Get ready for a wild ride as we dive into the world of comedy and controversy! The recent 'Rookie'-'Copaganda' backlash has sparked a heated debate among fans of Dropout, formerly known as CollegeHumor.
For those who've been living under a rock, let's set the scene. Dropout, a comedy streaming service with a liberal-leaning reputation, found itself in a tricky situation when it announced a crossover episode with ABC's cop procedural drama, 'The Rookie'. This move left some fans scratching their heads, especially considering Dropout's talent is known for their outspoken views against police brutality.
But here's where it gets interesting... The episode, aired on Monday night, featured Dropout's CEO and 'Game Changer' host, Sam Reich, alongside other Dropout collaborators, playing exaggerated versions of themselves. They were joined by 'The Rookie' star, Nathan Fillion, who investigated a burglary at the Dropout studio in LA. The plot twist? Reich's character was inadvertently responsible for the robbery through a botched insurance fraud attempt.
In an exclusive email interview with Variety, Sam Reich addressed the backlash and the reasoning behind the collaboration. He acknowledged the fans' concerns while explaining Dropout's desire to reach a wider audience as they continue to expand their business and programming.
"I understand the fans' worries, and I can assure you, I felt the same initial hesitation. However, the chance to showcase Dropout to a new, larger audience was too enticing to pass up. We are grateful for our loyal fans, who hold us to such high standards, but sometimes, growth means taking risks and potentially upsetting a few along the way."
And this is the part most people miss... Reich revealed that the idea for the crossover came from 'The Rookie's' showrunner, Alexi Hawley, a Dropout fan himself. However, Reich admitted to having his doubts, fearing it might be another 'Game Changer' prank, referencing a previous surprise episode.
When asked about the writing process, Reich revealed that they allowed 'The Rookie's' team to write the script, trusting their expertise. However, they also incorporated a significant amount of improv, leaving Reich curious about what made the final cut. "I'm still surprised some of my jokes made it through!"
The episode's announcement divided fans. Some were thrilled to see Dropout on a broadcast network, while others were upset about the perceived promotion of 'copaganda'. Reich addressed this divide, emphasizing the opportunity to reach a new audience and the potential for growth.
But will we see a 'Game Changer' episode inspired by this collaboration? Reich hinted at no plans for a reverse crossover, stating it's easier to imagine a scripted world within an unscripted one. He also shared a funny threat from Vic Michaelis, promising dire consequences if it turned out to be another 'Game Changer' prank.
Finally, Reich reflected on playing a caricature of himself, acknowledging that it might not translate well to those unfamiliar with Dropout. He expressed his love for being poked fun at, referencing the 'Hardly Working' days of CollegeHumor, which gained them a dedicated fan base.
So, what's your take on this controversial crossover? Do you think Dropout made the right move, or did they cross a line? Let us know in the comments! We'd love to hear your thoughts on this hot topic.
