CollegeHumor, once a cornerstone of online comedy, underwent significant corporate restructuring, including mass layoffs and a change in ownership, ultimately leading to its rebranding as Dropout.
The Evolution and Transformation of CollegeHumor
CollegeHumor was acquired by Barry Diller's IAC/InterActiveCorp in 2006, operating under their umbrella for over a decade. This period saw the platform grow significantly, producing a wide range of comedic sketches, series, and articles that garnered a massive following.
The Pivotal Shift: January 2020 Layoffs and Ownership Change
A critical turning point occurred in January 2020. IAC laid off more than 100 staffers at CollegeHumor. This substantial reduction in force marked a dramatic change for the company and its employees. Simultaneously, IAC sold a majority stake in CH Media, the parent company of CollegeHumor and its burgeoning subscription service Dropout, to Sam Reich. Reich, who was the company's chief creative officer at the time, stepped up to take the reins, becoming the majority owner and guiding the company through its next phase.
The Rebranding to Dropout
Under Sam Reich's ownership, the focus increasingly shifted towards Dropout, a subscription-based platform that offered ad-free, long-form content. This move allowed the creators more freedom and financial stability outside of the fluctuating ad revenue model of traditional YouTube and web content. This strategic pivot culminated in late 2023, when CollegeHumor officially changed its name to Dropout. This rebranding solidified the new identity and direction of the company, with Dropout becoming the primary brand for all its original content.
Key Eras and Transitions
The following table summarizes the major shifts in CollegeHumor's history and their impact on the individuals involved:
| Era/Period | Owner/Leadership | Key Event(s) | Impact on "Everyone" |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-2020 | IAC/InterActiveCorp (since 2006) | Operated as CollegeHumor and began developing early Dropout concepts. | Staff operated under IAC ownership, creating diverse content. |
| January 2020 | IAC (initiating change), Sam Reich | Mass Layoffs: Over 100 staffers were let go by IAC. | A significant portion of the workforce lost their positions. |
| Sam Reich (majority stake owner) | Ownership Transfer: Sam Reich acquired a majority stake in CH Media. | Remaining team transitioned under new leadership and vision. | |
| Post-2020 to 2023 | Sam Reich (as owner of CH Media/Dropout) | Focused on building and growing the Dropout subscription platform. | Content creation pivoted heavily towards Dropout's subscriber model and production values. |
| Late 2023 Onward | Sam Reich (as owner of Dropout) | Rebranding: CollegeHumor officially changed its name to Dropout. | The historic CollegeHumor brand was retired, and content production consolidated under Dropout. |
What Happened to the Individuals Associated with CollegeHumor?
The corporate restructure in January 2020 profoundly impacted many individuals, as over 100 staffers were laid off. This event marked a significant career transition for a large number of the people who worked behind the scenes and in front of the camera. While the company's identity and future were consolidated under the Dropout brand, led by Sam Reich, the specific individual career paths of every former CollegeHumor employee or talent are not detailed in the provided information, which primarily focuses on the company's transformation and the collective fate of its staff.
