Dropout's Emmy Ambitions Dashed in 2026 Nominations Snub

Despite campaigning, streamer's flagship shows 'Game Changer' and 'Very Important People' failed to secure nominations.

Jul 8, 2026
Entertainment (TV, Movies, Anime)
Dropout's Emmy Ambitions Dashed in 2026 Nominations Snub

The streaming service Dropout, an offshoot of College Humor that has become a notable home for comedians and live-play shows, has been overlooked by the 2026 Emmy Awards. The Television Academy revealed its nominations on Wednesday, notably excluding Dropout's flagship series 'Game Changer' and Vic Michaelis's 'Very Important People' from contention, despite a dedicated awards campaign.

Dropout CEO Sam Reich hosted a "For Your Consideration" event in May to boost the shows' profiles, submitting them across 11 categories. However, neither 'Game Changer' nor 'Very Important People' managed to secure a nomination. 'Game Changer,' which recently began its eighth season, features contestants unaware of the game they are set to play on each episode. Reich himself sometimes participates, as seen in season 7's 'Rulette' episode. The show was put forward for game show categories, but nominations went to established programs like 'Jeopardy!' and 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.'

'Very Important People,' an improvised talk show that concluded its third season, sees host Michaelis interview guests who create characters on the fly, often with elaborate makeup and prosthetics. Michaelis was a contender for lead comedy actress, but this nomination also did not materialize. Both shows were also submitted for behind-the-scenes awards, including production design for 'Game Changer' and costumes for 'Very Important People,' but these too were unsuccessful.

Despite the Emmy snub, Dropout continues to expand its reach and experiment with new ventures. Recent initiatives include a 'Game Changer' Blu-ray release, a 24/7 livestream channel, and a licensing deal for a puppet show. The streamer also recently concluded a highly successful Kickstarter campaign for an at-home version of 'Game Changer,' which garnered nearly $7 million in pledges. The service's growing popularity suggests that industry recognition may be forthcoming, even as it navigates its current awards season disappointment.

Sources