This is another one of my quick and simple recommendations. Collegehumor has always different “series” on their YouTube channel, the most famous of which was probably “Jake and Amir.” However, Breaking News was one of the series that came later in the game, and was an important precursor for their Dropout subscription service. It came out at a time where it seemed like Collegehumor was trying to test the waters on some things to see what fans would want, and Breaking News is one of the things that stuck. While seasons 2 and 3 have become Dropout exclusives, season 1 was just a small series of four videos that you can watch on YouTube if you want.

The original title for this series was something along the lines of “Don’t Laugh Newsroom,” and that more aptly describes what the series is. Basically, you get four people in a fake newsroom, and have them read a script off of a teleprompter. The people have no idea what they’re going to have to read, and the object of the game is to not laugh or smile at what’s being read. The person who laughs the most loses, so they have to try to keep as straight of a face as possible.

I feel like concepts like this are always clear winners. A “try not to laugh” challenge is usually always funny in any capacity, and it works really well here. The talent involved is always a lot of fun, and it becomes so funny whenever someone breaks. I think it works well in a newsroom setting because newscasters are supposed to be straight-faced and professional, and so when you see that unravel in these videos it’s a good time. Don’t get me wrong, this obviously isn’t “must-see” content or anything, but I think they’re a lot of fun, so if you’re looking for a quick laugh then check it out.

4/5