As reported by Variety, subscription video platform Dropout (formerly CollegeHumor) has been recently faced with negative audience reactions to the service’s game show Game Changer and its stars being featured on ABC cop procedural The Rookie. Viewers were taken aback by the service’s involvement in what could be called “copaganda,” considering Dropout’s historically liberal-lean and its talent’s outspokenness against police brutality.

The episode released March 2, following The Rookie star Nathan Fillion (Castle, Firefly) as he investigated a burglary report at the Dropout studio in Los Angeles. Game Changer host and Dropout CEO Sam Reich (Adam Ruins Everything, Puppet History) is featured, along with rotating Dropout performers Anna Garcia (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Superstore), Vic Michaelis (Ponies, D(e)ad), Zac Oyama (Oh. What. Fun., Krapopolis), and Jacob Wysocki (Terri, Unfriended) all playing dramatized versions of themselves. Variety reported that Dropout’s main involvement in the episode was improv from the cast, along with host Reich revealed to be unwittingly to blame for the burglary due to attempted insurance fraud.

In an email interview with Variety, Reich discussed being approached by showrunner Alexi Hawley (The Recruit, Exorcist: The Beginning) of The Rookie, who is a fan of Dropout, for the cameo opportunity. Reich acknowledged fan concerns about the collaboration, while also elaborating on the beneficial reasons for accepting the offer in the wake of the platform’s rising popularity.

“I can’t speak for the cast, but I’ll speak for myself and say that the opportunity to expose Dropout to a big audience – one that’s probably not already familiar with us – felt too good to pass up,” Reich said to Variety. He noted that the experience, while at first a shock to accept, played to their strengths via comedy and improv, while also calling back to their CollegeHumor days for an extra dose of nostalgia.

It was also reported in the same Variety interview that Game Changer had no plans to continue the storyline with further Dropout involvement.

mxdwn previously reported on Dropout’s Dimension 20 series, a live play D&D show hosted by Comedian Brennan Lee Mulligan (Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, Hot Date).

Game Changer is one of Dropout’s panel shows, blending improv comedy with a rotating cast of talent and themed challenges. Reich also hosts the show’s spinoff Make Some Noise, and series regular Michaelis hosts new arrival Very Important People.