[chaosbutters314]

likely due to queens gambit (netflix show) and shotgun king having some influence for both being viral hits

[lukev]

Yes, the article covers those (some of them don't fall into the time period under discussion.)

There's a few possible drivers that are no doubt helping but it does appear that between one thing and another, chess itself is going viral.

[lofatdairy]

Don't forget the cheating scandal and Carlsen declining to defend the WC title. Both made it into the mainstream news which at the very least caused people to search for chess.