On April 1, 2025, the world was abuzz with pranks and playful tricks, but one incident on Australian television stood out amidst the April Fool's Day shenanigans. Today host James Bracey, who has been filling in for Karl Stefanovic for the past fortnight, found himself the unsuspecting victim of an elaborate prank involving a high-tech drone.
During a segment on the popular breakfast show, Bracey was interviewing tech expert Trevor Long, who brought along the Flare Site X1 drone, valued at a staggering $17,000. This drone, equipped with infrared vision and designed to detect heat signatures in real time, was touted by Long as a groundbreaking piece of technology. “Essentially, this is a prototype, they’ve made 100 of them, but this is the only one in Australia,” Long explained, emphasizing its uniqueness and high price tag.
As Bracey donned a pair of goggles to test the drone, things took a turn for the worse. In a moment of miscommunication, Bracey dropped the expensive device, leading to a tense silence in the studio. “Hang on, what just happened? Did we just break a $17,000 drone?” co-host Sarah Abo asked, her voice filled with disbelief.
Long quickly confirmed the worst fears, suggesting that the control room cut to an emergency commercial break. “Well, that’s the sensor that I said was the most expensive part of the whole thing and it has a crack right through the middle of it,” he stated, showcasing the seriousness of the situation.
Bracey, visibly shaken, took off the goggles and started to piece together the prank. “Is this April Fool’s? This is April Fool’s!” he exclaimed, realizing that he had been the target of a well-executed joke. “Don’t do that to me, that was so good, but oh so cruel. Are you kidding? I had a blood rush and sweat under my boobs, that was such a good prank - but this is workplace harassment,” he humorously added, capturing the blend of relief and frustration that many viewers could relate to.
Meanwhile, as the prank unfolded, the atmosphere in the studio transitioned from tension to laughter. Bracey’s reaction, a mix of shock and humor, resonated with audiences, reminding everyone that even in the professional world of journalism, light-hearted moments can prevail.
April Fool’s Day is not just about pranks on television; it’s also a day filled with fun deals and freebies from various brands. Dunkin’, for instance, kicked off the day with a promotion giving away one million free Hot or Iced Coffees or Cold Brews to members of its Dunkin' Rewards loyalty program. To claim their free drink, customers simply had to enter the promo code "ThisIsNotAJoke" in the Dunkin’ app, with the offer valid until April 8, 2025. “Trust issues are real, especially on April 1 with most brands busy pranking their customers – but Dunkin’ is here to help,” the company stated in a press release.
In addition to Dunkin’, Burger King also joined in on the fun, offering a free order of any size onion rings to members of its Royal Perks loyalty program with a purchase of $1 or more. “There are no silly pranks attached, just pure deliciousness,” the fast-food chain promised.
The Cheesecake Factory, known for its extensive dessert menu, provided its Cheesecake Rewards members with a special “No Joke” reward on April 1. Members could find a variety of offers, including a free slice of cheesecake with any purchase, or possibly a slice free per month for the next year. New members who signed up on April Fool’s Day were treated to the “Slice, Slice Baby” reward, which granted them a free slice when they bought one.
Texas-based Tacodeli also joined the celebration with a limited-time April Fools' Day burrito, priced at $12. This special menu item featured a delicious combination of refried beans, Mexican red rice, Monterey Jack cheese, sirloin, guacamole, pico de gallo, crema, and Arbol salsa, making it a tempting offer for taco lovers.
As the day unfolded, the blend of pranks on television and enticing food deals offered a light-hearted respite from the usual routine. Whether viewers were laughing at Bracey’s on-air mishap or enjoying a complimentary coffee from Dunkin’, April Fool’s Day provided a reminder of the importance of humor and community.
In the midst of the pranks and promotions, it’s essential to stay vigilant. As one article pointed out, “It’s April Fool’s Day, April 1, 2025, and people should be on guard for tricks.” This sentiment rings true, as the day is often filled with both genuine news and fabricated stories designed to catch readers off guard.
As viewers and consumers navigate the landscape of April Fool’s Day, it’s a reminder that even in a world where pranks and promotions abound, the human experience remains at the forefront. Whether through laughter on a morning show or the joy of a free meal, moments like these underscore the importance of connection and lightheartedness in our daily lives.
Ultimately, April Fool’s Day serves as a reminder to embrace the unexpected and cherish the moments that bring us together, whether through laughter or shared experiences. In a world that often feels serious and overwhelming, a little humor can go a long way in brightening our days.
