Sign in

The Onion: 20 Years Later

@onion20.substack.com
1.3K followers 111 following 536 posts

A weekly review by @jamesdasilva.bsky.social of The Onion from 20 years ago (print and web). Sign up for the newsletter onion20.substack.com. Love The Onion but not affiliated.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by The Onion: 20 Years Later
lauren @lauren.rotatingsandwiches.com · 19h
baseball in 2026 is like "the home team's starting pitcher gutted it out through thick and thin in a herculean effort of four and one third innings"
1770445
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 11/10/2026
20 years ago, Stan Kelly’s Sicko debuted in The Onion (I think). On Oct. 10, 2006, we also get columnist Jackie Harvey, letters to the editor, and jokes about Bin Laden’s mom, Public Enemy, Eva Longoria and more. onion20.substack.com/p/the-onion-... #theonion #satire
onion20.substack.com
In October 2006, Stan Kelly’s Sicko appeared for the 1st time
On Oct. 10, 2006, we also get columnist Jackie Harvey, letters to the editor, and jokes about Bin Laden’s mom, Public Enemy, Eva Longoria and more.
084
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 10/10/2026
In 2006, The Onion ran a fantasy football league with the goal of picking the worst players. I can't find any writeups on it, and I mostly know it from The Onion’s own advertising, as seen here in the Oct. 10, 2006, print issue. If anyone participated in this league, I’d love to hear from you!
041
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 09/10/2026
Here’s an ad from the Madison, Wisconsin, edition of The Onion from Oct. 10, 2006. I love when the advertisers try even a fraction as hard as the joke-writers.
020
Reposted by The Onion: 20 Years Later
The Onion @theonion.com · 08/10/2026
From The Archive: DOJ To Bring Back Firing Squad As Means Of Entertainment
theonion.com
DOJ To Bring Back Firing Squad As Means Of Entertainment
WASHINGTON—In an effort to provide some joy to the nation and boost overall well-being, Justice Department officials announced plans Monday to bring back firing squads as a means of entertainment. “Fo...
902986731
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 07/10/2026
The Onion’s President Bush chatted with Mark Foley 20 years ago. Plus, more web-only jokes from Oct. 4-10, 2006, including about American hubris, Netflix, North Korea, KISS, Tiger Woods, Sen. Russ Feingold and bird flu. onion20.substack.com/p/the-onion-... #theonion #satire
onion20.substack.com
The Onion had audio of President Bush chatting with Mark Foley
Plus, more web-only jokes from Oct. 4-10, 2006, including about American hubris, Netflix, North Korea, KISS, Tiger Woods, Sen. Russ Feingold and bird flu.
010
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 04/10/2026
The Onion boycotted Pope-branded products 20 years ago. Plus, jokes about Pope Benedict XVI, President Bush, Britney Spears, Stan Kelly, parental role models, young stars, therapists, underfunded schools and more. onion20.substack.com/p/the-onion-... #theonion #satire
onion20.substack.com
In October 2006, The Onion mocked Boston’s college scene
Plus, jokes about Pope Benedict XVI, President Bush, Britney Spears, Stan Kelly, parental role models, young stars, therapists, underfunded schools and more.
010
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 30/09/2026
20 years ago, The Onion mocked Rep. Mark Foley and Teri Hatcher. From Sept. 27-Oct. 3, 2006, The Onion's website joked about Mark Foley, Terri Hatcher, TSA’s liquids policy, Uwe Boll, the Ryder Cup, Terrell Owens and more. onion20.substack.com/p/the-onion-... #theonion #satire
onion20.substack.com
That time The Onion mocked Rep. Mark Foley and Teri Hatcher
From Sept. 27-Oct. 3, 2006, The Onion's website joked about Mark Foley, Terri Hatcher, TSA’s liquids policy, Uwe Boll, the Ryder Cup, Terrell Owens and more.
000
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 27/09/2026
20 years ago, The Onion was sickened by a happy young couple. Plus, jokes about U.S.-Iran tensions, John Bolton, Craigslist, a young couple in love, “The Scream,” “Gilmore Girls,” sexism in business and much more. onion20.substack.com/p/the-onion-... #theonion #satire
onion20.substack.com
The Onion tried to save Blockbuster in September 2006
Plus, jokes about U.S.-Iran tensions, John Bolton, Craigslist, a young couple in love, “The Scream,” “Gilmore Girls,” sexism in business and much more.
010
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 26/09/2026
The Onion's 9/11 issue published 25 years ago today
onion20.substack.com
The Onion's 9/11 issue, 20 years later
The Onion was just trying to figure out how to acknowledge a tragedy. The result was a historical document that's also quite funny.
021
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 24/09/2026
23 years ago, The Onion warned of Canada-India conflict, found Encyclopedia Brown dead in a dumpster and reported on the 1st Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez breakup.
onion20.substack.com
20 years ago, The Onion murdered Encyclopedia Brown
Also, The Onion predicted Canada and India's diplomatic row, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez break up, the U.S. divests from children and reunites church and state, and a double entendre goes wrong.
000
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 23/09/2026
The Onion mocked Reggie Bush’s internship in September 2006. Plus, jokes about autumn, Pope Benedict XVI, President Bush’s UN speech, Manny Ramirez, Kobe Bryant, Willie Nelson, Richard Branson and more onion20.substack.com/p/the-onion-... #theonion #satire
onion20.substack.com
The Onion mocked Reggie Bush’s internship in September 2006
Plus, jokes about autumn, Pope Benedict XVI, President Bush’s UN speech, Manny Ramirez, Kobe Bryant, Willie Nelson, Richard Branson and more
010
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 22/09/2026
22 years ago, The Onion mocked Matchbox Twenty's "Beige" sound, the al-Qaeda convention, interventions, Russell Crowe, The Ramones and more.
onion20.substack.com
20 years ago, The Onion mocked Matchbox Twenty
I listened to Matchbox Twenty to prepare for this newsletter. Plus, The Onion skewers terrorism fears, interventions, office lunches, Russell Crowe, The Ramones and more.
021
Reposted by The Onion: 20 Years Later
rob @ok-but-still.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
347282869
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 20/09/2026
20 years ago, The Onion mocked the Jersey Shore and Lil Wayne. Plus, jokes about Fat Joe and Lil Wayne, priests, sharks, Mister Rogers, Diddy, go-karting, brunch and more onion20.substack.com/p/20-years-a... #theonion #satire
onion20.substack.com
20 years ago, The Onion mocked the Jersey Shore
Plus, jokes about Fat Joe and Lil Wayne, priests, sharks, Mister Rogers, Diddy, go-karting, brunch and more
053
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 19/09/2026
Much more from 20 years ago in The Onion's jokes here: onion20.substack.com/p/the-onion-...
onion20.substack.com
The Onion had Bush declare war on truth in September 2006
From Sept. 13-19, 2006, The Onion joked about Bush's war on truth, plus LeBron James, Ben Roethlisberger, Rick Moranis, Charlie Sheen, Michael Phelps and more.
000
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 19/09/2026
20 years ago, the Senate published a report that showed Iraq was not involved in 9/11. The Onion was ready with this impression of President George W. Bush, who says: "Truth, and to a lesser extent, laws, stand in the way of our freedoms." Thanks to @archive.org for preserving this audio!
102
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 16/09/2026
The Onion had Bush declare war on truth 20 years ago. From Sept. 13-19, 2006, The Onion joked about Bush's war on truth, plus LeBron James, Ben Roethlisberger, Rick Moranis, Charlie Sheen, Michael Phelps and more. onion20.substack.com/p/the-onion-... #theonion #satire
onion20.substack.com
The Onion had Bush declare war on truth in September 2006
From Sept. 13-19, 2006, The Onion joked about Bush's war on truth, plus LeBron James, Ben Roethlisberger, Rick Moranis, Charlie Sheen, Michael Phelps and more.
000
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 13/09/2026
20 years ago, America wasn’t prepared for the apocalypse. Plus, Stan Kelly avenges Steve Irwin, and jokes about Jimmy Buffett, Paul Reiser, guys who love Asia and more onion20.substack.com/p/the-onion-... #theonion #satire
onion20.substack.com
20 years ago, we weren’t prepared for the apocalypse
Plus, Stan Kelly avenges Steve Irwin, and jokes about Jimmy Buffett, Paul Reiser, guys who love Asia and more
030
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 11/09/2026
9/11-related Onion items: An oral history of the 9/11 issue: melmagazine.com/en-us/story/... This podcast on humor after 9/11: www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5dT... A 2011 profile quoting Onion staffers: web.archive.org/web/20210518... My review of the 9/11 issue: onion20.substack.com/p/the-onions...
020
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 11/09/2026
@TheOnion.com's famous 9/11 issue didn't publish until Sept. 26, 2001. But on the 25th anniversary of the attacks, here's my look back at this pivotal, endearing and historic issue from The Onion. onion20.substack.com/p/the-onions...
012
Reposted by The Onion: 20 Years Later
The Onion @theonion.com · 10/09/2026
Al Qaeda: "9/11 Conspiracy Theories Ridiculous"
1149057
Reposted by The Onion: 20 Years Later
The Onion @theonion.com · 10/09/2026
Locust Humiliated Swarm He Organized Only Got 40 Million Attendees theonion.com/locust-humiliated-swar…
Locust Humiliated Swarm He Organized Only Got 40 Million Attendees
12119699
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 09/09/2026
The Onion hated Alex Rodriguez’s guts 20 years ago. From Sept. 6-12, 2006, The Onion wrote 14 jokes about A-Rod! Plus, President Bush speaks about secret prisons, a gender-reassignment joke and more. onion20.substack.com/p/the-onion-... #theonion #satire
onion20.substack.com
The Onion devoted an entire week to Alex Rodriguez jokes in September 2006
From Sept. 6-12, 2006, The Onion wrote 14 jokes about A-Rod! Plus, President Bush speaks about secret prisons, a gender-reassignment joke and more.
011
Reposted by The Onion: 20 Years Later
The Onion @theonion.com · 07/09/2026
The moment that transformed journalism forever is finally back in print. Become an Onion member, and get your reissue of our historic 9/11 edition. membership.theonion.com/totepromo/?…
The moment that transformed journalism forever is finally back in print. Become an Onion member, and get your reissue of our historic 9/11 edition.
566956
Reposted by The Onion: 20 Years Later
Ben Collins @bencollins.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Here's an anecdote: On 9/10/2001, The Onion staff had a New York launch party at the Bowery Ballroom to celebrate the staff's move from Madison, Wisconsin to New York City. They woke up hungover, took a week off, and then produced one of the greatest front pages in the history of newspapers.
904434752
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 06/09/2026
20 years ago, The Onion marked 5 years since 9/11 by criticizing the WTC site. Plus, Stan Kelly weighs in on Pluto, and jokes about “Macho Man” Randy Savage, an Area Picnic, airport security and more onion20.substack.com/p/the-onion-... #theonion #satire
onion20.substack.com
The Onion marked 5 years since 9/11 by criticizing the WTC site
Plus, Stan Kelly weighs in on Pluto, and jokes about “Macho Man” Randy Savage, an Area Picnic, airport security and more
011
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 04/09/2026
This is a great idea
010
Reposted by The Onion: 20 Years Later
The Onion @theonion.com · 04/09/2026
Journalism's most heroic moment is back in print. Become an Onion member, and get a reissue of our historic 9/11 edition. membership.theonion.com/totepromo/?…
Journalism's most heroic moment is back in print. Become an Onion member, and get a reissue of our historic 9/11 edition.
725224
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 02/09/2026
Bush shot birds and chased true love in The Onion 20 years ago. Plus, RIP the Crocodile Hunter, and jokes about Darfur, Terrell Owens, Katherine Harris, football, tennis and more onion20.substack.com/p/bush-birds... #theonion #satire
onion20.substack.com
Bush shot birds and chased true love in The Onion 20 years ago
Plus, RIP the Crocodile Hunter, and jokes about Darfur, Terrell Owens, Katherine Harris, football, tennis and more
031
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 01/09/2026
I discovered that @TheOnion.com published a special back-to-school issue in September 2006. It ran 64 pages(!) and included a bunch of new jokes. I’m sharing images, including some of the advertisements. If you’re feeling nostalgic, this is for you. onion20.substack.com/p/the-onion-...
010
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 01/09/2026
The Onion published a back-to-school special issue in September 2006. Welcome back to The Onion: 20 Years Later, where we review the print issue from 20 years ago, find out what’s still funny and examine the cultural impact. onion20.substack.com/p/the-onion-... #theonion #satire
onion20.substack.com
The Onion published a back-to-school special issue in September 2006
Welcome back to The Onion: 20 Years Later, where we review the print issue from 20 years ago, find out what’s still funny and examine the cultural impact.
001
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 31/08/2026
Given all the White House renovations and construction, I'm surprised I haven't seen this very old Onion joke resurface. It helps to know that Harding was a big-time philanderer who wrote dirty love letters. theonion.com/white-house-...
theonion.com
White House Closed For $30 Million Renovation Of Warren G. Harding Presidential Sex-Fantasy Pleasure Suite
WASHINGTON, DC—The White House was closed Monday to allow for a two-week, $30 million restoration and refurbishment of the 76-year-old Warren G. Harding Memorial Sex-Fantasy Pleasure Suite.
001
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 30/08/2026
20 years ago, Smoove B declined his ex’s wedding invitation. Plus, jokes about President Bush, your local news Al-Qaeda leaders, “7th Heaven,” police dogs, Adam Carolla and more onion20.substack.com/p/august-200... #theonion #satire
onion20.substack.com
20 years ago, Smoove B declined his ex’s wedding invitation
Plus, jokes about President Bush, your local news Al-Qaeda leaders, “7th Heaven,” police dogs, Adam Carolla and more
031
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 29/08/2026
The Onion wrote about fonts, equal rights and Julia Roberts' breakup 25 years ago. Enjoy a great Onion issue that caters to pre-9/11 silliness.
onion20.substack.com
The Onion wrote about fonts, equal rights and Julia Roberts' breakup 20 years ago
Enjoy a great Onion issue that caters to pre-9/11 silliness.
000
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 28/08/2026
Good profile of @TheOnion.com by @samblum.bsky.social. The Onion is making a lot more in revenue under the new ownership, as well as growing print from zero to 85,000 paying subscribers. www.inc.com/sam-blum/the...
000
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 28/08/2026
In August 2006, President George W. Bush boasted of having read 60 books that year already, including Albert Camus’ “The Stranger.” The Onion responded with this Presidential Radio Address, in which Bush also talks about reading.
010
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 28/08/2026
24 years ago, America's king reclaimed his throne. The Onion in August 2002 also commented on sports fandom, middle-class tax hikes, NSFW pools and invading Iraq
onion20.substack.com
20 years ago, America's king reclaimed his throne
The Onion in August 2002 also commented on sports fandom, middle-class tax hikes, NSFW pools and invading Iraq
000
Reposted by The Onion: 20 Years Later
LoadingReadyRun @loadingreadyrun.com · 27/08/2026
The response to this years Sub-A-Thon has been really incredible. Thanks to everyone who’s tuned in for the first couple days. We hope you’re enjoying it 😊 Still going strong over at twitch.tv/loadingready...
twitch.tv
LoadingReadyRun - Live on Twitch
Mind Jack Watch & Play || 2026 LoadingReadyRun Sub-A-Thon | Streaming mindjack for 1370 viewers.
0422
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 27/08/2026
23 years ago, The Onion anthropomorphized recyclables. On Aug. 26, 2003, The Onion gave ethnicities to anthropomorphic recyclables. We also look at Burning Man, match.com, and mad scientists.
onion20.substack.com
20 years ago, The Onion anthropomorphized recyclables
We also examine Burning Man, Match.com, "soft on crime" DAs, reality shows and the 20th anniversary of "The O.C."
010
Reposted by The Onion: 20 Years Later
The Onion @theonion.com · 26/08/2026
Dolly Parton Troubled To Find God Illiterate theonion.com/dolly-parton-troubled-…
Dolly Parton Troubled To Find God Illiterate
715932702
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 26/08/2026
The Onion didn't joke about Dolly Parton too often, and understandably so! Here's the full collection of references to and jokes about Dolly, or at least the ones still on The Onion's website: theonion.com?s=dolly%20pa...
theonion.com
You searched for dolly parton - The Onion
Become a Member. Get the Paper.
010
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 26/08/2026
20 years ago, The Onion talked about the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry. Plus, Bush learns to read, and jokes about steroids, the University of Michigan, Tiger Woods, “Survivor” the Camaro and more onion20.substack.com/p/the-onion-... #theonion #satire
onion20.substack.com
20 years ago, The Onion talked about the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry
Plus, Bush learns to read, and jokes about steroids, the University of Michigan, Tiger Woods, “Survivor” the Camaro and more
010
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 23/08/2026
The Onion discussed gentrification and drone strikes 20 years ago. Welcome back to The Onion: 20 Years Later, where we review the print issue from 20 years ago, find out what’s still funny and examine the cultural impact. onion20.substack.com/p/the-onion-... #theonion #satire
onion20.substack.com
The Onion talked about gentrification and drone strikes 20 years ago
Welcome back to The Onion: 20 Years Later, where we review the print issue from 20 years ago, find out what’s still funny and examine the cultural impact.
021
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 22/08/2026
"Today Now" is up there with my favorite things The Onion has ever done, and so I'm delighted to see this interview with "Jim Haggerty" and learn more about what he's doing now. Also, kinda odd that they've never introduced him to Tim Heidecker. www.avclub.com/brad-holbroo...
avclub.com
Brad Holbrook spews the truth on The Onion’s Jim Haggerty
Brad Holbrook spews the truth on The Onion’s Jim Haggerty
020
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 22/08/2026
24 years ago today, The Onion published a print issue that somehow had mentions of Calvin Coolidge, Joe Biden, the columnist Smoove B and also this illustration of a dapper monkey with a pipe. onion20.substack.com/p/20-years-a...
020
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 21/08/2026
A very good collection of someone's favorite Onion jokes, from 2023. Felt it was worth sharing with y'all. samuelpchapman.wordpress.com/2023/10/11/m...
samuelpchapman.wordpress.com
My Top 20 Onion Articles
I’ve been reading The Onion since it had a print edition, which was in the era when “fake news” was still a genre of comedy and not a direct threat to democracy. When you crank ou…
120
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 20/08/2026
I chronicle these jokes and much more every week: onion20.substack.com/p/the-onion-...
onion20.substack.com
Revisiting The Onion’s jokes about "Snakes on a Plane," the Unabomber and more
Jokes about "Snakes on a Plane," the Unabomber, Brett Favre, Randy Johnson, Matthew McConaughey, ESPN's credibility, dogs in purses and much more.
010
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 20/08/2026
It’s been 20 years since “Snakes on a Plane” came out, and @TheOnion.com had something to say about it. This is a surprisingly good Samuel L. Jackson impersonation in addition to the always strong George W. Bush voiceover.
111
The Onion: 20 Years Later @onion20.substack.com · 19/08/2026
Revisiting The Onion’s jokes about "Snakes on a Plane," the Unabomber and more. Jokes about "Snakes on a Plane," the Unabomber, Brett Favre, Randy Johnson, Matthew McConaughey, ESPN's credibility, dogs in purses and much more. onion20.substack.com/p/the-onion-... #theonion #satire
onion20.substack.com
Reviewing The Onion's web-only jokes: Aug. 16-22, 2006
Jokes about "Snakes on a Plane," the Unabomber, Brett Favre, Randy Johnson, Matthew McConaughey, ESPN's credibility, dogs in purses and much more.
010