Black mocked the dolls’ appearance, the blind-box craze, and extreme collector behaviors, including accessorizing them and performing rituals to ward off “bad juju.”

 

Comedian Lewis Black Returns To The 'End Of The Universe'…AKA Houston –  Houston Public Media

 

In a recent episode of “The Daily Show,” comedian Lewis Black tackled the bizarre phenomenon of Labubus, a new trend that has captivated collectors and toy enthusiasts alike.

The segment, which aired on September 18, 2025, featured Black’s signature blend of sharp wit and biting satire, as he dissected the cultural obsession surrounding these quirky, collectible dolls.

Set against the backdrop of a live studio audience, Black’s performance highlighted the absurdity of modern consumerism, particularly when it comes to seemingly pointless trends that drive adults to act like children.

The segment opened with Black addressing the audience, humorously lamenting the emptiness many people feel in their lives, which they fill with various distractions.

“If you’re like me, you have a deep and empty void in the middle of your soul,” he began, before joking about how some people turn to “booze and drugs” while others indulge in the latest celebrity gossip. He then shifted gears to focus on the topic at hand: Labubus.

 

Lewis Black | American Civil Liberties Union

 

Labubus, described as “a collectible vinyl and plush monster elf,” have emerged as a hot commodity in the toy market.

According to a field reporter featured in the segment, these tiny, fuzzy creatures have sparked a frenzy among collectors, who often wait in long lines just to get their hands on them.

“It’s not just kids, either. Adults are in on it too,” the reporter noted, prompting laughter from the audience.

Black’s incredulity was palpable as he responded, “What the [BLEEP] is a Labubu? And why do I have to spend what little time I have left knowing what they are?”

He continued to poke fun at the aesthetic of Labubus, likening them to “a Teletubby on meth” and mocking their lack of cuteness.

This humorous critique resonated with the audience, who appreciated Black’s ability to highlight the absurdity of adult collectors obsessing over such trivial items.

The laughter grew louder as he quipped, “When I was young, we had the pet rock. But at least you were able to smash yourself in the head when you realized you paid $5 for a [BLEEP] rock.”

 

Lewis Black | FortWayne.com

 

As the segment progressed, the absurdity of the Labubu craze deepened. The reporter explained that these dolls are sold in “blind boxes,” meaning consumers do not know which Labubu they are purchasing until they open the box.

This element of surprise only adds to the allure, but Black was unimpressed. “Oh my god. Is someone being stabbed to death? Because I hope it’s me,” he exclaimed, expressing his disbelief at the fervor surrounding the unboxing experience.

The audience roared with laughter as Black painted a picture of adults acting inappropriately excited over these dolls, contrasting their behavior with the more serious demeanor of previous generations.

“Does anyone remember when adults used to act like adults?” he asked, before launching into a series of jokes about the ridiculous lengths people go to for their Labubus, including accessorizing them with designer outfits and even wedding dresses.

One particularly outrageous anecdote involved a woman who had her Labubu snatched from her purse by a thief wielding a knife. Black’s reaction was a mix of disbelief and humor, as he quipped, “Take my kidney, but not the Labubu.”

This story underscored the lengths to which collectors will go to protect their prized possessions, revealing a culture that has spiraled into obsession.

 

Lewis Black - North Shore Center For The Performing Arts

 

The segment took a darker turn as Black discussed the rumors surrounding Labubus being linked to an ancient demon known as Pazuzu.

Some collectors, he noted, have taken to performing baptismal rituals to cleanse their dolls of any “bad juju.” Black’s commentary on this bizarre practice was both hilarious and unsettling, as he remarked, “Satan is back, everyone. And this time, he’s a purse trinket.”

Throughout the segment, Black’s comedic timing and delivery kept the audience engaged, as he expertly balanced humor with social commentary.

He concluded with a pitch for his own line of dolls, the “Lewis Black Lewbubus,” available in various moods like “angry,” “very angry,” and “horny.”

This self-referential marketing ploy was a fitting end to a segment that critiqued the absurdity of consumer culture while simultaneously participating in it.

As the laughter subsided and the segment ended, viewers were left contemplating the ridiculousness of modern trends and the lengths to which people will go to find meaning in their lives through material possessions.

Black’s performance served as a reminder that, while the world may be filled with absurdity, laughter is often the best way to cope with it.

The episode not only entertained but also provoked thought on the nature of consumerism, identity, and the sometimes ludicrous lengths to which people will go to connect with something—anything—in an increasingly chaotic world.

 

Lewis Black Asks, “What the F**k Is a Labubu?”