Gravity Falls' Secret Finale: The Cipher Hunt (Feat. Alex Hirsch)

[@skunkskiestink6620]

“it’s a kids show, let a kid find it” this hunt required a trained cryptologist, a week long 2,000 piece puzzle, the ability to drive anywhere at a moments notice, trespassing multiple times, access to multiple private colleges, and a hike through unmarked private property woods at night. i hate the argument that animated kids shows are only for kids. so many great kids animation shows also have deeper messages for adults. growing up GF was a fun mystery show, as an adult i just see so many cool puzzles i never noticed as a kid. alex clearly did not write this whole show with the intention that it’s mindless entertainment for kids, he clearly wrote it with older people in mind as well.

[@shotaaizawa1206]

He was probably talking about Dipper

[@cheyennec5546]

I genuinely would like to know what child has the time and energy to do all of this and more in order to solve this hunt. This was specifically designed for adults with sad time and energy on their hands. Hell, they’d probably drag their kids on a month-long road trip disguised as “disconnecting from the world” as the kids sit bored in the back of the family SUV as mommy & daddy go wandering through another college again.

[@shotaaizawa1206]

@@cheyennec5546 Dipper Pines

[@neoxonico]

I like that Keyan Carlisle essentially made a four hour documentary to spite his mom who did not take him to a random location when he was 14

[@beepbeeplettuce4892]

Just sitting here imagining being the disney security guard watching Alex Hirsch over the cameras climbing fences and breaking into his own office lmao

[@cartoonishidealism582]

“It’s the flannel guy again” “Sigh. I’ll get the taser.”

[@gotoki3237]

I cant believe Alex Hirsch made five nights as freddies

[@daydreamz618]

I feel his pain I had to do that in college one time

[@CoachJohnMcGuirk]

I love the fact that thousands of fans spending weeks hunting get beat by two teenage stoners looking for a smoke spot.

[@JessCope-ov2sn]

I know 😭😭

[@ElectricFury]

Summoning the creator of Gravity Falls to ask him about Fish Hooks is funny as fuck 😂

[@chrisrockett5897]

I woulda done the same.

[@charlesbennett7484]

Fodpdqwkd olybv!

[@kidchameleon9572]

I feel like Bradley deserves more credit. Found the statue completely on his own, without knowing it, and when he did find out what it was, not only kept it secret to let the search happen but ADDED to it with the USB. And still found time to plug his twitter on the USB. Despite having never watched gravity falls, he helped make one of the best fan events possible. Thank you, Bradley. I hope one day you complete your fort.

[@thevioletskull8158]

real

[@josefagomezschmeisser8356]

A real hero without a cape,if he wanted to, he could just ruin it all, but he did the right thing… for $100 ?

[@TheDoctorCog]

I hope Bradley catches all the best fish with that new gear!

[@Barber100Dr]

I think my favourite moment during this whole thing was during Jason’s periscope stream he takes one look at the chat and disappointingly mutters “everyone in the chat is calling me dippy fresh, that’s not cool guys”

[@Zach90888]

YOU STAY OUT OF THIS DIPPY FRESH!

[@Barber100Dr]

A close second place I’ve just remembered was shortly after the treasure box is dug up at the statue and the guy goes “there’s a Q-tip in here Bill, you’ve got some ‘splaining to do!”

[@thevioletskull8158]

He is deicadited to the charatersion or he hates Dippy fresh

[@expensivenes2645]

Sooo funny!

[@SpillingTheMilk]

WE LOVE KEYAN CARLILE

[@Jawaddles]

Holy moly, It's my favorite KZbinrs, Keyan and Carlile.

[@Glowenster]

Hi Spilling The Milk

[@Bradthe]

Holy shit

[@BRWADBREAD]

What... The hell

[@53ra]

I was actually TWEAKING when I saw yall in the video I've been a fan since ur high guardian spice videos hhhhhgggg

[@AlexDimouArt]

Can't wait for S3E1 of Gravity Falls. "Dipper goes to Florida" where we follow a 25 year old Dipper Pines. Going to Florida.

[@Bighomie39]

Gravity Falls Season 3: Stone Ocean

[@QuadisEpic]

the whole episode is just the plane ride there and once he gets there he just leaves then bam series finale again

[@kakyoindonut3213]

And then he got hit by a hurricane and dies

[@Bighomie39]

@@kakyoindonut3213 Interdimensional beings couldn't kill Dipper, but a Florida Man absolutely could

[@Sakachi18]

The REAL mystery is why Dipper would want to go there.

[@machodgdon]

Bro really has the power to leave for 2 months and upload movies at 12 in the morning

[@ThatSmolivGal]

i LITERALLY sat in bed when he released it and i had to stay up to watch it cuz i wanted to

[@dolevberlinepoliva]

Timezones

[@Zach90888]

Tbf, that’s his regular upload schedule.

[@brokenconstellation]

AND HAVE ALEX HIRSCH HIMSELF ON THIS VIDEO

[@Raccoonboi634]

Fr he got possessed by bill or smth

[@idabergh-smith179]

Dude Bradley's like the most chill person I've ever seen. He stumbles across a frankly terrifying statue in the middle of the woods and his first reaction is to take a picture and show it to his friend. He posts the picture on the internet and within the day he has the creator of a children's TV show that he hasn't even heard about previous to this frantically bribing him to take the post down. Then same dude he still doesn't really know asks him to dig for a crate that's not even marked any more and replace it with a new one. Bradley doesn't even check the USB out, he just does as he's asked and moves on with his day??? What a king honestly

[@ChloeLeis]

For years, I've dreamed of a way to showcase the incredible experience that was the Cipher Hunt. I have regaled countless people with the story via a nerdy PowerPoint presentation, but always wished that there was a better way to convey the magnitude and deep emotional connection it has to so many fans, including myself. Keyan accomplished just that. And he did it MASTERFULLY. There is no better way to tell this story than through the people who experienced it themselves. Keyan's dedication to tracking those people down and letting them share their stories first-hand is simply astounding. It's beautiful, heartwarming, and the absolute best way anyone can learn about this historic event. The passion he has for this topic clearly shows through every interview he hosts, and I know first-hand how hard he worked to make this video the best possible version that it could be. Being interviewed for this project was a dream come true; my part of this story is often overlooked or spoken of negatively, since my primary participation was documenting the removal of Bill from his original resting place. Being given the opportunity to share my side of the story now, as an adult, is an honor. Keyan was extremely kind in his handling of my experience and even invited me to help participate in the further production of the project due to my ties to professional film production. My dreams came true during the making of this film. Yes, a film-this is a work of art that should be considered as such. I am forever grateful for the people who gave their valuable time to make this film everything it is today, and I am especially grateful for Keyan for giving me the opportunity to help create something that I've been dreaming about for 8 years. Incredible work, Mr. Carlile. You have no idea how much this means to me. Thank you for creating this film.

[@tiffanydurden]

you were such a lovely addition to this video chloe!! how wonderful of an experience to bring with you into not only your career, but the rest of your life. best wishes to you!!!

[@ChloeLeis]

@@tiffanydurden I'm so glad my story resonated with you! Thank you for the kind words

[@MYSTERIOUS-r9n]

This truly is the best documentary that could be made about the Cipher Hunt.

[@thevioletskull8158]

Thank you,you didn't dp anything bad,you're really cool

[@Joeharlow966]

Hi Chloe! You were an amazing part of this video and I’m so happy the Cipher hunt lead you to follow your dreams and do the work you love. My daughter just adores Gravity Falls, she’s watched the show more times than I can count. Currently working our way through the Book of Bill. She loved this documentary! (Admittedly we had to watch it in multiple sittings, lol.) She is about to turn 8 and is having a Gravity Falls themed birthday party, Bill Cipher cake and all. You had mentioned in the video that it was your goal to send out a piece of the treasure to Gravity Falls fans, would you be interested in sending my daughter one for her birthday? I would be more than willing to cover shipping costs, but no pressure!!

[@thirtyskeletons]

this video has everything. international espionage, potentially fatal wildlife encounters, police corruption, being made fun of by your mom

[@liammcnicholas918]

Typical Gravity Falls episode

[@enzopoole5692]

SOLVED‼The cipher at the end is "Aways another treasure chest." and the key is "DEMONBABY" and the second one converting each number to a letter then put through the vigenere says "The season three is the friends we made along the way."

[@thevioletskull8158]

Thank you

[@Antwoneisel]

Lol

[@haroldmc9021]

Thank you, I am not smart and wouldn't have figured it out

[@Tyler108x]

yeah until I solved it I was freaking out like "no did they really just pull a sequel cipher hunt or something?"

[@Solarstretch-x2c]

Hey, if you couldn't solve it doesn't mean you're not smart. I also struggle in solving few ciphers, and it's okay dude.​@@haroldmc9021

[@Catnado_22]

bro to find out that someone who was on THE CAMERA TEAM was apart of the hunt itself, was like the best reveal ever

[@ChloeLeis]

I'm sneaky like that. Glad you enjoyed the twist!

[@Catnado_22]

@@ChloeLeis :O

[@juani.con.i]

@@ChloeLeis You were the real protagonist of this video. Thank you for everything you've done and continue doing for the GF community

[@ChloeLeis]

@@juani.con.i this is the highest compliment I've received yet. Thank you so, so much, that means the world to me. I love this fandom and I'll cherish it for as long as I live!

[@scvmbagbaby]

i love the “where are they now” with alex idk how he wasn’t bawling bc i would have been

[@ChloeLeis]

You can't see it super well on camera, but as the person who was sitting next to him in those moments, he fully did tear up. I can't believe *I* didn't cry.

[@LizzieDoodles-j1d]

I did cry :D

[@scvmbagbaby]

@@LizzieDoodles-j1d i cried too 😪

[@JocaPlays87]

I do find it amusing that Bill's hat was infested by FIRE ants, that poor triangle cannot escape fire in this story

[@BluePyramidCipher]

also featuring Jason Ritter and Ariel Hirsch wow this is like an avengers endgame event cool

[@chrisrockett5897]

Wait, HE GOT JASON RITTER?!

[@BluePyramidCipher]

@@chrisrockett5897 yep

[@bogboycolonial]

Bro didn't even make a youtube video he just made a straight up documentary, absolutely wonderful

[@gayrurumon]

Great video. I'm glad that for once we're living in the Good Timeline, where no participants of the Cipher Hunt got lost, poisoned, arrested, eaten by bears, shot by bears, or cursed by the spirit of a pissed-off nun. Truly, it's a miracle that a broken thumb and some alleged fire ant bites were the worst that happened during that blessed mess of a treasure hunt.

[@Bighomie39]

Shot by bears?

[@gayrurumon]

@@Bighomie39 Not one person was shot by bears to my knowledge, thank goodness

[@owiebug]

@@gayrurumoni was shot by a bear during cipherhunt but alex hirsch’s estranged twin adam hertz payed me to not talk about it (joke)

[@winterbonnie_8]

​@@owiebug*paid

[@owiebug]

@@winterbonnie_8 shit you're right

[@eee-xd5bo]

2:28:40 From their perspective it probably just seems like Alex spawned in the moment they finished and that’s hilarious to me

[@josefagomezschmeisser8356]

And magical ✨

[@wheeledjustice7381]

You got the Fish Hooks guy AND you got both Keyan AND Carlile AND Keyan Carlile? The budget of this must be through the roof!

[@fugitive_]

4:03:05 when I was a kid my mom had a fairy statue and she convinced me that a fairy visited our house all the time by putting a chocolate kiss in the statues hands and I would wake up in the morning and my mom and I would check if the fairy left me a kiss and I just think things like this are so important to show kids. To this day, I know deep down a part of me still wants to believe fairies are real. I just think this facilitates creativity, and I love it, and I'm crying right now.

[@spookyscaryaroace]

The banana being a twist villain and causing alex to slip is one of the greatest plot twists of the whole century and in the entire medium of film.

[@emilyp.6729]

I asked my mom (a puzzle-solving expert) if she'd do a puzzle like that for me if I was a youtuber and she said "No!!" I hope you appreciate how much your unnamed mother loves you Keyan 😔

[@robguerra4058]

No it's perfect, I have to get up in 5 hours so that still gives me 45 minutes of sleep

[@MojaveMoron]

WAKE UP!

[@ilexdiapason]

i hope you got your nap in

[@ramblewheels2044]

What a labor of love. I can see the work and care you put into this project. It was wonderful to meet you. Thank you for reaching out and contacting me for the interview. It was a joy to go back and relive that crazy summer. Good work.

[@MarshallLeeA]

Can't believe you got Keyan and Carlile to travel to Japan

[@bizziebizz]

1:34:28 it took 2 hours over 2 days, but me and my friend went to Piedmont park and found that key! Neither of us got to participate in the cipher hunt, so we were determined! We also wanted anyone else that attempted to find it so we left the key AND we left a lil special something for anyone that finds it (it’s underneath the dirt, grass, and spider webs! Just dig!)

[@parkermatsu]

its me, im the friend!!! please please go find our new treasure!! love you gravity falls fans

[@ThatGFFAN]

This was such an amazing video to watch. Thanks for the chance to have a cameo in this, Keyan. That was amazing to do. And even more than that, you did an amazing job interviewing Alex Hirsch, setting everything up, visiting the locations and tracking down all the cipher hunters and bringing to light new information, setting the record straight on info previously unknown and giving us an update nearly a decade on about where everyone and everything is. I was not here in the fandom when Cipher Hunt happened, but like many new fans, it's a story I am beyond amazed to hear about every time. Fans like you make everything about Gravity Falls so much fun to research and be a part of. There will never be another show like it or a community like this one ever again. We're all stuck here like Alex Hirsch intended, lmao.

[@BugsyFoga]

Can’t believe you got Grunkle stunkle who won the Funkle bunkle to appear in this video

[@theuntitledartist]

As a silent viewer I just wanted to say thank you so much for compiling this. I was a bit too young to keep up with the cypher hunt when it was coming out and really only ever heard of it after it was all finished. Your video editing was amazing and your interviews are always so well done. Honestly no joke I gasped when Jason first popped out of the back seat because he was the last person I was expecting to be apart of this amazing project. By the end I was literally crying because of all the lovely stories that came from this show and from the hunt. Thank you for all your hard work you did an incredible job!!!

[@JoeManyLiberals]

"Hey guys i'm Keyan" "and I'm Carlile" made me lose it

[@iLovetheStrange]

The ending with Alex seeing all the fan photos with their stories 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@linnic]

Jason Ritter will forever have my heart with how involved he was with all of this

[@burntcinnabun5232]

Just the constant subtle foreshadowing of the banana peel kills me everytime

[@codewebgirl]

This needs to be your most popular video. This is probably one of the most excellently researched and produced youtube videos i’ve seen from an independent creator, and I really hope you get your flowers for this one man. Really incredible, impactful work.

[@Buzz.co2]

The irony of a place called “Meltdown Comics” burning down, should not be lost on anyone 😅

[@charziz6693]

That's my real takeaway from this video. There are stories everywhere worth telling that few know about, and this particular one was funny as hell.

[@BigJickle]

this is like the endgame for gravity falls. Keyan got literally everyone

[@vaehtay]

This video is insanely well-executed. I got so invested the whole way through. I haven’t even watched the entirety of Gravity Falls (I’ve just caught the odd episode or two over the years). The way things are edited together is impeccable, the cinematography is impeccable, everything is perfect. Hell, I got so emotional that I cried. This is true amazing, touching work. … But the repeated interjected shots of the banana peel in the Alex Hirsch interview scenes are triggering the horrific, primal, “it’s 4 AM I haven’t slept and I’m running off of only caffeine” paranoid dread feelings that weird eerie things tend to do for me when it’s 4 AM and I do not appreciate it (I say with silly intent)

[@vaehtay]

Also wanted to note that like the very first time he did the bit and dropped the peel and went “hon hon hon this will be important later!” I KNEW the video was going to end with an “omg I killed Alex Hirsch” adjacent joke but it’s 4 AM and thus I was filled with fear and slight nausea every time regardless. It’s like when someone stops saying something in the middle of a sentence in a video and just stares at the camera for a moment too long. It doesn’t effect you at normal hours but then you’re sleep deprived and it’s like omg I’m ILL now

[@ricardodnda3826]

This deserves way more views (also it's crazy how many people you got for this, like fucking schafrillas and Alex Hirsch!? Fucking insane).

[@extrahistory8956]

Also some relatively popular KZbinrs like Sarcastic Chorus and the Spilling the Milk crew (Kor and Jack)

[@TheForgottenPortrait]

@@extrahistory8956do u have a timestamp for Milk?

[@i_love_men]

⁠@@TheForgottenPortrait23:56 for the milk boys 😋

[@extrahistory8956]

@@TheForgottenPortrait Around the 25:30 minute mark

[@rowan5891]

When was schafrillas?

[@carolgibson1025]

This is undoubtedly one of the greatest love letters to gravity falls that I’ve seen. As someone who was just a little kid when the treasure hunt was going down and didn’t have any social media, I was super bummed that I missed it, but excited to know it had even happened in the first place. It’s so cool to hear and see the perspectives of people who were there at the time, and just all the last minute work that went into it in the first place. Gravity falls means a lot to me, it was the first major connection I had to my older sibling who was twice my age at the time, so they were way to cool to hang out with me lol. I remember my sibling gathering my mom and I together so we could watch the finale on the couch together after it had aired and just loving it. I wasn’t a major fan at the time, but after that, I would record any rerun of episodes I hadn’t seen to watch with my sibling after school. Seeing this brings me back to those times, a whole 8 years ago, and I couldn’t be happier. Wishing you guys all the best for the work put into this while I undoubtedly rewatch this video like 3 more times to find all the things I missed 💜

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

YOU GOT ALEX HIMSELF HERE?! CONGRATS 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@kylethefan6062]

That is do precious at 2:48:23 that she made sure to collect all the art of her son She seems like such a wonderful mother It put a smile on my face

[@real_liamonade]

I love how you went to EVERY significant important location, _and a few non-important ones_

[@CrimesTimeLive]

What an incredible love letter to a show that means so much to so many people. I was going through a really hard time with my day job as the cipher hunt was happening, plus I live uh. Way on the other side of the country to where most of it was happening. This does such an amazing job of capturing everything and immortalizing it- the bit about lost media is a harsh but true reality. But hey, you went on your own hunt and found it. Seeing how important this was to so many people and Alex Hirsch getting to see that makes me pretty choked up. Funnily enough I just finished my rewatch of the show within like... an hour of this video releasing. The GF finale actually had me crying more than when it originally aired. When I first saw it in 2016, I was crushed to be saying goodbye to Gravity Falls. But on my rewatch and with this documentary, it was more of a happy cry. I will never really be saying goodbye to Gravity Falls- it's something that will always give me something new no matter how old I get, because it's something that lives and breathes with all of us. I could tell this doc was a winner from that first fishhooks bit and it just got better and better with every minute. I hope you're proud of what you've done, sir!

[@KeyanCarlile]

Thank you!

[@haroldmc9021]

It's so cool how involved Jason Ritter was to the whole hunt, I was just a kid when this was going on, so I wasn't following it, it's amazing to see how it brought the fandom together, even for a little while.

[@izzyb404]

this entire video is amazing, but that bit at the end where you showed alex the “where are they now” updates was so heartwarming, i was smiling at my phone and even teared up a little throughout the entire segment gravity falls and the cypher hunt happened at a time where my little brother and i were coming into our personalities and struggling to get along because of it (we were teen middle sister and tween youngest brother, the most volatile combination possible), but gravity falls was something that helped bond us through it, i was old enough to be chronically online in fandom and he was old enough to be in theory spaces linking hidden secrets together, i really attribute that time in our lives to kickstarting the bond we have today, and our continued love of talking through theories and plot twists of whatever anime or cartoons we both enjoy now as adults. it’s really nice to see how many other bonds gravity falls helped grow, and that alex hirsch knows even a fraction of his impact on so many of us

[@josefagomezschmeisser8356]

Shoutout to all the parents that drove their kids around,from the most invested (the families in the video) to the ones that were indifferent yet still drove them around. I love when parents support their kids interests, I just got a flashback of my mom driving me to a middle school gymnasium on my Mabel cosplay for a small con in our small town

[@TchSktch]

"look at this picture, there's a gate" "i dont see a gate, theres no gate" "...okay can you just imagine a gate for me"

[@prestonpham2074]

It’s kinda cool seeing the perspective of Alex Hirsh as when I heard of this cipher hunt, I was under the impression that he had this fully planned out and talked to the city and establishments to make these things work, but hearing him now just admit he did it on the fly is even more amazing to me how this didn’t end up in a disaster and even made it a really fun hunt

[@jtbcu2269]

This is why I love Gravity Falls: the fan base and the show itself made a huge impact on our generation. I wish I could relive that moment again, but right now, I feel like we're experiencing it all over again because of the Book of Bill.

[@aminatic_]

my favorite part in this video is when alex started talking about the 1987 hit movie “the chipmunk adventure” because that was a staple in my childhood -a gen z’er who was obsessed with that movie

[@yourfriendlyneighborhoodgh29]

I knew what he was talking about instantly haha. I could never forget Alvin

[@charlesbennett7484]

Love that movie! Still have it on VHS but my VCR stopped working and I still haven't found a replacement yet.

[@jordanjordan4648]

The lengths you go through for these videos never ceases to amaze me

[@barsabe]

Cease*

[@LagrimaArdiente]

I'm really sad that May was soured on Gravity Falls because of mean-spirited fans, but I was so happy to learn that she met her wife through the hunt. That's wonderful!

[@ToffeeGoblin]

Yeah I'm glad it was a net positive for them. Just a shame the fandom acted that way during the frantic furver of the hunt. I can imagine many of them being chronically online and were way too impatient on the updates and swept up in things. A lot of it was uncalled for and they needed to chill. It's a shame it soured her experiences, but it's typically why I just tend to keep a healthy distance with any fandom tbh.

[@loganbreau882]

Bro that Japan hint is a lot more symbolic of actual lore now. He was being burned away, before being sent to a deity. For those who don’t know the book of Bill confirmed Bill met with the Godly Axolotl before being set off to his greatest challenge.

[@KirbyVolt]

Godly Axolotl? ...Amiphibia?

[@loganbreau882]

@@KirbyVolt basically in the Choose your own adventure book Dipper and Mable exited the time stream and came across basically God. It’s a giant Acolotl which is why in Weirdmagedon part 3 Bill says “A-X-O-L-T-L, my time has come to burn. I invoke the ancient power that I might return” backwards. The Axolotl gave Bill that incantation to avoid the consequences, but afterwards Bill will be released in a different form at a different time. Basically ever since a month after the Cipher hunt, everyone was wondering where the Axolotl sent Bill and thought that was a teaser for Hirsch’s next project. However, as the years went by we had no clues, and people were kinda falling into the understanding that similar to the Stan Twins adventures, that was a loose thread Hirsch probably didn’t plan on continuing if he didn’t have to. However, with the announcement and release of the Book of Bill we finally got the confirmation on what happened to Bill. Shattered and on the brink of death, Bill entered the Axolotl’s realm described as a space outside of space in a time outside of time. They talked about how they’re opposite forces and how Bill has been here a few times already (he hasn’t died before, just talked to the big frilly guy). The Axolotl proposed a deal. Bill had to face his greatest challenge head on in order to be released, but not a second sooner. Thinking himself unbeatable in combat he agreed, believing he was playing the Axolotl by the frills. Unfortunately the con man to end all con men found himself tricked and he ended up in a therapy prison, with no way out. In order to be set free the obstacle in his way was not physical, but emotional and mental. Bill had to heal the scars in his mind and soul, until then the Axolotl will keep the physical damage persevered keeping Bill as weakened physically as he is emotionally. The Book of Bill was basically Bill’s attempt at escape. If he can trick someone into making a mental connection with him, and then have them shake his statued hand, then he’ll be able to escape from the theraprison. However, by the end of the book Bill ends it with a threat that eventually someone will be fooled, and when that happens he’ll be made free. Once he returns to his body, he’ll be able to heal himself, no longer needing the Axolotl to do it, and he’ll be back to the peak of his power. However, until then Bill is working out his issues in therapy with the worse of the worse (IE mythology Zeus), in maximum security.

[@zalo_1]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@loganbreau882there is still an amphibia refernce simce the core is in therapy with him

[@lunabruce1804]

I wouldn't be able to explain it better myself :3​@@loganbreau882

[@SpaghettiWesterner]

The only fault I can find in this grand accomplishment is that it is so definitive, comprehensive, moving and funny, that there is nothing of consequence left to be said about the Cipher Hunt. Absolutely deserves further and wider distribution by a major streaming service.

[@josefagomezschmeisser8356]

I LOVE this gravity falls renaissance and Alex Hirsh being willing to interact with KZbinrs, first the Hana Hiperfixates and that GF fan interviews, Hana long a tale of two Stan’s mega analysis, and this, I love this part of the internet. I’m from a small town in Chile 🇨🇱, at the extreme south of Latinoamérica, and learned English thorough watching Gravity falls, Steven universe, adventure time pirated in English with fan subs cuz the dub on tv would take months, and then watching the Roundtable pausing and going back a lot, trying to understand English without subtitles. I’m so grateful to having the internet to connect with people with the same cartoon obsessions as mine, even if I’m at the other pole of the earth

[@umadowd4518]

I gotta say all the people who went through Puzzle Hell really really just looked defeated and traumatized in the interviews. Except Jason Ritter. Dipper’s still vibin.

[@Byron418]

Thanks for the amazing video! No one ever saw Bill's original hat again. In my opinion, they ate it.

[@TryTheRoachBurger]

1:37:57 dude picture the employees there “Ah just another day at the post office… what the heck is happening outside”

[@possessedpicklejar4762]

1:05:23 That must have been amazing! You meet an actor for a show you’re a big fan of and *they’re* the one that runs up to you and goes “I know you! Oh that’s so cool!”

[@sabulartemmie344]

amazing video altogether!! seeing all these fans and collaborators who loved the show just like i did back then come together around this hunt was really sweet :) like some people mentioned, theres a key flashing on tad strange during the sponsor segment 38 minutes in read more only if you dont want to solve them yourself! the letters on tad strange spell out DEMONBABY, if we use this as a key for a vigenere cipher on the message at the bottom of the credits we get "always another treasure chest" on the post-credits image we have to turn the numbers into their place in the alphabet and THEN solve with the key, getting "the real season three is the friends we made along the way"

[@uraxsoob8043]

Oh that ending made me tear up I love ppl just doing lil fandom things and just building a community with such rich history and inadvertently experiencing life changing moment through it. Such an amazing love letter to gravity falls!

[@crzy2u]

Alex has made me feel like a kid again with the new book and everything going on. I didn’t get to participate in the original hunt or books and so going back and hunting like this makes me feel like I never missed a day.

[@SPOOCECIMO]

I was just trying to explain the Cipher hunt to my new friend who I just watched the show with. This video is perfect for me to show her! Thx Keyan

[@izzy3550]

me: "huh, chloe looks really familar" me 2 hours later: "OH YEAH WE WENT TO THE SAME FUCKING COLLEGE"

[@guywith_dog]

you're a huge inpiration dude. incredibly happy to see your effort and passion being recognized by not only the creator of the media you're covering but the entire established community for it as well

[@shadowpetshop514]

Gravity Falls was probably one of my first hyperfixations as a kid. I was around like, 12 when the show ended (so I was right around Dipper and Mabel's age, lol) and I remember watching the final episode on my mom's old chromebook with my siblings before we accidentally broke the chromebook by crushing it under a pillow. Though I was never able to follow the Cipher Hunt just because I didn't have social media at the time, just watching this video has given me so much insight and appreciation for how big it was. I had to pause the video right near the end because Alex Hirsh talking about following creativity and inspiration is getting to me and I feel the need to type something, ANYTHING about how this show changed my life. Sure, it didn't play as big a part as Undertale, which I discovered some time after Gravity Falls ended and have been fixated on that to this day, but I still remember the show fondly. Even if I was never one of the people to solve the codes and puzzles in the show or outside it before anyone else, I think Gravity Falls still played a big part in my appreciation and fascination for codes and ciphers. I feel I really tap into that inner Gravity Falls fan any time I'm making my own codes and puzzles for random lore things for my stories, and I think in some, even if it's a small way, that still connects me to this community and fandom. Thank you, for this documentary. It must have been an immense amount of work but I am incredibly grateful for it. As some one who also was unable to participate in the hunt as it was happening, and who didn't even really know about it until years later, I feel this video is an incredible labor of dedication and love to the Gravity Falls community. Not only for those a part of it who got to relive some of it through your interviews, or those who couldn't be a part of it, but also just, for the future. There was a part where it's mentioned that we live in a Digital Dark age and you wonder just how many things on the internet will change in such a short span of time. Like Molly said, stuff like this is so easy to just end up as lost media and forgotten about. However you did all of this, just to compile and tell the history of this seemingly trivial little event hosted by the creator of a 2 season cartoon on Disney. And I find that incredible. So thank you. This might have been 4 hours of my life, but it was definitely not wasted.

[@shadowpetshop514]

(Yes I have more to say, shh) I think just in general, Alex Hirsh has been such an inspiration. Yes, Gravity Falls did spark my love for ciphers and puzzles, but also as a show, it sparked some of my love for animation and story telling. I've always been a story teller, since I was young, but I think prior to watching Gravity Falls I always assumed those stories would be through novels. But then I watched Gravity Falls, and Steven Universe, and Amphibia, The Owl House, etc. I saw the different ways a story could take form. The different ways it could reach and truly touch an audience. I saw the beauty in cartoons, in animation, as an art form not just for mindless entertainment to satiate children, but to tell deeper, more inspired stories. Even if still marketed for children. I think Gravity Falls was one of the first shows that really sparked the "Young Adult" animation we've been seeing recently. With Amphibia, or The Owl House, or any other animated series that appeals to more of a teenage demographic even if it may be marketed "for kids". It's broken boundaries I think. Made animation more than a thing for just kids and any animation marketed for adults being filled with just lude jokes that are really just disgusting. Something about all of that has been truly inspiring. Alex was so awestruck with how much the Cipher Hunt alone has touched and changed peoples lives and I just... He should be! I- I'm struggling to find the words, I just. aaiihrbvnjofeajefoobjrhoabhoerohbhovjo. I want to make something like that. What I want for really any of my stories is for them to be able to reach people and to make a difference. That's what has continued motivating me to continue writing, to continue creating, to continue getting through college and working towards my bachelors. Because I hope, I pray, that one day, I will be able to make art that inspires someone. That inspires them to make their own art, to participate in a wide spread event with other members of a community like the Cipher Hunt, that inspires them to make hours long documentary recording the history of it. I want to make art, to tell stories, that touch people like Gravity Falls and all the shows after it have touched me. Because I find it so, incredibly beautiful, how even just a single piece of art, can change someone's life forever.

[@acausedes]

getting to see alex hirsch react to the cipher hunt where are they now is so beautiful. thank you for putting this together - all the research and travel that went into it. as a canadian, i knew i wouldnt really get to be apart of it so didn't follow it too much while it was going on, but ive always been a huge fan of the show and being able to see its kind of real life finale completely laid out like this is spectacular

[@strawberrysloth633]

congrats on landing the hirsch interview oh my god 😭 (edit: and jason and ariel and everyone else involved, wow!!!) i feel the same way about missing out on cipher hunt, except despite being a fan since the very first teaser trailers aired on disney channel back in 2012, somehow i actually didnt find out about the hunt until like a year after it happened. i just didnt have the time to be active in the fandom anymore and i completely missed it. i was living in japan at the time (about 40min from tokyo) and ive always regretted that i wasnt able to participate. then a couple years ago it occurred to me that i was actually out of the country all summer during cipher hunt’s timeframe, so i never wouldve been able to participate anyway, which does bring me some comfort lol.

[@KingKuron_]

Having watched Gravity Falls as it was airing but NOT as the Cipher Hunt developed, it's interesting to see where the groundwork for the Book of Bill ARG came from! I just finished the Puzzle Hell segment of the video and it's very easy to see why so much of Book of Bill directed to online spaces rather than a physical, 2000-piece puzzle. 😂

[@jameswinter482]

Really hope the viewcount doesn't discourage you from doing more projects like this. This one of the best documentary style video essays I have ever seen and I didn't even watch this show. The pacing was great, the editing phenomenal and the amount of research and people you got involved in this is amazing. It's one of those videos I will no doubt watch again in couple of years and be amazed once more. You are one of my favorite KZbinrs at the moment and seeing you evolve is a joy. Keep it up, love from Germany!

[@Thewisman]

Finally I can waste 4 hours 14 minutes and 55 seconds of my life doing something I love watching my favorite creators

[@cosmonauthoney]

Same

[@lemon18809]

who doesnt want to

[@WatKatTheWeirdo]

This contradicts itself, if its something you love aint shit been wasted, you living your best life, be entertained my friend

[@ilexdiapason]

yeah it's not wasting your time if you love it

[@dyladino]

Dropping this at midnight is insane

[@cyborgcuttlefish6326]

keyan carlile is like the embodiment of the positivity of fanbases

[@yakazi7500]

UHHHH after all these years I've always wanted an extremely in-depth documentary about the cipher hunt, since I completely missed it when it was happening at the time and wanted to know all the details. Amazing video omg ❤ I also really liked your Gravity Falls theories video, keep on with the incredible work!

[@biodegradablepunk]

babe wake up new keyan carlile video about a cartoon just dropped

[@daniphantom06]

the way i turned over to my bf as were laying down to go to bed last night to geek😂

[@eee-xd5bo]

The bit where you got Hana and ThatGFFan for the alternate reality where Alex Hirsch is arrested is so funny. I also find it hilarious that at the end she laughed at the dead rat joke when that’s just something Stanley says 😭😭 the ending bit with Alex is amazing too. Dipper goes to Florida LMFAOO 10/10 video scrumptious

[@elizabethcatpix]

One day I hope to make an impact on people's lives the way that Alex has. I can hear the pride in his voice when interacting with the people he has touched with his stories.

[@Angryoyster]

This is so wholesome and sweet. I have never seen gravity falls, but to see all the amazing hearts and brains of the fans and creators is absolutely incredible.

[@carnicaramel4672]

this video is actually so awesome and i think it deserves more views. crazy how pretty much everything about this worked out perfectly, even to the point of being so thoroughly documented for future fans

[@stephanieroth4942]

Just came from the Cory in the House video and as someone who has never watched a single episode of Gravity Falls this is still one of the best videos I've ever seen. Thank you Keyan for being so passionate about the things you love and putting so much work into sharing them with the world.

[@MsBinibini]

My favorite part from the entire video was the back and forth shot of the banana peel. True subtle forshadowing moment

[@smethansmathews]

This is paced beautifully, The interviews between keyan and everyone involved with the cipher hunt were well placed/spread out. Showcasing how the hunt went down and then all the positives it spawned, like Marriage and lifelong memories/friendships gives the video a very heartwarming feel throughout. Skit at the end was funny and kinda helped mellow the feeling of everything already being over. The real tragedy of this video is it not hitting 1 million views in 2 months.

[@padmeamidala5521]

The Cipher Hunt is literally one of the most incredible events I've ever witnessed. Amazing how many people you got to be a part of this documentary! It's truly something special:)

[@atomichearts9332]

gravity falls is extremely special to me, i own the box set and it is in the handful of media that i’ve rewatched/played, and it’s the ONLY show i’ve seen more than twice, i’ve done five full watchthroughs and the rejuvenation of the gravity falls fanbase has me itching for the sixth. i’m about thirty minutes into this video and i’m already so psyched, i LOVE learning all i can about this show and having all this documented, especially by a creator i know i enjoy, is such a treat. thank you keyan!

[@DarkMartio]

As someone who fell in love with Gravity Falls when it was still on the air but wasn't able to follow the hunt, this video unlocked so many good memories for me. Thank you. I hope the algorithm boosts this one.

[@esme_melody]

(i still need to finish gravity falls i'm just so bad at watching tv shows recently but) this is one of my favorite videos ever!!! i loved how every time you mentioned something that you discovered i was like "i wonder how alex hirsch would react to that info?" & then you ask him abt it in the next clip, i was never disappointed :D even teared up at the end. it was so great that fans got to show alex his impact on their lives & vice versa. art is so wonderful & this was so inspiring & makes me want to create. it's a domino effect like alex was describing near the end.

[@quandary23]

I love propwork, it's so cool that you even got in touch with the folks that made the statue.

[@kefikoblueberry7704]

Great video! So refreshing to see video with this much positivity. It feels like it's in contrast to everything else on KZbin where everyone is making documentaries about downfalls of everyone. Couldn't stop smiling through the video. Thank you for this.

[@holzycookie]

The amount of work you put into these videos to find all the original people involved is insane. From the interviews, to going to the original clue spots, to finding the periscope livestreams from when the cipher hunt was happening, to interviewing Alex himself. The amount of dedication and love for this show that ended 8 years ago definitely doesn't go unnoticed. Once again, another banger video by Keyan Carlile, I can't wait to watch another 4-5 hour masterpiece whenever the next video comes out

[@vanceriley9905]

This video made me cry seeing all of the different people taking about their experiences and how it changed their lives for the better. Seeing Alex talk to that fan was so heartwarming. Thank you for making this it was amazing.

[@evakazoo]

This is one of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen on KZbin Showing everything to Alex at the end, all the lives they changed, it made me genuinely emotional

[@lucygarrett9785]

I love how Jason Ritter just IS Dipper

[@3nyasu3]

I'm so glad you put all this effort into this, thank you so so much for this beautiful documentary. I always wanted to find out so much more about the cipher hunt but I could never find enough information on it. Now, i can finally find peace.

[@linnic]

I just discovered Gravity Falls this year and it's so cool watching how the fandom was at its heyday, I kinda wish I was there for all of this madness

[@jianacollins955]

2:07:19 underrated part of the video, asking why your parents are even married is wild and relatable lmfao

[@EtchJetty]

This was such a good and inspiring and genuinely beautiful video -- the surprise with {person} at the end was NUTS and I was like. Literally tearing up. I love how this art gets furthered THROUGH other art.... GRAAAHHH

[@meggomyeggo431]

Oh I sobbed like a baby at the end 😭 I’ve never seen GF before but Alex is clearly the most lovely and wholesome person. The world needs more people like the ones in this video

[@LadyOutlier]

Gosh this is such a great video! It may have taken me 3 months to watch it but I'm glad I did. It's so incredible to have such a deep dive of the Cipher Hunt and the humor throughout this made me laugh many many times! As one of the folks still trying to uncover the remaining secrets of The Book of Bill, this was a wonderful motivator!