Decoder with Nilay Patel Dropout CEO Sam Reich on business, comedy, and keeping culture weird
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Sep 22, 2025 Sam Reich, CEO of Dropout and creator of hit shows like Game Changer, dives into the world of subscription comedy and the importance of unique company culture. He shares insights on how CollegeHumor transitioned to Dropout, the challenges of the zero-dollar buyout, and the value of clippable content in engaging audiences. Reich advocates for the weirdness of the internet, emphasizing the need for quirky projects and balanced teams, blending full-time staff and contractors to foster creativity.
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Simplify With Direct-To-Audience Model
- Simplify your business by removing intermediaries like advertisers to retain creative control.
- Sam says direct-to-audience subscriptions avoid yearly sales resets and platform gatekeepers.
Keep The Business Intentionally Simple
- Keeping a business simple makes it easier to run effectively and align priorities.
- Sam intentionally resists complexity to preserve autonomy and focus on creative work.
Bought The Company For Zero Dollars
- Sam acquired CollegeHumor by offering IAC zero dollars and taking on the risky experiment himself.
- He closed the deal just before COVID lockdowns began, shrinking staff dramatically.