Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild” has taken over the charts — becoming the most popular TV song of the year after its viral debut on Netflix’s hit series Nobody Wants This
Sabrina Carpenter continues her unstoppable rise in the global pop scene, reaching yet another milestone with her chart-topping single “Manchild.” Thanks to its placement in the second season of Netflix’s acclaimed series Nobody Wants This, the track has become the No. 1 most popular TV song of October 2025, dominating both Billboard and streaming platforms worldwide.
According to Billboard and Luminate, “Manchild” racked up over 45.7 million streams in the U.S. and 4,000 digital sales in October alone, shooting straight to the top of the Top TV Songs Chart. The song, originally from Carpenter’s latest album Man’s Best Friend, found new life after featuring in the emotionally charged sixth episode of the series — instantly transforming it into a viral cultural moment.
The success of “Manchild” wasn’t accidental. The single had already reached the Billboard Hot 100 No.1 spot earlier in 2025, but its resurgence through Nobody Wants This elevated it to new heights. The song’s playful lyrics, sharp humor, and effortlessly confident energy encapsulate everything that defines Sabrina’s artistry — a mix of sweetness, irony, and modern pop sophistication.
The series itself, Nobody Wants This, became a phenomenon for its seamless integration of storytelling and music. Its second season premiered on October 23, 2025, drawing millions of viewers and praise for its curated soundtrack, which includes hits by Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Chappell Roan. Still, “Manchild” stood out, both for its placement in a pivotal scene and its emotional resonance with the show’s themes of identity and vulnerability.
On Billboard’s Top TV Songs Chart, Nobody Wants This dominated eight of the top ten positions, with Carpenter’s track leading the pack, followed by “Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappell Roan and classics like Rihanna’s “Stay” and Taylor Swift’s “…Ready For It?”
For Sabrina Carpenter, this success marks the culmination of a remarkable transformation. From her early Disney Channel roots to her current reign as a confident, self-aware pop icon, she’s crafted a brand built on charm, wit, and relatability. Her album Man’s Best Friend encapsulates her evolution — an exploration of love, fame, and independence wrapped in glossy pop production and lyrical humor.
“Manchild” in particular has become a generational anthem. With over 2 million TikTok videos using snippets of the song, it has turned into a cultural touchpoint for Gen Z — celebrating independence and self-expression with Carpenter’s signature playful defiance. The track’s infectious chorus and sharp lyrical edge made it not just a hit, but a statement.
Critics and fans alike have praised Carpenter for her ability to merge storytelling with commercial appeal. Her music walks the fine line between mainstream accessibility and artistic individuality, positioning her as one of the defining voices of the new pop era. As Rolling Stone recently described her, she’s “the new face of smart pop — a storyteller disguised as a superstar.”
Beyond “Manchild,” Carpenter continues to expand her sound, blending pop, R&B, and indie influences into a cohesive and authentic musical identity. Her songs are witty yet vulnerable, glamorous yet grounded — proof that pop can have both heart and substance.
As the Nobody Wants This soundtrack continues to dominate streaming charts, it’s clear that Sabrina Carpenter isn’t just having a moment — she’s shaping the sound of one.
Her success is no longer just about numbers or virality. It’s about impact.
And “Manchild” proves that when music meets emotion, even a TV moment can become pop history.
