As Dropout’s creative force navigates a shifting landscape of its hit improv series, CEO Sam Reich has explained why he will not be the sole host of Make Some Noise season 5. Following the conclusion of Game Changer season 8 last month, Make Some Noise season 5 arrives with a surprise twist: for the first time in the show’s history, Reich will share hosting duties behind the desk with guest hosts on several episodes.
Fans caught their first glimpse of this development through a comedic new trailer that teased the change. While Reich has long anchored both shows as its primary host, season 5 marks a departure from tradition, featuring Demi Adejuyigbe, Elaine Carroll, and Kurt Maloney stepping into the hosting role on select episodes.
A Possible Backdoor Audition
The decision to bring in guest hosts raises questions about the show’s long-term direction. Reich told Polygon that this shift may not be a temporary experiment but rather part of a broader strategy for the franchise’s future.
This isn’t part of me marching away from the show necessarily. I think there’s a way in which this might be like a backdoor audition for a new host at some point.
Sam Reich, Dropout CEO
Reich indicated that guest hosts could continue into future seasons as well, emphasizing the value of refreshing the show’s energy. He noted that introducing fresh talent helps vary the dynamic and keeps the improv format feeling new for viewers who have followed the series since its early episodes.
A Host Who Enjoys Being Bullied
The revelation that Reich prefers watching others do the work comes as a surprise to many, given his willingness to subject contestants to comedic torment on Game Changer. Yet he insists he harbors no desire for the spotlight himself.
I know that the character I play on Game Changer might make you believe that this isn’t the case, but I’m not in love with myself.
Sam Reich
According to Reich, hosting both shows has cultivated his appetite for being the target of comedic humiliation. He cited a memorable Game Changer moment when he asked contestants to freestyle a diss track aimed at him, featuring Lisa Gilroy delivering lines that branded him a “mushroom man” and threatened to throw him down the stairs.
In Make Some Noise season 5, Gilroy will be paired with Pete Holmes for one episode. When Reich was asked whether he simply enjoys being bullied during filming, he acknowledged that the pairing was calculated for entertainment value, noting it delivered exactly what he hoped for on screen.
The Art of Pairing Comedians
Making Some Noise has always experimented with its cast by bringing in outside performers, such as Wayne Brady’s appearance during season 2. However, guest hosting represents an entirely new element to the show’s format that fans have not seen before.
Sometimes I’m catering to a group dynamic. This next season I have Angela Giarratana, Kylie Brakeman, and Jeremy Culhane on together. They do a podcast together.
Sam Reich
Reich described the various approaches he uses when assembling teams for episodes. Sometimes he pairs comedians based on existing chemistry from their other projects, while at other times he simply asks performers who they would like to work with and arranges things accordingly.
He admitted that another common factor in his pairing decisions is the shared tendency of certain comedians to roast him mercilessly during filming. The season will feature fifteen episodes total, welcoming both familiar faces and newcomers including Siobhan Thompson and Ben Schwartz across its run.
Looking Ahead
Making Some Noise season 5 continues Dropout’s tradition of assembling performers eager to improvise together regardless of the challenge at hand. Reich praised his roster of comedians for their enthusiasm and willingness to play with one another in whatever format the show demands.
We’re lucky to have a stable of folks who are so keen to play with each other no matter what.
Sam Reich
The new season premieres on Dropout.tv on October 5, delivering fresh episodes every other Monday. As the show enters uncharted territory with its rotating host lineup, viewers can expect both familiar comedic dynamics and exciting new energy as the franchise evolves.
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