Dropout Overlooked by Emmys Despite Hosting the Top Game Show

Dropout, which originated from College Humor, has evolved from a small streaming platform into a powerhouse featuring a lineup of talented comedians and a live play show that can fill Madison Square Garden. Despite its rising fame, Dropout has yet to earn recognition from the Emmys.

CEO and host of Game Changer, Sam Reich, organized a “For Your Consideration” event in May to attract awards attention, but it fell short. Dropout submitted both Game Changer and Vic Michaelis’ Very Important People for consideration in 11 categories, but the Emmy Awards snubbed them when the Television Academy announced its 2026 nominations.

Game Changer has recently kicked off its eighth season, with each episode showcasing a different game for contestants, who are kept in the dark about what they’ll be playing. Sometimes, Reich even joins the fun, like when he swapped places with Jeremy Culhane during the season 7 “Rulette” episode. Game Changer was in the running for nominations in the game show categories but ultimately lost to classic shows like Jeopardy! and Jimmy Kimmel’s Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.

Very Important People has just concluded its third season, where host Michaelis interviews guests who create characters on the fly. The guests often don elaborate costumes with heavy makeup and prosthetics, such as Rekha Shankar’s Mother Hot Dog. Michaelis was up for a nomination in the lead comedy actress category but did not secure a spot. Both Game Changer and Very Important People also sought nominations in various behind-the-scenes categories, including production design and costumes.

With Dropout’s growing popularity, it seems inevitable that the streamer will eventually gain recognition from awards committees. In the meantime, the platform continues to innovate. This year alone, it has explored a Game Changer Blu-ray release, launched a 24/7 livestream channel, and secured a license to stream an eccentric puppet show. Additionally, it recently completed a Kickstarter campaign for an at-home version of Game Changer, which garnered nearly $7 million in pledges.

“We have to experiment and be comfortable with a bit of failure in order to innovate.”