Dropout, formerly known as CollegeHumor, has always been known for its liberal-leaning content. However, when cast members from the game show “Game Changer” appeared on an episode of the ABC cop procedural “The Rookie,” some fans were surprised. The backlash stemmed from concerns that “The Rookie” is promoting a pro-police narrative, while Dropout talent has been vocal about police brutality.
The episode, which aired recently, featured Dropout CEO and “Game Changer” host Sam Reich, along with Vic Michaelis, Jacob Wysocki, Zac Oyama, and Anna Garcia, playing exaggerated versions of themselves alongside “The Rookie” star Nathan Fillion. The storyline revolved around a burglary at the Dropout studio in Los Angeles, with Reich inadvertently involved in insurance fraud.
In an interview with Variety, Reich addressed the fan concerns and explained that the opportunity to reach a broader audience was too good to pass up. He mentioned that while upsetting fans is inevitable, they value their passionate fan base and strive to meet their high standards.
The collaboration between Dropout and “The Rookie” came about when the show’s creator, Alexi Hawley, who is a fan of Dropout, approached them. The script was primarily written by the “Rookie” team but allowed for a significant amount of improvisation from the Dropout cast.
Despite the divisive reaction from fans, Reich and the cast members saw the collaboration as a way to introduce Dropout to a new audience. There are no plans to incorporate the “Rookie” episode into an upcoming episode of “Game Changer,” as the scripted and unscripted formats differ.
The fictional versions of the Dropout cast on “The Rookie” were caricatures of themselves, a playful nod to their comedic roots. Reich expressed that being parodied is a form of affection for him and felt comfortable playing exaggerated versions of themselves on the show.
Overall, the collaboration between Dropout and “The Rookie” may have sparked controversy among fans, but it allowed Dropout to showcase its talent to a wider audience. The episode served as a fun and lighthearted crossover between two different entertainment platforms.
