The YouTube landscape is experiencing a significant shift. The Watcher, a channel renowned for its informative and offbeat shows like Ghost Files and Puppet History, has announced its departure from the platform. This bold move, however, has been met with a wave of fan discontent, leaving many viewers disappointed with the news.
A Controversial Decision
The Watcher, led by the charismatic trio of Ryan Bergara, Shane Madej, and Steven Lim, had carved out a dedicated niche on YouTube. Their blend of witty banter, historical exploration, and a touch of the paranormal captivated millions. However, their recent video, “Goodbye YouTube,” ruffled feathers by announcing their departure from the platform they helped popularize.
The reasons behind The Watcher’s move to streaming remain somewhat confusing. Many fans are attributing greed and mismanagement of funds, but the trio declared the reason for the shocking decision:
- Creative Freedom: They yearn for greater control over content and format, unshackled by potential limitations imposed by YouTube’s monetization model.
- Subscription Model: A shift to a subscription-based model on their platform could offer more financial freedom, potentially translating to higher production values and longer episodes.
Is Steven Lim to blame?
- Many fans suspect that Steven Lim might be the driving force behind the move to streaming. This speculation stems from the announcement of re-adding his food show.
- Perhaps with content on The Watcher unrelated to his interests, Steven Lim desires a platform to create his own shows.
- However, concerns linger as many fans have expressed little interest in Steven Lim’s solo content. The Watcher’s core audience thrives on the spooky and historical, and food content seems like a jarring departure.
Hey Steven Lim, if you want to travel the world and eat ridiculously expensive food, pay for it your fucking self. Not with the money earned from Ryan and Shane’s talent and charisma, and certainly not with my money.
— julia (@julia_sayres) April 19, 2024
based insta comment regarding watcher like steven lim u will never have a moment of peace again HAHAAA pic.twitter.com/SuAyyxHJv2
— ∘₊✧ 🐈⬛🗝️ (@D00Z1E) April 20, 2024
Deja Vu for Shane and Ryan?
Another point of contention is the perceived youth of The Watcher channel. Compared to established YouTubers, their channel size is modest. Furthermore, some fans question whether they produce enough content to justify a subscription fee. Additionally, the reported team size of 25 or more employees raises eyebrows. Financial mismanagement concerns some viewers, who question whether a subscription platform is the answer to their woes.
Disappointment is also directed at Shane and Ryan, the stars of The Watcher. Many fans recall their departure from BuzzFeed due to creative freedom and potential financial limitations. The move to streaming feels like a reversal, leaving some viewers to wonder if Steven pitched the idea, won Ryan over, and perhaps even pressured Shane on board. Ultimately, whose brainchild this controversial move is remains a mystery.
you know what? fuck shane madej and ryan bergara and everyone who were okay with watcher doing this stupid decision too.
fuck them all weird ass LA rotten brain people. i will watch your downfall and won't feel sad for it.
you brought this to yourselves.
— jack 🫀 • free palestine 🇵🇸 🍉 (@asavagegarden) April 22, 2024
Fans’ Frustration
While some fans understand the potential benefits of a dedicated platform, the announcement has sparked a wave of backlash. Here’s a breakdown of why viewers are feeling uneasy:
For those who won’t be joining us on this next chapter, thank you for all your love and support. – Steven Lim (via Instagram)
- Many fans, accustomed to the ease of YouTube access, now face the prospect of paying for another streaming service.
- YouTube’s recommendation algorithms and curated playlists might become less familiar, forcing viewers to adapt to a new platform.
- Some viewers feel betrayed, especially those who have followed The Watcher since their YouTube beginnings.
I've never seen a YouTube comment section so unified as the one on the latest the Watcher video.
Absolutely unreal. #theWatcher pic.twitter.com/4CMtC1b6aH
— 🏳️🌈mira🏳️⚧️ trying to carry on 🇵🇸 (@mirarevias) April 20, 2024
Amidst the general grumbling, viewers have taken to the internet with a particularly scathing review highlighting potential concerns. The majority, if not all, expressed disappointment in The Watcher’s direction, particularly regarding recent announcements of “new” shows that might not resonate with the core audience. They raise valid points about the potential drawbacks of a single show per month, even from popular creators like Shane and Ryan, justifying a subscription fee.
I can’t believe The Watcher YouTube channel really just guilt tripped me and then called me poor all while admitting they don’t know how to budget pic.twitter.com/kgJAN2GvTC
— Alliegator (@PynkLadyy) April 22, 2024
