Jacob Wysocki's Unforgettable Game Show Journey: A Deep Dive into "Who Wants to Be Jacob Wysocki?"

This feature story delves into the unique and heartwarming episode of 'Game Changer' titled 'Who Wants to Be Jacob Wysocki?', exploring the intricate planning, emotional depth, and lasting impact of this unexpected game show experience on comedian Jacob Wysocki. It highlights the collaborative effort of friends and production to create a truly unforgettable moment.\n

An Unprecedented Game Show: When Reality Becomes the Ultimate Prize

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Unveiling the Unique Premise of \"Who Wants to Be Jacob Wysocki?\"

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Dropout CEO and host Sam Reich frequently emphasizes the unpredictable nature of 'Game Changer,' a show where the format constantly shifts, keeping both contestants and viewers on their toes. However, the July 28 episode, initially dubbed 'Who Wants to Be...?', broke this mold entirely. In a remarkable deviation, only comedian Jacob Wysocki remained unaware of the episode's true intention: a 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire'-style tribute specifically designed for him, culminating in a surprising $100,000 prize surrounded by his dearest companions.

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Jacob Wysocki Reflects on a Surreal Experience

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Wysocki describes the experience as something beyond immediate comprehension, a moment he can only truly accept and savor. He characterizes that day as incredibly intense and challenging to put into words, calling the subsequent public reaction, 'That's tight,' a wild sensation. This particular 'Game Changer' episode stood apart from the show's usual mischievous and unpredictable format, which often involves playful mind games orchestrated by Reich, such as the 'Yes or No' episode designed to frustrate the competitive Brennan Lee Mulligan.

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The Heartfelt Motivation Behind the Episode's Creation

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While 'Game Changer' sometimes embraces lighthearted mischief, it can also touch upon profound emotional depths, as seen in season 4's 'Don't Cry,' which celebrated Jess Ross during a period of personal hardship. 'Who Wants to Be Jacob Wysocki?' resonated with this heartfelt approach, serving as a powerful tribute to the Dropout alumnus who was silently navigating his own struggles. Wysocki confides that he had recently endured the loss of his mother and, shortly thereafter, a member of his sketch comedy group, Roger Garcia the Third. These dual tragedies brought immense grief and complex emotional challenges, all while he maintained his usual jovial public demeanor on shows like 'Make Some Noise' and 'Parlor Room,' unbeknownst to his audience.

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The Mastermind Behind the Surprise: A Friend's Loyalty

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The profound grief Wysocki experienced was known only to his closest friends, who felt compelled to offer support. Wysocki credits Kurt Maloney, his 'best bud,' as the primary architect of this extraordinary episode. Maloney undertook significant efforts, from sourcing elements to pitching concepts, working closely with Sam Reich and the Dropout team to bring this unique vision to life. A behind-the-scenes video, released a week after the episode's broadcast, revealed Maloney's long-standing collaboration with Reich to orchestrate 'Who Wants to Be Jacob Wysocki?,' a secret he painstakingly kept.

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Maintaining the Elaborate Secret: A Test of Friendship

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Maloney's commitment to secrecy was put to the test during a social gathering where he inadvertently hinted at his involvement with a project with Reich. Wysocki, feeling excluded from a professional discussion, confronted Maloney and even consulted mutual friends about what he perceived as a professional slight. Unbeknownst to Wysocki, these friends were in on the elaborate scheme and collectively 'gaslit' him, assuring him that his concerns were unfounded, all to preserve the surprise. Wysocki, accepting the 'L' at the time, later realized the true nature of their deception.

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The Unfolding Revelation on Set: Wysocki's Gradual Realization

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Leading up to the taping, everyone involved meticulously maintained the pretense that 'Who Wants to Be Jacob Wysocki?' was a group-oriented episode, with Wysocki and fellow participants Kimia Behpoornia, Jeremy Culhane, and Maloney all expecting their turn. Wysocki initially assumed the game would be a 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire' format where he'd win a small amount of cash, make a mistake, and then another contestant would have their chance. However, as the episode progressed, subtle clues began to surface. The appearance of his friends, Tyler Cintra do Prado and Tyler Phillips, as a 'ripcord' (a lifeline in the game), hinted at a more personalized arrangement. The subsequent arrival of Scott Milton Brazee and Evan Rosenberg for a hot dog eating contest solidified Wysocki's realization: 'This is just me now, 100%.'

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Trust Issues with the Host and the Emotional Support System

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Despite his growing awareness, Wysocki remained wary of Reich, known for his mischievous tactics, such as the 'Sam Says 3' episode where contestants were tricked into believing the game had ended, only to be penalized for their post-game celebrations. Wysocki wondered if the prize was genuine or another elaborate prank. Ultimately, the entire event was authentic, and Wysocki was the only one in the dark. Behpoornia and Culhane, though not involved in the planning, served as Wysocki's 'emotional support friends,' flanking him throughout the episode after Reich invited them to join the star on stage.

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Humor, Friendship, and the Unseen Role of Family

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During the episode, Wysocki playfully ranked the funniest people in the group, showering Behpoornia with praise and jokingly positioning Culhane last. This dynamic, where Wysocki frequently 'heckled' Culhane, calling him 'Dumbo' at a previous improv show, is a recurring theme in their friendship. Wysocki explains that Culhane, being a mature comedian, understands the value of being the 'heel' for comedic effect. Many individuals contributed to the episode's success, including Wysocki's father, Tim. Wysocki reveals that his father was among the first people Kurt Maloney contacted and commendably kept the secret. His father's surprise appearance at the episode's conclusion, when Wysocki was presented with the oversized check, added a poignant and unforgettable layer to the already incredible day.

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A Lasting Impact: The Enduring Reality of a Generous Act

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Receiving the $100,000, surrounded by his cherished friends, marked the culmination of an 'insane day.' Wysocki repeatedly expressed how 'crazy' the experience felt, a sentiment that persists almost a year later, now amplified by the episode's release to Dropout's nearly one million subscribers. He describes the overwhelming positive feedback as 'pretty wild.' Even with the widespread reception, Wysocki admits that the reality of 'Who Wants to Be Jacob Wysocki?' has yet to fully sink in. He feels a part of him still questions its authenticity, acknowledging the immense gesture and sensation as something he will likely be 'chewing on for the rest of my life.'