Wait. Stop for a second. Before you roll your eyes at another magazine cover, we need to talk about what actually happens behind the scenes of the People Sexiest Man Alive selection. It isn't just a group of editors staring at a thirst-trap Pinterest board until someone wins. Honestly, it’s a high-stakes chess match involving publicists, movie release calendars, and a very specific type of cultural "vibe" that changes every twelve months.
You’ve probably seen the 2025 reveal. Jonathan Bailey, the Bridgerton and Wicked star, officially took the mantle. He’s the first openly gay man to be the primary solo cover star for this title. That’s a massive deal. It's also a perfect example of how the list is evolving from the "tough guy" archetypes of the 80s into something much more nuanced.
The 2025 Choice: Why Jonathan Bailey Makes Sense
If you've watched Fellow Travelers or swooned over Lord Anthony Bridgerton, you get it. Bailey has this specific blend of old-school theater talent and modern charisma. He’s 37. He has a dog named Benson (who, let's be real, almost stole the cover shoot).
When he was announced on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in November 2025, the reaction was mostly: Finally. But the "why" matters here. Bailey wasn't just picked because he’s handsome. He’s leading the Wicked press tour. He’s in the new Jurassic World Rebirth. The People Sexiest Man Alive title is often a coronation for a guy who is having the "biggest year" of his career. It's a marketing masterpiece.
What Really Happened with the John Krasinski "Controversy"
Last year was different. When John Krasinski was named the 2024 winner, the internet basically broke in two. Half the people were thrilled because, well, it’s Jim Halpert. He’s the ultimate "guy you want to bring home to your parents." The other half? They were riotous. They wanted Glen Powell or Jeremy Allen White.
Krasinski’s reaction was actually pretty endearing. He told the magazine he thought he was being "punked." He joked that his wife, Emily Blunt, was going to wallpaper their house with the cover. But look closer at that choice. Krasinski isn't just an actor anymore; he's a powerhouse director and producer. Picking him was a nod to the "dad-sexy" energy that People readers (who are often the ones actually buying the physical magazines in grocery lines) absolutely adore.
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The Benny Blanco "Slight of Hand"
Remember the chaos right before the 2024 announcement? People thought Benny Blanco had won. He was featured in the issue with a guide on how to be a "sexy gentleman."
Twitter—or X, whatever we're calling it this week—went into a full-scale meltdown. People were asking if Selena Gomez paid for the feature. But he wasn't the winner. He was a "portfolio" feature. It was a clever bit of engagement bait. It got people talking about the People Sexiest Man Alive list days before the actual reveal. It worked perfectly.
The Secret History of the List
It all started in 1985. Mel Gibson was the first. Back then, "sexy" meant one thing: a rugged, often shirtless action star.
Since then, we've seen a lot of repeats. Richard Gere, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Johnny Depp have all won twice. But the criteria have shifted. It’s no longer just about who looks best in a suit.
- 1988: John F. Kennedy Jr. won. He’s still the only non-entertainer to take the top spot.
- 1989: Sean Connery won at 59. He remains the oldest winner in the list’s history.
- 2021: Paul Rudd won, and we all collectively agreed he doesn't age.
The list is a time capsule. If you look at the 90s winners, it’s all about that "brooding leading man" energy. The 2010s started leaning into the "Internet’s Boyfriend" era—think Ryan Reynolds (2010) or Chris Hemsworth (2014).
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How the Winner is Actually Chosen
Let’s get real. It isn't a popular vote. If it were, Pedro Pascal would probably win every single year until 2040.
The selection is a collaboration between People editors and Hollywood’s top PR firms. To be the People Sexiest Man Alive, a star usually has to agree to a massive cover story, a multi-day photo shoot, and an appearance on a late-night talk show. Some stars turn it down. Legend has it that Ryan Gosling has passed on the title multiple times because he finds the whole thing "cringe."
To win, you need three things:
- A Major Project: You need a movie or show coming out in November or December.
- Likability: You can’t be embroiled in a massive scandal. You need to be "safe" for the supermarket checkout lane.
- The "Yes": You have to be willing to play along with the joke.
Why We Still Care About a Magazine List
Is it silly? Yes. Is it objectifying? Probably. But the People Sexiest Man Alive issue is one of the few remaining monoculture moments. It’s something we all argue about at the same time.
It also reflects how we view masculinity. In 2023, Patrick Dempsey won at age 57. It was a "long-term achievement" award for McDreamy. It showed that "sexy" includes aging gracefully. Then you have Michael B. Jordan (2020), whose win focused heavily on his activism and his production company’s inclusion riders.
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We aren't just looking at faces anymore. We're looking at what these men stand for.
Actionable Takeaways for the Super-Fan
If you’re trying to predict the 2026 winner, don't just look at who is hot. Look at the calendar.
- Check the release dates: Who has a massive blockbuster coming out in Q4 of 2026?
- Follow the "Late Show" trail: People almost always reveals the winner on Stephen Colbert or Jimmy Fallon. Watch for which stars are booked for "mystery" appearances in early November.
- Watch the PR pivots: If an actor suddenly starts doing "wholesome" interviews about his dog or his cooking skills, he’s likely being groomed for a cover.
Keep an eye on Glen Powell. He’s been the runner-up in the cultural zeitgeist for two years straight. If he has a big 2026, he’s the safest bet in Hollywood. Or maybe, just maybe, they’ll finally give it to Pedro Pascal. We can dream.
The list is a game. Now that you know the rules, it’s a lot more fun to watch the pieces move. Just remember that at the end of the day, "sexiest" is usually synonymous with "most marketable."
Check the 2025 digital issue if you haven't seen Jonathan Bailey’s full spread yet. The interview about his foundation, The Shameless Fund, gives a lot of weight to why he was the right pick for this specific moment in time. It's a good read, even if you're just there for the pictures of the dog.