Can an internet show un-ruin itself?

[Megaton Punch]

We've all had it happen. You find a great show. You watch it all the time. They're constantly pumping out gem after gem. They're at least somewhat popular because they're hilarious or charismatic or informative. Every time you see an upload from them, you know it's gonna be a good night.

But slowly, something happens. The show gets more jaded. Less fun, more cynical. The magic fades, and the show enters the Internet Content Creator Death Spiral where they either become overly political, unfunny burnouts, or both (usually both). Now instead of 100,000 views a video, they're getting 5,000. The only time you think about them any more is when you pine for the good old days.

Theoretically, do you think it's possible for a show to pull out of this spiral and get back to where it used to be? Maybe the hosts get on Prozac or go to Alcoholics Anonymous or something. Or maybe they just listen to the fans (lol). Somehow, they get their spark back. They start making new episodes that are just like the old ones.

Is it too late? Is the show ruined forever? Or with enough time and effort, could happy days be here again?

I'm mostly thinking YouTube channels here, but the question applies to any internet-based entertainment. Podcasts, streamers, whatever. They're all basically the same thing ultimately. I'm specifically not talking about TV shows. I'm also not asking if it's probable or even if it's happened before. I'm basically talking about if a washed up has-been gets hit with a magic beam that makes them fun again.

 

[Coptakhenaten]

I'd imagine if it just burnt out from age, it can respectably bow out and salvage itself by ending on a high note.

If it went woke, no way to salvage it.

 

[Testacles Maximus]

Homestar Runner did it.

 

[Registration]

it is the natural progression of all creative things that goes long enough.

 

[Blue Screen of Death]

I think about this from time to time. However, It's usually because I'm missing the time period that the classics are from, and not so much missing the classics themselves. That's not to say the old stuff wasn't good, but it's just one piece of the puzzle.

 

[BrunoMattei]

Best example of this is current year Angry Video Game Nerd. The last 2 episodes have been a step in the right direction in response to a massive decline in quality over the last 2-3 years.

 

[Second Sun]

I think Yahtzee/ Zero Punctuation had a period where the quality dipped because he stopped giving a shit, but now he's back to good. Probably less that he regained his passion for games but more that he loves writing.

 

[The Cunting Death]

Homestar Runner did it.

it was never really ruined to begin with. At best there was a slight decrease in quality during 2007-2008. I've heard arguments that post-hiatus was a decrease in quality, but for the most part everyone seems to enjoy it that still watches it.


t. been watching since 2003.