A tag team consisting of a reality TV star and the former CEO of the world’s largest professional wrestling organization wants to dismantle the Education Department. This unlikely duo’s rise to power began a quarter century ago, when a sea of shlock engulfed America, propelling Linda and Vince McMahon to become billionaires and Donald Trump to announce his first presidential run.

Some critics regard 1999 as the greatest year in cinema history and the birthdate of prestige TV. But the popular taste of the time was low culture. MTV, still very powerful in dictating youth trends, began the new year with Limp Bizkit covering Prince. Jerry Springer and Howard Stern ruled daytime TV and radio airwaves. Porn stars such as Jenna Jameson broke into mainstream entertainment. Girls Gone Wild and Miss Cleo infomercials became inescapable. America’s most popular country musician of all time pretended to be a sex-addicted Australian pop star. The Insane Clown Posse’s latest album reached No. 4 on the Billboard charts, and the duo played Woodstock ‘99. Beanie Babies and defunct internet startups sent collectors and investors into frenzies. And pro wrestling reached a zenith.