Picture this: You're a beloved actor from a hit TV show, and out of nowhere, you're playfully 'nabbed' on stage by a chart-topping pop star during a massive music festival. That's the wild reality for Joe Keery, the talented star of Stranger Things, who also rocks the stage as Djo. But here's where it gets controversial – this onstage 'arrest' isn't just a random gag; it's sparking all sorts of buzz about potential romance. Stick around, because the details are about to unfold in a way that might just change how you see celebrity interactions forever.
Joe Keery, known for his role in the Netflix sensation Stranger Things and his musical alter ego Djo, recently added another unforgettable chapter to his list of viral escapades. During Sabrina Carpenter's electrifying performance at Austin City Limits Festival on October 4, 2025, he became the latest victim – or should we say, willing participant – in her signature 'cuffing season' routine. This fun bit unfolds right before she dives into her catchy tune 'Juno,' and as per tradition, Carpenter whips out her iconic pink fluffy handcuffs to 'detain' a special guest.
A fan-shared clip on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) captures the magic. Carpenter, with her signature charm, asks Keery for his name and hometown. He responds that he's from Boston, and she quips that it 'sounds a lot like Austin' – a lighthearted nod to the festival's location. Then, she ramps up the flirtation: 'Joe, it's actually cuffing season. I don’t know if you know that.' For those new to the term, 'cuffing season' is a playful concept referring to the time of year when people seek out cozy, committed relationships, often tied to cooler weather – think autumn romances. Without missing a beat, Keery eagerly extends his wrists for the cuffs, drawing laughter from Carpenter as she exclaims, 'You seem very eager actually. This is so rare. You’re the one. We did it, Joe.'
This delightful tradition kicked off during Carpenter's Short n’ Sweet Tour back in 2024, where she 'arrests' surprise guests before belting out 'Juno.' Past 'prisoners' include fellow celebs like Millie Bobby Brown from Stranger Things, comedian Ayo Edebiri, and even members of the K-pop group TWICE – Jihyo, Momo, and Sana. Keery joins this elite lineup as the newest star to embrace the bit, proving that even Hollywood heavyweights aren't immune to a good-natured onstage prank.
And this is the part most people miss – the surprises kept coming. Carpenter didn't stop there; she brought out country music legend Shania Twain for an epic duet of her 1998 smash hit 'That Don’t Impress Me Much.' The crowd went wild, turning her ACL set into one of the festival's standout moments, blending pop energy with nostalgic vibes.
But here's where it gets really intriguing: Post-show, fans spotted that Keery and Carpenter had started following each other on Instagram, instantly igniting whispers of a budding romance. One enthusiastic fan tweeted, 'Joe Keery and Sabrina Carpenter would make such a cute couple that it makes me physically ill,' while another chimed in, 'Imagine going from Barry Keoghan to Joe Keery… let’s make it happen.' These rumors have fans divided – is this just friendly networking in the spotlight, or the start of something more? Some argue it's all staged for publicity, while others see genuine chemistry. What do you think – are these two destined for a real-life 'cuffing season' story, or is it just harmless fun?
Check out the viral ACL Fest video below – because, yes, we did it, Joe. And remember, celebrity moments like this remind us how unpredictable fame can be. Do you believe in these dating speculations, or do you think it's overblown hype? Share your opinions in the comments – let's debate!
