How Dropout went from CollegeHumor to media powerhouse

[@harsha1306]

Sam sticking to the dying company really makes his "I've been here the whole time" catchphrase hit much harder than it needs to

[@davidjrae]

Damn. You making this point hit much harder than it needs to.

[@LordJuan4]

@@davidjrae Damn. You making this point hit much harder than it needs to.

[@tonilazuto3228]

Dam, I'm harder than I need to be.

[@ThePyroSquirrel1]

Damn yall are harder than yall need to be

[@barefeetz4977]

I've been hard the whole time

[@Van-dq4sw]

I think that, consciously or not, Sam remaining an integral part of the cast of his company via his hosting of Game Changer and such helps keep him grounded in the company, in a way a lot of other CEOs of perhaps larger companies might start to lose over time. It's why they have the whole "undercover boss" concept in other places, to see how the employees are actually doing beyond just numeric projections and staff evaluation reports - Sam IS an employee, in some ways. He's gotta show up to makeup on time, deal with tech issues, run through rehearsals. It's a clever way of keeping from becoming "out of touch", and gives me hope for the longevity of Dropout.

[@zoeyjs]

This is a very excellent thought! Thank you for sharing!

[@katemorris8442]

I fully agree. It references old entertainment like theatre companies, where the head of the company was also a content creator. It also allows for creative initiative to take priority, because in media, good content treated well will work every time.

[@helenm1085]

I think that's how Loading Ready Run has been successful for 20 years now (although they are a much smaller company)

[@gemie72]

It also changes how I view the company. With other companies I might pirate or decide to ask around for a login bc it would all go to a faceless CEO anyway - but with Dropout I’m like “I want to help Sam and his creative endeavors.” Same thing with them having a pretty small crew of onscreen cast members and doing behind the scenes stuff so you understand all the work that goes into what they do

[@Jedi_Vigilante]

If I could choose my own boss, there are only two "well-known" company owners I would choose: Sam Reich, and Jason "Thor" Hall. Mostly for the exact reasons you describe.

[@twistedtoast3538]

I love how dropout advertizes. When planning and making shows, they make them with the hopes of being able to take short 20-second clips from them and just putting those on social media. They dont have to pay for advertising, and they get people hooked on just raw content until it convinces them to go all in. Really great

[@francomuscellini1744]

They also put like the first ep of every season of all shows on KZbin. That's how they got me.

[@alxjones]

@@francomuscellini1744 Same. When I saw the first Game Changer come out on KZbin, I was immediately sold. Game shows, comedy, and mystery/twists are like my three favorite things in media, and this nailed that balance _extremely_ well.

[@theblasphemousbear]

I have to say that it works really well. I have literally never been tempted to subscribe to a streaming service by any advertising besides Dropout's.

[@voss9842]

I consistently find out about new drops that I need to watch through youtube shorts. “Oh I haven’t seen this Game Changer episode. Time to login to Dropout”

[@user-ow1bc4sx2r]

It works really well too I am on the brink of buying a subscription that is a poor financial decision for me lmao

[@GuilhermeToscano]

"You've made a home where my favorite people get to show the world how brilliant and amazing they are", this Brennan's quote about Sam always brings me to tears and inspires me.

[@ANunes06]

"You are a *perfect* American." - Ally "Chaosgoblin" Beardsley

[@J6hn]

The word "home" does more in that statement than it seems at first

[@Kasiarzynka]

I was thinking about that quote from Brennan throughout this video but I did not expect actually reading it would make my eyes wet, the same way it did when watching that episode. You can just tell just by watching the way they interact that while this might be their workplace and Sam might be their boss, they all have so much appreciation and love for one another and it makes me second hand happy, without knowing any of them personally, to see these great, positive people who can pretty much do what they love, alongside other amazing people they clearly like to work with, in a safe environment. Now, I obviously don't know what's going on behind the scenes, right, but at least that's the impression I get from watching them. Hearing Sam talk about the business model and how it's never profit for the sake of profit, or growth for the sake of growth, honestly makes so much sense, and it definitely shows. There's just so much quality in every episode they craft that you can tell they do it because they're passionate about it, not to squeeze in a few extra thousand at the end of the year. Wish there were more companies like this.

[@he.said.teenjiejer]

ally’s words of “you are the perfect american” are just as touching

[@caseyhull6120]

Dropout gives me the same feeling Bon Appetit did during the Pandemic, but you can see the difference in how the company itself is run and built, and how Sam's level of involvement keeps it honest.

[@bangormc3rd562]

It's a shame we live in a world where respecting employees, fostering creativity, and making reasonable goals is the exception, rather than the norm.

[@Demmrir]

I blame MBAs and shareholders/the stock market as a whole.

[@Khronogi]

Stock market means we take our wealth and invest it in companies that ​are not even in our neighborhoods. Then, because we rely on that wealth for retirement, we can only accept it going up. That alone is detrimental to a functioning community. @@Demmrir

[@Joker8pie]

@@Demmrir the stock market has been a plague on art since its creation

[@quarternipp]

@@Demmrir don't forget lobbyists and corporate executives who view these types of companies for what they bring in financially. no matter how good and popular the content is, they'll axe it if it's no longer making them exorbitant amounts of money.

[@CSeraphym]

Oh, 100%. I think it's interesting that Sam noted that all the upper people at Dropout are creative people, they don't have a finance person pushing for cost saving measures or growth. It reminds me of how Boeing has really fallen, and most of it can be traced to their management who previously had engineering backgrounds getting replaced by management from finance. It's also interesting how Sam is focused on slow sustainable healthy growth. These are the kinds of decisions that I don't think you can make in a publicly traded company. At least not anymore.

[@ejaybugboythree]

During a time when lesser people would've crumbled and the company would've been lost to time, Sam stepped up and saved it and all of his employees and friends. For that I am eternally grateful because Dropout is one of my favorite things on the internet.

[@brewdaly1873]

I think Brennan's "compliment" to Sam in Second Place is 100% true. He really has created a space for extremely talented people to show off their skills. I wish more CEO's were like Sam.

[@ejaybugboythree]

@@brewdaly1873 The world would be a much better place if even half the CEOs in the world had the amount of love and care Sam has for his employees.

[@jadeyu7197]

this 100% the loyalty Sam has for his employees, friends, and even us viewers is truly through the roof! i remember the time they upped the price of the subscription and they made sure old subscribers understood that they weren't being affected by this change. As someone who isn't from the US and whose currency is less than the dollar, I truly appreciate that.

[@Halfdrunkpadre]

It helps if your parents are rich and connected

[@DannoHung]

It takes someone who really hates capitalism to be a good capitalist.

[@patwailes5927]

I love the contrast of Sam in this interview talking about his incredibly straightforward and conservative business practices vs being the twisted agent of chaos and existential horror he is on game changer

[@BlackCanary87]

This season may have made folks a bit paranoid 😂 They're going to have to rein it back next season.

[@031Productions]

Look, you gotta release the demons somewhere.

[@woodside4life]

That’s common with people from… Where is he from again?

[@jonathansendker7871]

pppppppp

[@admugo]

The Bingo-ception one was triggered so many trust issues, it was amazing to watch 😂😂

[@S1lentBob]

Literally the one subscription I don't feel bad about paying for on my limited student budget.

[@jadeyu7197]

💯💯💯

[@jeffw991]

Best value in streaming.

[@justingoldsmith1852]

I got it for d20. And planned to cancel after fh junior year. But the 1/3 of game changer I watch apple is worth it. Now random passion/fun projects popping up just makes it impossible to cancel.

[@DoubtlessCar0]

Honestly, I’ve been watching Dropout stuff consistently since subscribing…basically I’ve been going through the back log of Dimension 20, watching all the small shows, and Game changers and it’s so much quality content!! The only app I use more than Dropout is KZbin…

[@Chevycamaroman317]

@@justingoldsmith1852there’s so many great shows! Gamechanger is amazing, the new smarty pants shows funny af too

[@HelloHuman1]

I hope they do a big event for Sam’s 20 years at CollegeHumor.

[@CassReidIsSomeone]

They lock HIM in the studio and he has to escape

[@bertoandon9681]

@@CassReidIsSomeone Why should he have to? He's been there the whole time!

[@Smajtastic]

Yes, but it's Dropout now :)

[@LogCabinMusic]

every cast member gets to face him in gladiatorial combat

[@angusholmes5523]

Brennan hosts an episode of Game Changer where the other players hunt down Sam

[@reynaldkurniawan9424]

For those of you who doesn't watch Game Changer and a little confused about Sam's "You are trapped in here", that green room actually doubles as an escape room, and Brennan Lee Mulligan was one of the contestants who got trapped in there

[@BlackCanary87]

I always assumed they took down the dummy wall with the secret chamber after but hey, maybe not!

[@Rewkers]

@@BlackCanary87 I don't think that's a dummy wall, I think they just somehow added a secret chamber lol

[@KaristinaLafae]

Escape the Green Room definitely inspired some trust issues among cast members. 😂😂

[@destinycox458]

@@KaristinaLafae 100 percent. if i remember right ally has said whenever they are on another show on dropout they do wonder if its a secret game changer ep.

[@andalilbitqueer]

​@@Rewkers nah, it's been there the whole time. 😶‍🌫️

[@LadonMach]

“So, you just… treat your employees well and try to create content you think people will enjoy seeing? And you’re successful?” “Well, I’m not gonna really come out and say it or anything but also I’m very good at my job and that helps with the whole success thing.”

[@Phyrre56]

Dropout is producing unique content. That's the root of the success. No one else is focusing on improvised comedy with high production values aimed at well-educated folks. When you have a unique offering that people want to buy, you can afford to uphold your morals without going out of business. College Humor was not unique content. It was scripted, low budget KZbin sketches which are a dime a dozen. You can build a following with that but not much of a loyal fanbase that wants to pay out of pocket for what you're selling.

[@sawdustanddiamonds99]

yeah i would even go as far as to say that a lot of their scripted comedy sketches still pale in comparison to their unscripted content personally

[@idiotindustries]

@@Phyrre56 not to mention more adult-side game shows. stuff like um actually and dirty laundry isn't really provided anywhere else.

[@MrMMochizuki]

@@sawdustanddiamonds99 They really hit the sweet spot of balance between scripted and unscripted. They are all essentially writers and creatives who are putting an incredible amount of preparation into everything, but the execution feels incredibly organic because the interactions are unscripted.

[@cre4turefe4ture]

they also don't seem to be going for infinite growth, which is a common pitfall for publicly traded companies (like other streamers such as Netflix.) since dropout (as far as I know) isn't traded publicly, there's no legal obligation to aim for anything other than steady profits so they can pay people to make stuff. *that's* what I believe has kept them consistently successful, as well as being incredibly funny and enjoyable and more affordable than most other streaming services... they really have a good thing going.

[@myyaoibetch]

Being profitable on a $5-6/month subscription model really shows how they're making every dollar count. I'm always amazed at the quality and attention to detail in the current Dropout shows. Also, Sam Reich is so cool. He could have been a "boss in an office." However, he's not only an active, hilarious host of Game Changer, but also uses shows to showcase how amazing everyone ELSE is.

[@orionweiss5418]

I'd say he's not only a host, he is the best host they have. They have so many absolute characters and he let's them shine in all of their madness and glory on Game Changer and make some noise

[@ecenbt]

I think this also shows us to what extent other streaming companies are money and profit-oriented and how they truly don't care about talent, creative or audience satisfaction

[@R-SXX]

He is the Michael Scott of our time

[@Fhoulghoul]

Dropout is one of the most enjoyable and loyalty-inspiring companies I support. I will give up every streaming service before Dropout. That plucky group of weirdos will have my money until the end of time

[@jadeyu7197]

100%

[@eddiemate]

It helps that Dropout respects the money of the audience. They're like $9/month here in Australia, which is still below half of every other service. And I don't pay even that because I was grandfathered in on the older price point.

[@reynastrange2828]

Dropout has the highest quality content for the least amount of money of any streaming service in existence

[@031Productions]

100% the same. I've been subscribed for like 4 years now and would never drop it. I often give out gift months to friends who I know would love D20, and I've occasionally given free gift months as thank you's to members of my community. Every one of them has stayed on as an active subscriber because it's just that good.

[@benjamingeiger]

It's Dropout, then Nebula, then everything else.

[@redred7702]

All Sam had to do was care and respect his staff, and that care alone probably brought in more people than imaginable. A little kindness goes more than a long way.

[@ovencake523]

kindness, and lots of blood sweat and tears and hard work

[@Swenglish]

@@ovencake523 Kindness and a common goal with shared benefits makes people want to put in the work, in a way that being leeched off of by a greedy and lazy boss doesn't.

[@0.-.0]

Vile, greedy CEOs care about and respect their staff all the time. It actually takes a lot more than just nice words and basic respect to make sure that your employees are well paid, with good benefits, a strong work culture of acceptance, and enough people are hired for all the different jobs that no one has to work 80 hour weeks.

[@Swenglish]

@@0.-.0 There's a difference between nice and kind, and respect is a relative concept.

[@helenm1085]

And he had to be rich enough to buy the company and not have shareholders

[@xswiftblade]

Sam took College Humor from a random failing media company and turned it into the gold standard of a decent workplace and incredible output. So grateful for everything he and the dropout family do.

[@astroemi]

I don’t think CollegeHumor was any random failing media company. And I’m sure Sam wouldn’t agree with that either, which is why he stuck with it for so many years. He definitely did something way better with it, but I think this all starts because CH was already a fun workplace where people were friends with each other.

[@slythewolf123]

@@astroemi months late, but i think they meant InterActiveCorp as the random media company, not CH

[@eric_the_egggremlin]

I mean, this is Robert Reich's kid we're talking about. He probably grew up hearing his parents discuss how businesses screw over their employees (and customers) in the name of growth. Sam is also just a genuinely good man, though

[@TitaniaBird]

He is the child of a rare breed of hippie-gone-respectable: hippies who never sacrificed their values for respectability. In a world where so many children of the '60s and '70s turned into what they hated, Sam's mom and dad remain true to themselves even in an age where vice became virtue.

[@lawofsirfignewton7881]

True. You ever wonder where Sam grew up?

[@zac2517]

@@lawofsirfignewton7881I wonder if there was a theater

[@roxlinm]

@@lawofsirfignewton7881he’s been here the entire time.

[@jojamison2062]

I never knew he was Robert Reich’s kid!?!?!!

[@apaleslimghost]

"we have a, uh... product" *cut to Izzy twerking upside down*

[@IceMetalPunk]

I'm living paycheck to paycheck, constantly worried that if I have another sudden expense, I won't be able to afford food... but I don't regret paying monthly for my Dropout membership. They consistently deliver quality content time and time again, and they do it with such class and respect for the audience, the cast and crew, and really just everyone in general. Sam does seem like the most genuinely kind boss, and the fact that he doesn't see it that way -- that he sees it as "we're just doing the bare minimum of decency" -- just proves how good of a person he is. It IS the bare minimum of decency... but there's a huge dearth of that these days, especially when money is involved. For him to maintain those values, not just in his words but in his actions, while also running a business which capitalism forces to prioritize profits? Beyond commendable. Unless he has a sudden heel turn and royally fucks up, I will always support Sam and Dropout and everyone on it.

[@shr9662]

Didn’t you heart about dropout America? He’s turning it hard right wing

[@IceMetalPunk]

@@shr9662 I think he might have a stroke if he has to deal with that from his own employees *and* the comments sections 😂

[@jadeyu7197]

@@IceMetalPunk I mean, have you asked where is he from?

[@anonanon9380]

To clarify, running a business doesn’t force him to prioritise profits, but this is only because Dropout is run as a private company (like he was saying in the interview). The mechanism which forces companies to focus on endless unsustainable short-term growth is obligations to shareholders, and he’s specifically avoided that at significant personal cost. He’s good people, is what I’m saying.

[@IceMetalPunk]

@@anonanon9380 Well, I mean... no. If you run a business and you don't prioritize profits, then you can't grow your business. If you don't grow the business, people start to find it stale and stop paying at which point, now you're no longer making enough money to maintain operations anymore, and your business has to shut down. It ultimately comes down to your customers' utility curves vs your operational expenses.

[@nicolasmcguire7883]

based on Sam's dad, it makes a ton of sense that he would hold loyalty to his staff and fostering creativity as important. It's admirable and I appreciate him more and more.

[@BlackCanary87]

I know who his dad is, but where is he from?

[@boopsnoot3142]

@@BlackCanary87 He's from Cambridge, MA. I hear the Crumbly Square Theater has fragrant popcorn.

[@eurojack44]

I 100% watch/rewatch Dropout content when I am having a bad day. You can absolutely feel the respect and creative synergy they have in the content they produce.

[@kimhaz6082]

Same ❤

[@mu4784]

It is so healing for me as well 🌸

[@jonnnnniej]

I heard someone describe it as "chicken soup content" because of that feeling when you are sick and your mother makes you chicken soup and it warms you physically and mentally :)

[@ivanbrezakbrkan]

Doing the interview in THE escape room? I didn’t know I needed this business lesson from you FC, but you did reich by us!

[@SweetPeaPD]

Well the escape room is the green room, which holds the talent until they’re onstage, it was such a genius idea to have the figurative holding room as a literal holding room they have to escape from

[@jaws8154]

thank you for localized affordable subscription prices!!

[@meow-px6kk]

Yes and thank you for KZbin subscription! I don't have any of the fancy online payment methods, so every three months I go to the grocery store and get a 15€ Google Play card to watch the good stuff. Without KZbin membership I couldn't do that, so thank you Dropout!

[@landler656]

IDK if you saw that Hank Green video about it but Dropout also covers the price difference between iTunes, and Spotify vs. direct subscriptions out of their own pocket. That way everyone pays the same price, even if they make less from the transaction.

[@jaws8154]

@@landler656 yess!!

[@ranaosman1393]

​@landler656 how does that work exactly? Do you have the link?

[@landler656]

@@ranaosman1393 I don't know if I can post a link but it's on Hank's Channel, 3rd or 4th most recent vid; the title is "STOP Subscribing to Things on your Phone!!!!" It's at about the 7 minute mark. The gist of it is that because Google and Apple are corporations, they take roughly 30% of the profit when bought through the Play/Apple Store. Dropout, not wanting to pass that scumminess on to us fans, just accepts that they get less to keep the price the same. Also, the alternative is to buy your subscription from their website and then use whatever app with that sign in info.

[@TheFiddleFaddle]

I love Dropout so much. I'm in a transitional stage where I'm cutting so many of my streaming subscriptions. Dropout I will never abandon.

[@NoThankUBeQuiet]

I've had to abandon it at times for financial reasons but I always do my best to bring it back asap

[@dielaughing73]

I cut out other subscriptions and joined Dropout as soon as I found it

[@TheFiddleFaddle]

@@dielaughing73 Ha! I literally, like not 5 minutes ago, was just selling a friend on why she needs to watch Dropout 😂

[@hannahysabelle]

It’s so weird to see Sam in something other than his train conductor-esque pinstripe suit

[@CrispyGFX]

Dropout is the only subscription service I would ever consider paying for and it's not even close. I love EVERY show that they run. EVERY cast member is hilarious and charming and incredibly smart. I think Brennan Lee Mulligan said it best about Sam: "You've made a home where my favorite people get to show the world how brilliant and amazing they are". It shows in every single video with how happy and excited the cast always are. It's truly lightning in a bottle.

[@thematman92]

Unless you lock him in the greenroom then he gets upset.

[@cyclopsboi]

not only is the content wonderful but dropout also does revenue sharing with the cast and crew so that everyone is invested in making the site as good as it can be

[@remytherat]

somehow brennan’s anti capitalism messages even make it way into this video that’s so real sam said “i have one job to do and it’s make sure brennan continues spreading his agenda”

[@JackgarPrime]

And this is how Market Socialism will take over the world.

[@denalinorsen6180]

the great thing about smaller private companies and co-ops that aren't focused on continuous growth is that they are far better at surviving recessions and dont need to lay off people in hard times.

[@JackgarPrime]

That's a great point. If you keep things focused on what you know will work and not try to outgrow yourself, it makes you more resistant to massive, unpredictable disruptions or huge market shifts.

[@ezrenficker4502]

I wonder how the old parent company feels now seeing Dimension 20 sell out Madison Square Garden and all the rest of Dropout's success. So glad Sam was able to get Dropout to flourish into it's full potential

[@chemicalhap]

Yeah well IAC...is pretty much a horrible place tonwork...and has failed most of its properties...so I don't even think they even recognize what success is ...in any form

[@FriedPotatoFarmer]

IAC is a publicly traded company whose board of directors includes the some of the richest and most powerful media magnates in the world, and Chelsea Clinton for some reason. They don't care about selling out Madison Square Garden. They care about what you can do for them this quarter and next quarter. They don't know what Dimension 20 is.

[@tee-py3zx]

I love the content that Dropout makes, but part of why I love the company is how they treat their employees. Everytime I see someone (even just a random crew member) mention their experiences working with Dropout, they always say how uniquely positive it was and how valued they felt. They did profit sharing in 2023 for every single person that has worked with the company that year. They are working on paying residuals for every single person. I've heard Sam downplay this by calling it a good business strategy -creating a reputation of being a great place to work attracts good employees that want to keep working with you forever.. but also, it just feels good to support a business that I know is made of good people who are valued for their work... One of the few times my money is going directly to the people who made the product that I love.

[@Romanticoutlaw]

turns out when you treat your talent with humanity and respect, they can make magic happen. And when you genuinely care about your boss, and you can see them putting in the work alongside you, and you're invested (emotionally) in the future of your company because of it, you find you can and will move mountains to keep that dream alive. Big ups to sam for making all this possible.

[@mydogsareneat]

Most impressive glow up of the pandemic was drop out

[@caitthew8223]

what got me to subscribe to dropout (as a broke uni student who still lives with her mother and doesn't work) is a combination of love for the content and also so much respect for how they run. they prove that you can turn a profit while being respectful, progressive and ethical!!! just hearing that dropout was given a pass for the writers/actors strike due to their incredible conditions was like "oh my god. they're that good." and they STILL participated in the movement and supported the strikes! and sam saying it is just decent is so wonderful because truthfully it is just decent but he is paving the way with these ethics. we're so used to needing to sacrifice something in the triangle of quality, ethical, profitable, but sam and dropout show that no, you can do all three. i respect that man so much.

[@babebam]

Sam Reich and Dropout are legends. Dropout is the ONLY subscription I've never regretted. It got my husband and I through the pandemic.

[@lmac40762]

It's really refreshing to see a company that doesn't seem to be run like a pump and dump scheme.

[@RGGG318]

One of the few companies still championing air safety and Covid precautions!

[@KaristinaLafae]

Amen! As an immuncompromised person, it's refreshing to see that Dropout is still, in 2024, protecting all of its employees in the workplace with masking and COVID testing before tapings.

[@punkitt]

Thank God, honestly. As someone who's been looking at the film industry it's super refreshing to see that they're still taking safety seriously in the face of an entire industry not bothering anymore. Considering how often Grant getting Covid came up in the latest season, those policies probably saved a lot of staff and talent from getting sick

[@chaser952]

Very Important People sucked me in as a subscriber. Can’t wait to explore the rest of the content on Dropout!

[@annawest2869]

Denzel is the greatest advertising they ever did

[@definitelynotasiren]

Welcome to the family!

[@MopWater777]

Keep us updated on your exploits and let us know what your other faves are

[@kieran.grant_]

Can I get a little clap?

[@dielaughing73]

Same same same. Vic rules!

[@tombpunk]

I’m glad there is a streaming service that are anticapitalist and wholesome towards its workers.

[@Zieg_Games]

Anticapitalist organizations cannot exist without capitalism.

[@sushiluv-nr1dv]

@@Zieg_Games duh... it's in the word... anti-capitalism. of course they wouldn't exist without capitalism. that doesn't make capitalism good lmfaooooo. dropout is a diamond in the rough.

[@Zieg_Games]

@@sushiluv-nr1dv Latte communists are just the worst. Complaining about a system that you massively benefit from is hypocrisy. At least Stalin was robbing banks for the cause.

[@nothingworks1881]

​@@Zieg_Gameshmmmmm. You say you're anti-capitalist, but yet you live in America, curious

[@Zieg_Games]

@@nothingworks1881 You latte communists are insufferable sipping overpriced coffee, while bitching on your iPhones. Stalin was a mass murderer and awful statesman, but the man was robbing banks for the cause. You goddamn whiners.

[@ethanhorn6093]

I got a day one sub and never looked back. When IAC dropped Dropout I swear to God, I am not the kind of person who does the whole parasocial relationship thing... but I was like "oh no". I probably solo'd getting at least thirty extra subscriptions from people. I never have been more immediately affected by a company being under threat of closing more than with CH and I just kept thinking about this sketch that Mike Trapp wrote like in the 2010s which was a play on Home Alone and Sam plays the Mom and who freaks out when she realizes her son is left behind... and... Sam runs up to the flight attendant and is like "Please I left my writers behind... they're so stupid!" or something to that effect... and I've loved CH/Dropout ever since that first time I saw that video. I still occasionally recruit subscriptions for the sheer love of the game. I want this company to live forever and I am way too invested in it to stop now. Oh by the way I also try and comment/like/share on every video Sam is on to boost up Dropout exposure. Am I but a grain of sand blowing in the breeze? Probably. But it DOESN'T COST ME NOTHIN' TO DO IT SO I AM GOING TO KEEP DOING UNTIL I DROP.

[@sofialaya596]

This is an example of what a company should be

[@niccolom]

I stopped watching College Humor about 15 years ago after following them for every video for about 5 years. I still remember this guy's face and that's why I clicked in here.

[@brewdaly1873]

Oh, you should definitely check out Dropout. They do have a pretty decent amount available for free on KZbin. I remember watching the old College Humor skits too, but Dropout is a whole different monster and easily the best subscription I have.

[@patiencekillz]

you have to check out their newer stuff, it’s great

[@frcShoryuken]

Try to find some Game Changer or Make Some Noise clips. Breaking News is also super good

[@FiddlerKeith]

Look up "True Facts About Grant Anthony OBrien". You laugh you subscribe

[@secretforreddit]

@@frcShoryuken Breaking News always feels like old school CH, it's great. I think my current favorite show they're doing is Very Important People, though!

[@timgehrsitz3267]

Something I'll say is around 9:00 when sam says "hyper-premium content" my first thought was he was talking about Dropout rather than big streaming services. To me, premium no longer means "budget" or "effects" or whatever else; premium is about how much care is put into the show and how much enjoyment it brings me, and frankly dropout crushes every other streaming service. If I see Leonardo DiCaprio in a movie I don't know the movie is gonna be good. But if I see Zac Oyama or Jacob Wysocki or any of the other Dropout cast, I know what I'm watching IS gonna be good because their abilities dictate how something goes. That used to be true with Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Andy Samberg in their respective NBC shows, and we saw how successful those were, but those sorts of shows aren't really around anymore.

[@ryry0913]

We adore Sam! Not only is he a great business person but a great person. He made a company with integrity that is focused on respecting its employees and it's comsumers without pandering and without trying to make content simply for content sake.

[@montelds]

It's such a delight to hear from Sam. Just a lovely human and honest man.

[@Hallam910]

One could say he's The Perfect American

[@doremicoffee]

Truly thank you Sam for not giving up and making CollegeHumor/Dropout work.

[@brendanregs]

Sam Reich is running his business the exact opposite way of every shitty tech CEO and it is SO refreshing!

[@sidhackney8831]

My roommate and I each have our own separate Dropout subscriptions because we want to give them money. It's the only streaming service I still pay for.

[@voltcorp]

brennan might be the devout anti-capitalist, but sam calling exponential growth a "meta sport" was an amazingly surgical dunk on the whole economy, and on a finance podcast of all places.

[@MykalNines]

Discovered Dropout recently and have been making my way through the Game Changer playlists. Worth the entire small subscription fee, and ive only seen that one show!

[@tinkerer3399]

I definitely recommend checking out some of the older shows from right before they went independent. Gods of Food and WTF101 in particular I found to be some of the best content they have ever made but you gotta dig down a bit to find them as they aren't current shows.

[@kieran.grant_]

Honestly, gamechanger is the only reason I've stayed subscribed over the years. "Make some noise" is a spinoff that focuses on the same shtick as those improv episodes with Brennan Mike and Zac, which is fun. Dirty laundry is good for an episode here or there, but my recent favorite is Smartypants. Well worth looking into

[@elmomertens]

7:50 I was dreaming of D20 video game for a while - BG3 style video game set in Spyre or something

[@SeanBoyce-gp]

I was thinking Dimension 20 Smash Bros. style. But you can also pretty easily imagine a game in literally any of the settings.

[@sentientbeans]

Sam is such an inspiration, in both what he’s built and the way he’s universally respected and loved by the cast in Dropout. It just speaks to who is he not only as a business man but as a person.

[@dustinswafford9232]

I'd cancel Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ before I'd cancel my Dropout subscription. Game Changer, Um Actually, and Make Some Noise are my comfort shows and I watch them on loop in the background while I'm working.

[@creepybatgirl]

I think this chat really encapsulated what I like about Dropout; the dedication to slow growth. I don’t want to be overwhelmed by how fast it comes. I like the tentative introduction of a new show, gauging the interest, choosing what to invest in the next quarter. It keeps it fresh without ever saying ‘never’ to another season.

[@Kgrjbftiihgz]

I'm so glad that we have Dropout and Dropout is proving that streaming can work. They're a company you can really be proud to support.

[@Bassylover]

Dropout is the only company that I wished charged me more money, so I have to buy merch to show them how much I value them and their creativity. Its the main thing I watch now. I can't wait to see how it grows because I will always try to find a way to fit Dropout into my budget.

[@lukelyons4099]

It’s the only subscription that I never get rid of nor do I regret having. If they raised the price to $10.99 or even $14.99, I still would subscribe. It’s great content made by even better people and they never punch down. It’s a beacon of light in the gross comedy landscape that has come from the pandemic.

[@puppiesgoesrawr]

Dropout is such a worth it subscription that I will happily pay every month. They treat their people right, and they make really awesome show. It really is that simple.

[@aileyjace12]

I had no idea the new iteration of the company hosts no advertizing! I was a die-hard college humor fan back in maybe 2010 or so. I'd check the website multiple times a day, until the number of ads all over the screen and blocking the content became too much. I (obviously) haven't paid much attention since, but I'm so happy to hear this and I can't wait to check out Dropout!

[@Dave-cg9li]

Dropout is the only streaming service I'm subscribed to, and it's 100% worth it, definitely recommend! Their comedians are incredibly talented 😄 But obviously, it's a very different streaming service so it may not be for everyone. The fact that the people in these game shows are professional comedians makes it much fun.

[@alexandrac6177]

I’m a writer-as a hobbyist now, but I used to write copy-but I’m also a business owner. Sam Reich is my literal role model. The way he treats people, especially his employees, is a perfect blueprint for how every boss should conduct themselves.

[@solutanbrun]

I would probably pay in order to have Sam Reich as my boss. No joke.

[@jayp2416]

This is why Dropout is one of the subscriptions I let ride even when I’m not watching as much.

[@10base-teaparty97]

Sam's story with Dropout is like the platonic form of putting your money where your mouth is. Been a subscriber for a few years now, can't imagine ever cancelling. Something something Game Changer . . .

[@JohnstersInc]

This shows me more and more that the current form of dropout is this generation’s Whose Line. A hyper-talented, diverse, relatively lower budget cast on rotation to guarantee a good time every time. They do things that make people think they could do that, whilst subtly demonstrating why they are the best in their field. Not afraid to be silly, camp, self-deprecating and self-aware. Both have a cult following that should be higher but even if not, and even if the profit runs out, the artistic legacy should be secured forever

[@KaristinaLafae]

My husband and I have watched Dropout for approximately 99% of our TV viewing time since we learned about it from my brother at the beginning of the year. It feels good to watch Dropout because there's hardly anything that makes you want to cringe for it being toxic, the way a lot of comedy is elsewhere, and it's a satisfying escape from the horrors of the world we live in. And you know that the performers are all valued because the consent culture is not just behind the scenes, but also on screen. I'd rather support companies like Dropout than any other streaming service that makes decisions that hurt creators and fans just to improve their bottom line.a If more companies in other sectors were to follow the same business ethos as Dropout - with pricing that respects how consumers are struggling in this economy - the public is ready to embrace them and shun the toxic megacorporations we're forced to do business with due to lack of competition.

[@xxgn]

I'd suggest that Total Forgiveness is rather toxic, though there's probably something amazing there. Alas, I refuse to watch it.

[@KaristinaLafae]

@@xxgn That's something they address in the show itself after a notable change from "friendly competition" to "this could be the end of our friendship." Grant and Ally had to convince Sam to make the show, but neither of them realized how bad it would get. Sam even begged both of them at various points not to take the week's challenges because they weren't worth it. To them, though, it was worth it. They consented to every episode even when they shouldn't. It ends the only way it could, and they'll never make another show like it because it went so terribly wrong. It now exists as a dark commentary on the reality of student loan debt and the lengths people will go to try to free themselves of it.

[@whiteskull1067]

Well put 💯

[@emmawoering9379]

Dropout is my only subscription service. I loved watching everything of Dimension 20 they had on KZbin and I couldn't stay away when I knew they had so many great show behind a relatively low paywall. Ive been so exited to see more and more interesting and fun shows come out and I truly love everything they create. It's a goldmine of different and extremely fun content and I recommend it to everyone!

[@FrogMouthGhost]

Dropout is absolutely a dream place and community for every improviser. Really hope others follow this model.

[@WeLoveSandwich]

This is great stuff. Sam is such a well spoken dude. I do wish they would invest more in the UI, but that's the only gripe I have.

[@CaptainUrielVentris7]

It's an organisation of funny people which really seems consciously but almost effortlessly decent and responsible.

[@BucklingSwashes]

5:47 I love this conversation about growth. A lot of companies, especially in tech, are driven by this impossible concept of infinite, ever-increasing profits year-over-year, which often results in cost cutting and layoffs for the sake of artificially increasing profits. It's a short-sighted play that arguably results in you crippling your company. Real growth - that makes your company strong in the long term - is investing in your people and giving them the tools to keep producing.

[@lobsterbisque333]

Dropout has humanity, and for a company that goes a long way

[@vetdrdan123]

This could have easily been a 3 hour interview and it wouldn't have been enough. All of the things that happened in the fall of CH and Rise of Dropout, like Drawfee being split into their own successful show, and a billion other things. I could listen to Sam being serious and talking about Dropout for literally ever

[@SageLegacy]

Crazy how some companies don't need infinite growth from random rich investors. If only there were more companies like dropout for sure

[@pandablossom_2659]

i subscribed to dropout in september at the beginning of my freshman year of college and have grown to love the cast and crew with my whole heart. they got me through a rough first year at college and i think they are all genuinely amazing people who deserve everything.

[@lx-icon]

Great interview - but I would have loved to learn where Sam is from, it's a shame you didn't ask him that question!

[@chloeeffron4361]

crumbly square

[@cassiopeia9187]

Transylvania

[@cassiopeia9187]

Transylvania

[@esotericpince]

shame we'll never know

[@UpTheDown7]

Money. He comes from a lot of money.

[@CompoundingTime]

I love Sam and Dropout. Hard to find companies with such a high level of ethics nowadays.

[@OffTrackEpisodic]

i appreciate and respect sam so much! great interview! :)

[@PersonalPariah]

My Dropout subscription is one of the easier things to justify on my outgoings. Lots of content and variety for a very reasonable price, whilst supporting a good enterprise.

[@judgemental9253]

I remember when ‘if google was a guy’ came out, CH was revolutionary to early KZbin, and it’s insane how they’ve managed to do it again

[@flyq7470]

Dropout is the only service im subscribed to that I actually like! Im so glad to hear they are doing well because everything they do is so much fun! Keep at it Every show so far has been a homerun!

[@jl789nz]

Sam is such a great role model. I love what he and his team have created here. I’ve mainly subscribed for Game Changers, but also just to support a great bunch of people. I’d way rather give money to Drop out than Netflix/Disney/any of the other publicly traded money chasing gotta maximize profit machines.

[@danilynn9904]

Sam is the leader I aspire to be. He takes genuine delight in lifting others up.

[@alexalbaugh6972]

Dropout is the natural successor to Saturday Night Live. The level of comfort, intimacy, and the sheer amount of time you've all spent improving, learning eachother, and growing as people have made your relationship with comedy feel like joking with your friends. And as someone who seems to have grown and changed as a person alongside CollegeHumor/Dropout, not only are they shaping the internet in New ways, but they're restructuring comedy and business models at the same time? Comedy can't prosper in a corporate environment because it's about relatability.

[@theresakelly3100]

Dropout truly showcases that you don’t have to be offensive to be funny and they cater to so many different types of humour and shows that the subscription is so worth it tbh

[@BradenTesla]

very good interview.

[@gakuka]

They added so much joy in so many dark times, and they only get better. I'm so thankful for Sam and all of his incredible partners.

[@makingsenseofus]

I hear “card games” and perk up immediately. Critical Role just had a card game release with Universus, which is a game system where the conceit is “who would win between characters from vastly different IPs”. When they announced CR, my first thought was “OK, this is sweet, can they also get D20”.

[@toothpastehombre]

I feel like I could watch an hour of history/behind the scenes. Good stuff

[@rylandines]

The perfect Nick Offerman chuckle at 7:40

[@katelynnj2343]

As someone who jumped into Dropout in 2021, after the depths of the switch, it blows my mind to see what a crazy entertaining product it is in context of what it came from. It’s my only subscription now. I will rewatch Game Changer and Um Actually forever and ever. That team deserves all the love- they care for each other, build each other up, and are some of the funniest minds in the internet space.

[@kevinr7216]

Sam is truly one of my favorite human beings of all time

[@brandonwilcox3307]

Collegehumor quite literally shaped my sense of humor. I still play old Jake and Amir and Hardly Working videos in the background while I'm at work. While I don't really love the "live" content that Dropout produces now, I'm so proud that the spirit of CH is still alive and well.

[@WaxierWarrior]

‘How big is too big’ no sir your confused thats not Grant ‘50’ O’Brien

[@marinemanaphy101]

I think the most impressive thing about Dropout is that they come by their supporters honestly. They aren’t clickbaiting you into a membership, they genuinely put out a ton of extremely good content and then advertise it effectively with shorts and clips and TikToks and everything else. Their talent is incredible and Sam has clearly put in a ton of work to make it a good working environment based on the chemistry of the cast members alone. I didn’t initially buy in when they first launched and even though I enjoyed the clips I figured it wasn’t worth it to start. But then over time, I kept seeing more and more clips that cracked me up, and eventually thought “Fuck it, I’ll try it for a month - if this is an honest representation of the quality then it’ll be worth it, and if it isn’t, I’ll just cancel.” At this point I’ve been a member for over a year. I don’t watch every show of theirs, and I don’t watch every episode of every show that I do watch, but I have never regretted my Dropout subscription because they put out some of my favourite content in the last while.

[@esotericpince]

same thing happened to me, grant's 50 blow jobs clip finally made me subscribe a few days ago. it feels like the best of both worlds, people who cant afford to subscribe still get to see a lot of funny clips, and its an extremely low cost way of advertising

[@wondercatff]

impressed that Fast Company had such an on the level interview. I dig it!

[@Brandypop]

The dropout subscription is one of the lowest offered price wise on the market and possesses home grown content from some of the funniest internet personalities on the web. I honestly feel like they're low-balling me and they are the first streaming service where I am happy to be a subscriber. There's always something awesome to watch.

[@adanactnomew7085]

I'm going to say I'm very surprised by their turn-around. I thought they were done when they tried to go to subscription, but they've really proven me wrong and I'm happy to see this company of talent continue to thrive.

[@hugnija]

i just cant comprehend HOW am I paying so small amount and getting SO MUCH. Im just so grateful. love dropout. thank you for your work ❤

[@hilliard665]

The man, the myth, the legend. He's been here the whole time.

[@dielaughing73]

Twenty years... Yup

[@dackattac]

9:40 Sam: “We get the feedback a lot that folks feel like watching our content and the Dropout platform in general is a safe space” [footage of Sam handcuffed getting zapped by a cattle prod on Dropout]

[@0.-.0]

This! Like, even you're even 1% of a decent person your comedy will not offend anyone, anywhere, at any time. You have to consciously TRY to offend people. It's not hard to make a safe space!

[@charliepie1212]

They need to keep 'em handcuffed to keep it a safespace. Gotta keep 'em in his place

[@argokarrus2731]

See that footage is a safe space for me

[@RachelJade70]

@@argokarrus2731 Seeing a CEO get tortured? Proves to me how much of a safe space it is ☺☺