came to be, and the core of that messaging is in our DNA every time we step foot on courts around the world,” said Keith Dawkins, President of the Harlem Globetrotters & Herschend Entertainment Studios. “We see the love our fans bring, from parents and grandparents reliving their best Globetrotters memories and passing them down to the next generation. We look forward to celebrating our centennial with fans worldwide.”
Dawkins added, “Authenticity, joy, and love will always be a smart business strategy. We know this because we see it every day at our games and as Goodwill Ambassadors around the world. People from all walks of life want to feel the impact of happiness, and we strive to provide that to our countless fans.”
The Harlem Globetrotters, celebrating their centennial in 2026, are participating in National UPlift Someone Day, encouraging fans to participate via social media and newsletters.
Harlem Globetrotters
Random Acts of Kindness
Fans can also participate on National UPlift Someone Day: compliment a stranger, check in with family or friends, volunteer at shelters, donate food or blood, leave inspiring notes for teachers or first responders, or share encouraging messages online. Small gestures like these can create meaningful ripples in communities worldwide.
Beyond Brands: Everyday Positivity
The trend toward optimism extends far beyond branded campaigns. Steve Burns’ TikTok presence has introduced him as a reassuring voice to a new generation, offering words of encouragement in short, digestible videos. Viral transit karaoke sessions turn routine commutes into moments of shared joy and connection. The Spirit Tunnel on The Jennifer Hudson Show forms a celebratory tunnel for celebrity guests, spreading excitement and positivity.
Even social media, often criticized for amplifying negativity, is proving to be a platform for optimism. Hashtags promoting kindness, mental health awareness, and small acts of generosity regularly trend, showing that audiences are actively seeking and amplifying positive content.
BATH, UNITED KINGDOM – In this photo illustration, iPhone screens display various social media apps on the screens on February 9, 2025 in Bath, England. (Photo by Anna Barclay/Getty Images)
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Why Positivity Works in Media
Uplifting content isn’t just feel-good — it’s effective. Decades of advertising research show that emotionally resonant messages, particularly those rooted in hope and human connection, are more memorable, shareable, and influential than fear- or outrage-based messaging. Brands have leveraged this principle, creating campaigns that transcend demographics and cultures by focusing on universally human experiences: joy, empathy, and togetherness.
“Brands want to transcend some of the negative narratives around political issues and find higher ground,” noted Morgan. “Ideally, we will see more of these campaigns driven with empirical data, making the case that things are much more positive than many believe.”
The Bottom Line
Media — and society — benefit when kindness, hope, and connection are amplified. A celebration like UP Entertainment’s National UPlift Someone Day demonstrates that optimism is not only welcome but effective. In a world often overwhelmed by negativity, positivity is emerging as the new currency of influence, capable of shaping culture, driving engagement, and inspiring real change.
Through small gestures, engaging content, and thoughtful campaigns, everyday acts of uplift — whether through media, social platforms, or personal interactions — can transform communities, spark conversations, and ultimately remind us that optimism isn’t just a feeling; it’s a movement.