YouTube debates: Apologetics goldmine or frivolous rage-bait?

Ben Chang  |  Comment
Date posted:  30 Oct 2025
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YouTube debates: Apologetics goldmine or frivolous rage-bait?

A Jubilee 'Surrounded' video featuring Allie Beth Stuckey. Source: Jubilee & Allie Beth Stuckey on YouTube (screenshot)

In recent months, the online sphere has seen the remarkable viral rise of the long-form YouTube debate format.

For example, the popular “Surrounded” debates, hosted by the channel Jubilee, feature one prominent debater, or public figure, taking on 20 individuals with an opposing view, in a format that crosses a gladiatorial battle with speed dating.

The 90-minute videos regularly hit more than a million views, with some episodes, such as when liberal journalist Mehdi Hasan took on 20 “Far-Right Conservatives”, reaching over 13 million.

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