It's Been Here the Whole Time: Why :DROPOUT is the Best Streaming Service for College Kids

By: Rose Caisley '26

Photo Courtesy of Variety

We've all been there. Maybe you had a fun night out and need to wind down before going to bed. Or you've just aced a test and are taking some well-deserved time to relax. Or you've got to wait for your laundry to finish but can't go anywhere lest it be dumped out on top of the washer. You need to watch some TV and turn your brain off for thirty minutes. You go turn on Netflix, but shock and horror, you've been bumped off your parent's account by their new pass-word sharing crackdown. That's ok you turn to Disney+, except you stopped paying for it after the last price increase. As a last attempt you turn to AppleTV+, but once again cannot access it because your free trial that came with your phone has ended. All of this points to a growing problem in the pop culture landscape of America, too many streaming services that are too expensive. Alas, in the pit that is the "streaming wars" one champion emerges as the defender of good, plentiful, and most importantly cheap content. This champion is Dropout.

Dropout is a streaming service composed of ad-free original content that often centers around improvisation and comedy. Even if you've never heard of Dropout you may be familiar with its previous incarnation, CollegeHumor, a comedy website and YouTube channel. While the name may be different, the talent is mostly the same, with cast members Grant O'Brien, Katie Marovich, Brennan Lee Mulligan, Mike Trapp, Zac Oyama, Emily Axford, Brian Murphy, and many more all returning for shenanigans of the highest caliber. This controlled chaos is orchestrated by Sam Reich, who is not only the host of several shows on the network but also its chief executive officer and majority owner (no big companies here).

Photo Courtesy of Book Squad Goals

But why purchase Dropout? Well, what it makes up for lacking big studio money it makes up in heart and quality content. As mentioned, most of the shows are based around improv, meaning game shows abound. Its marquee game show is called Game Changer wher ehost Sam Reich invites three players (often CollegeHumor cast members or associates) to play a game. What game? They don't know until they start playing as each episodes features a different premise. Another show Um, Actually, is a Jeopardy-style show where players must buzz in and use the phrase "um actually" to correct a false statement about a different nerdy topic. If you're into more narrative storytelling, look no further than the celebrated Dimension 20, one of the world's most popular Dungeons and Dragons actual play shows. With a table led by the best Dungeon Masters in the industry including Brennan Lee Mulligan, Aabria Iyengar, and Matthew Mercer, this anthology show weaves many fantastical and heart-wrenching tales. And there are so many other hilarious shows such as Very Important People, Make Some Noise, and Dirty Laundry.

So next time you have some time to kill, think about picking up a subscription service to this little but mighty streaming service. Oh I almost forgot to mention, it's only $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year. That's what I call a steal!