Playboy Drops Woke Act, Bunnies Return in Bold Rebrand

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Playboy magazine, after a significant shift in direction, is going back to its roots and abandoning its recent “woke” rebrand. This change, which some traditionalists have been waiting for, harks back to the formula that initially made it a cultural phenomenon. In February 2025, the magazine will make a triumphant return to print, with an issue that celebrates feminine beauty and adult content – much like its classic days.

The upcoming issue brings back beauty influencer Lori Harvey, playfully referred to as “America’s hottest nepo baby,” a witty reference to her well-known father, comedian Steve Harvey. Inside, readers can expect a stunning centerfold of Gillian Nation, the 2025 Playmate of the Year, showcased in a cowboy-themed photoshoot that honors her roots in Montana.

The transformation in quality that we’re seeing now is strikingly different from Playboy’s past blunders in the name of “inclusivity.” Previously, they were testing limits in ways that missed the mark, such as their debut of a transgender Playmate and covers showcasing non-binary celebrities. The editorial team, made up of two women and a gay man, all under 32 years old, had set out to challenge conventional notions of beauty, desire, and eroticism that were becoming stale and, in many cases, sexist.

After some missteps in the name of inclusivity, Playboy’s current quality is a stark contrast. Earlier attempts included featuring transgender models and non-binary celebrities on covers, which didn’t quite hit the mark. A young, diverse editorial team aimed to refresh ideas about beauty, attraction, and sensuality, but their approach was criticized as sexist at times.

Related Woke Joke: Former Playmate Says ‘Woke’ Playboy No Longer Relevant

The outcomes, unfortunately, followed an expected downfall. Nudity was prohibited, Playboy Bunnies were redefined as “brand representatives,” and the magazine started showcasing male models and advocates instead of the women readers had grown accustomed to. One rather awkward cover depicted three activists posing nude underwater, symbolizing “gender and sexual diversity.

It’s not surprising that the experimental shift towards “wokeness” led to a disastrous end for the magazine, as it was forced to halt its print edition within a year. Now, Playboy is making prudent adjustments by going back to the strategies that originally made it famous and widely recognized.

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This upcoming edition guarantees a “remarkable fusion of innovative material, daring narratives, and unprecedented cultural perspectives.” Inside, you’ll find intriguing pieces discussing current topics and conversations with well-known figures such as country artist Eric Church and comedian Nikki Glaser.

Stepping back from my usual stance as a critic, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the bold move made by this esteemed magazine. In a time when ideological purity often overshadows diversity, they dared to reprint an old interview with Donald Trump without adding their own voice.

This decision harks back to Playboy’s historic role of challenging norms through thought-provoking content rather than being dictated by a specific ideology. It’s a refreshing return to the magazine’s roots, and it’s this kind of fearless stance that keeps me looking forward to each new issue.

It was predicted by many that Playboy’s attempt to align with modern approval by abandoning its fundamental identity would ultimately fall short. Now, the magazine’s reversion to its original values serves not just as a triumph for the brand, but also as a cautionary tale for other companies considering surrendering their core principles in favor of political correctness. In essence, it appears that Hugh Hefner’s initial vision for Playboy – an ode to beauty, masculinity, and freedom of expression – continues to resonate powerfully in the current era.

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2025-02-20 16:00