Season 8 of Dropout's flagship comedy series, Game Changer, has concluded with its nearly 90-minute finale, "Last Talent Standing." This season was characterized by ambitious productions featuring large casts and elaborate sets, a trend exemplified by the premiere episode, "Don't Wake Standards & Practices."
While the season showcased significant ambition, simpler concepts also proved highly effective, such as "Rulette 2," which relied on the chaotic interactions of just three contestants. Now that the season is complete, its episodes can be ranked, a challenging task given the quality and variety on display.
Season 8 Episode Rankings
At the bottom of the ranking is "Night Shift" (episode 3), noted as the least memorable of the season. While it featured enjoyable moments like contestants working against their counterparts and an unexpected appearance by Ron Perlman, these weren't enough to elevate it among the season's best.
"Last Talent Standing" (episode 10), a riff on talent shows with Squid Game aesthetics, demonstrated the depth of Dropout's talent pool but ultimately felt stretched thin by its conclusion. The episode was full of laughs, but even its participants seemed ready for it to end.
"I Spy" (episode 9) served as a significant showcase for the show's art department, featuring a complex twist on a childhood game. While entertaining, some viewers might have found themselves confused by the rules and scoring, similar to contestant Jacquis Neal's experience.
"Earwigs" (episode 7) echoed season 7's "The Drinking Game" by requiring players to focus on each other's behaviors while simultaneously participating in a game or improvisational bit. The addition of new layers and minigames each round reinforced Game Changer's identity as a game show.
"What's the Catch" (episode 8) initially centered on prize distribution, but took a humorous turn with the introduction of absurd twists for contestants like Kimia Behpoornia and Jacob Wysocki, whose elaborate prizes had to be consumed or experienced at inconvenient times or locations.
"Kangaroo Court" (episode 4) focused on contestants attempting to deceive a jury about completing tasks, with host Sam Reich rigging the game against them. The differing strategies and chaotic energy, particularly from contestant Vic Michaelis, made for an engaging episode.
"Don't Wake Standards & Practices" (episode 1) set a strong tone for the season with its paradoxical premise. The challenge for comedians Ally Beardsley, Jeremy Culhane, and Lou Wilson to push comedic boundaries while staying within legal limits proved to be a successful and hilarious formula.
"Rulette 2" (episode 2) brought back a popular concept from season 7, featuring Anna Garcia alongside Demi Adejuyigbe and Josh Ruben. The simple, rule-based chaos of "Rulette" allows for consistent humor, with contestants finding inventive ways to make each other laugh while adhering to absurd directives. Ruben's antics involving a mannequin provided a memorable comedic highlight.
"Noise Some Makes" (episode 6) brought back fan favorites Brennan Lee Mulligan, Zac Oyama, and Josh Ruben, offering new twists on the "Make Some Noise" concept with prompts delivered via drawings or a game of telephone. The episode also spotlighted Kaylin Mahoney, Reich's assistant, who emerged as a breakout star.
Topping the list is "Count the Rice" (episode 5), which harkens back to the show's earlier seasons by prioritizing game mechanics. The comedy arises from the players' ability to perform within the game's confines, keeping both contestants and viewers guessing. The escalating layers and twists of "Count the Rice," experienced by newcomers like Catherine McCafferty and returning players such as Demi Adejuyigbe and Ify Nwadiwe, offered a suspenseful race to the finish. This episode is considered the season's strongest and one of the series' best, capturing the spirit of the all-time favorite, "Bingo."