passing show
/ˌpɑːsɪŋ ˈʃəʊ/ /ˌpasɪŋ ˈʃəʊ/noun
The spectacle of contemporary life; (also) an entertainment taking as its subject matter current events and interests.
Origin
Early 18th century; earliest use found in Alexander Pope (1688–1744), poet. From passing + show.