My initial reactions to Bit City and what I think it means for the future of Smosh programming.
Note, grad school is starting back up next week and work is really busy, so I won’t have time to grab sources, so disclaimer these are my opinions only.
Given how often and how early Ian and Anthony have said they wanted an SNL like approach to showcasing the cast, I am very happy they’ve been able to make it happen after only a year post reunion. I think making the Main channel “TV lite” is a smart play that fills a niche that’s currently missing from YouTube creators
These bits will be easy to clip for short form content and there will be opportunities for cross-overs from the other channels to increase audience engagement
Alé mentioned they had instituted a incentive model where anyone internally could pitch an idea. I think you will see additional shows from the cast (many of whom have writing experience) if Bit City is successful
This is also smart because they may have to compete with other entertainment companies (like Star Kid and Dropout) for talent. My understanding is the LA improv scene is relatively small, and providing the opportunity to have your own series is a great way to retain audience favorites
I don’t see LWS as a podcast series that will go on long-term. I think it’s a transitional play to engage the Ianthony core audience while they figure out how much time I&A will have to be on camera
Erin D. as show runner for Bit City shows they have confidence in her leadership and creative skills. I think they are grooming her to eventually be the Director of Main (if she so chooses) and things like the podcast and Bit City are great opportunities for her to grow her skills
Now that they are in the process of merging Anthony’s channel, I can see him step away from individual appearances on Smosh to give himself more time crafting the long term vision for Pressalike with Alé, Kiana, and potentially have Nicole become the channel director
I still would like to see improvements to the SmoshCast strategy, but again, that’ll be dependent on the capacity of the current team to work on it
