Reel Rejects

Channel Overview and Founding

Reel Rejects is a prominent YouTube reaction channel featuring movie and television content reactions, reviews, and entertainment commentary^[1]. The channel was created on October 30, 2012, by Greg Alba and John Humphrey, though Alba began appearing in content as early as 2014^[9]^[11]. Alba serves as the primary creator and executive producer, while Humphrey joined as co-host with the two having been friends since elementary school^[1]^[2]. youtube everand+2 The channel has grown to become one of YouTube's most recognized reaction channels, currently boasting over 1.4 million subscribers and more than 727 million total views across approximately 7,700 videos^[11]^[14]. Their Instagram account describes them as the "#1 reaction channel" with their tagline "We love movies as much as you do"^[12].speakrj+2

Content Format and Programming

Reel Rejects specializes in first-time movie reactions, where the hosts watch and provide live commentary on films they have never seen before^[4]. The channel has implemented a structured weekly programming schedule organized by genre themes: Monday features Animation and Musicals, Tuesday covers Drama and Historical films, Wednesday serves as a wildcard day, Thursday focuses on Horror and Thriller content, Friday showcases Action and Adventure movies, Saturday presents Romance and Comedy films, and Sunday is dedicated to Science Fiction and Fantasy^[4]. youtube Beyond movie reactions, their content includes trailer reactions, movie reviews, television show reactions, spoiler discussions, sketches, and weekly live streaming segments covering movie news^[4]. They also produce a podcast series called "Diary of a Reel Reject," featuring in-depth personal conversations with channel members about their backgrounds and experiences in the entertainment industry^[1]^[2].everand youtube+1

Core Team Members

The channel features an ensemble cast of regular contributors. Greg Alba, born September 3, 1990, in Los Angeles, is the channel's creator and primary host^[15]^[16]. His passion for cinema originated from his relationship with his father, whom he considers the first movie enthusiast he knew, and this reputation followed him throughout elementary school^[15]^[16]. Alba has a background in acting and screenwriting, having appeared in shows like "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" and received a black belt in Taekwondo by age 11^[15]^[16].imdb+1 John Humphrey serves as co-host and has been with the channel since 2017, appearing in over 214 episodes^[5]. The channel's team bio describes him as the "Spock," "Dwight Schrute," or "Batgirl" of Alba's life, known for his extensive vocabulary and distinctive long hair^[6]. Other regular contributors include Coy Jandreau (80 episodes since 2022), Tara Erickson (127 episodes since 2019), Aaron Alexander (154 episodes since 2022), Roxy Striar (63 episodes since 2023), Andrew Gordon (103 episodes since 2022), and Michael Tessler (24 episodes since 2023)^[5].imdb+1

Revenue and Business Model

The channel operates through multiple revenue streams including YouTube advertising, Patreon subscriptions, merchandise sales, and brand partnerships^[10]^[13]. Their Patreon offers exclusive content including full-length reaction watch-alongs where subscribers can sync their own copies of movies with the reactions^[3]. Estimated monthly earnings range from $89,600 to $2 million based on their subscriber count and video frequency^[13]. youtube youtubers+1 The team has developed their own merchandise line through Reject Nation Shop, featuring branded apparel, mugs, and specialty items designed by team members^[20]. Notable collections include the "Cult of Shejects" line designed by Roxy Striar and Tara Erickson, featuring items like retro VHS tees and themed merchandise^[20].rejectnationshop

Social Media Presence and Community

Across social media platforms, Reel Rejects maintains an active presence with 37,000 followers on Instagram and engagement through TikTok and Twitter^[12]^[22]. Individual team members also maintain personal social media accounts, with Greg Alba having 40,000 Instagram followers, Roxy Striar with 46,000 followers, and Tara Erickson with 36,000 followers^[17]^[18]^[19].instagram+4 The channel has established itself within the broader YouTube reaction community, collaborating with other content creators and participating in events like WonderCon panels^[7]. They received recognition through an Honorary Gema Award, for which they created a comedic sketch instead of the requested highlight reel^[8].instagram youtube

Industry Impact and Recognition

Reel Rejects has gained recognition within the entertainment industry, receiving invitations to movie premieres and press screenings^[21]. The channel has addressed controversies regarding paid reviews and industry access, emphasizing their commitment to authentic reactions and compliance with FTC guidelines for any sponsored content^[21]. They maintain that their reactions remain genuine despite having access to advance screenings and industry events^[21]. youtube The channel's influence extends beyond YouTube, with IMDb recognizing "The Reel Rejects" as a TV series running since 2012, maintaining a 7.9/10 rating based on 52 user reviews^[5]. This recognition reflects their consistent content production and established presence within the entertainment reaction space.imdb