Exploring the Viral TikTok Trend ‘I Saw the TV Glow’

The burgeoning TikTok trend dubbed ‘I Saw the TV Glow’ centers around personal narratives of self-discovery and authenticity, primarily within the queer community. Inspired by the forthcoming film of the same name, this trend has resonated deeply with users, prompting them to share their experiences and reflections on societal expectations.

Unpacking the Symbolism of the ‘TV Glow’

At the core of this trend is the metaphor of “the TV glow,” which illustrates the concept of missed opportunities in embracing one’s true identity due to societal pressures and individual fears. In the film, the main character, Owen, grapples with his identity, especially regarding his desire to come out as transgender. Supported by his friend Maddy, Owen faces a crucial decision—suppress his true self or embrace it. Unfortunately, he opts for suppression, leading to a life filled with regret. The glowing TV represents his longing for authenticity, while turning it off symbolizes his struggle to pursue that desire.

The Trend Gains Traction on TikTok

Launched in November 2024, TikTok users began embracing this metaphor to narrate their own internal battles and societal pressures. One of the initial viral contributions came from TikToker @rekiloverr_r on November 13, with a thought-provoking post captioned: “when the TV is glowing but I’ve been trying to dim the light my whole life.” This poignant message garnered over 1.5 million views, culminating in a surge of similar content on the platform.

@rekiloverr_r
lowkey need someone to turn the gosh darn TV OFF #isawthetvglow #a24 #fyp #foru

♬ original sound – Hailey⁶³

On November 15, another TikToker, wrottingbats, shared a more optimistic perspective, stating that “letting the TV glow” was the best choice they had ever made, which gained nearly 900,000 views. This diverse array of stories showcases the powerful emotional landscape tied to the trend.

Later, TikToker emitaa.o contributed a remarkable video on November 16, sharing: “I saw the TV glow so unplugged it, did my makeup, and grew out my hair, but sometimes from afar I see the faint light of the TV flickering.” This emotional post struck a chord and reached 4.6 million views, further underscoring the trend’s impact.

@emita.o
Maybe in another life #isawthetvglow #fyp #foryou

♬ Anthems For A Seventeen Year-Old Girl – From “I Saw the TV Glow” – yeule

The Ongoing Impact and Future of the Trend

The ‘I Saw the TV Glow’ trend has sparked a wide spectrum of responses, from heartfelt confessions to empowering declarations of self-acceptance. As more users participate, the trend is set to expand further across TikTok’s For You Pages, indicating a robust community dialogue around identity and authenticity.

This trend is part of a larger pattern of movie-inspired content that has surged in popularity on TikTok, following other recent trends, such as October’s fascination with the Ghostface character from the iconic “Scream”franchise. The intersection of cinema and social media continues to provide fertile ground for personal narrative and communal expression.