After more than a decade of producing thoughtful, humorous, and high-quality video essays on philosophy, pop culture, and everything in between, Wisecrack is officially shutting down at least in its current form. In an emotional farewell video, the Wisecrack team announced that they are posting their final video and bringing this chapter of the channel to a close.
Here’s what happened, why it’s ending, and what’s next for the creators behind it.
A Difficult Announcement: Wisecrack Is Done
“Hey guys, this is a tough announcement to make, but Wisecrack is done at least in this iteration with this group of people,” opened the video posted in April 2025.
The channel, once known for dissecting the philosophy of Rick and Morty, the ideology of Fight Club, or asking “What if Bojack Horseman was deep?,” had become a staple in the YouTube educational space. With more than 3 million subscribers and a devoted fan base, the sudden goodbye came as a shock.
According to host and writer Jared (aka “Burns”), the decision wasn’t expected to come so soon, but due to behind-the-scenes changes and what the team describes as being “victims of the media ecosystem,” the current team could no longer continue operating Wisecrack the way they had been.
A Legacy of Smart, Funny Video Essays
Wisecrack began as a channel focused on philosophical analyses of pop culture. With a rotating cast of smart, funny, and deeply thoughtful writers and hosts, the channel gained a loyal audience that appreciated its blend of humor, education, and cultural critique.
Whether it was The Philosophy of The Joker, 8-Bit Philosophy, Thug Notes, or deep dives into Breaking Bad‘s ethical dilemmas, Wisecrack managed to educate while entertaining a rare feat on YouTube.
Their videos weren’t just viral, they were conversation starters.
What Led to the Shutdown?
The exact reasons for the end are not 100% clear, but the video hints at several key points:
- Structural & financial issues: As Amanda, the channel’s longtime head writer, pointed out, digital media is a brutal space. Creators are often forced into algorithm-driven content mills. Even smart content like Wisecrack’s has to compete for attention in an increasingly hostile landscape.
- Media burnout: Several team members, including Henry and Lux, mentioned prior experiences working in exploitative content studios. They saw Wisecrack as a creative haven, one that’s now being derailed due to the pressures of running a media operation on platforms like YouTube.
- Shifting priorities: Jared (Burns) announced he’s launching his own YouTube channel and Patreon to continue doing the kind of content fans love. Amanda is starting a Substack. Olivia, a top-tier producer, is also open for freelance opportunities.
The entire team emphasized this isn’t the end of them creating, just the end of this chapter of Wisecrack.
Where Are the Wisecrack Team Members Going?
Jared (Burns) has already launched his own YouTube channel and Patreon, promising to keep producing the same smart content under a new banner.
Amanda Schurker, the mastermind behind hundreds of scripts, has started a Substack where she’ll continue exploring the odd, dark, and deeply fascinating corners of culture and history.
Olivia Redden, the show’s producer, made her first-ever on-camera appearance to say goodbye, and to let the world know she’s open for serious collaboration (and not creepy DMs).
Lux and Henry, two of the channel’s most creative forces, are still making things, including wrestling shows like Fight Opera and streams under Technopoverty Studios and Pixelgoblins.
A Message to the Fans
The video is filled with heartfelt gratitude to Wisecrack’s fans. Over the years, the team received messages, thoughtful feedback, and an outpouring of support that kept them going even during burnout or production challenges.
“It’s been so fun making stuff for you, doing the stream, talking to y’all, being in the Discord,” said Lux. “You made us feel like what we were doing actually mattered.”
Amanda echoed that sentiment: “Eight years later, I’ve researched, written, and edited hundreds of Wisecrack video essays that you, like my mom, have hopefully mildly enjoyed.”
Not a Goodbye, But a See You Soon
While this is the end of Wisecrack as we know it, it’s not the end of the creators or their mission. New projects are already taking shape across YouTube, Twitch, and Substack, and the team encourages fans to follow their individual journeys.
At the end of the farewell video, Jared summed it up best:
“Let us know your favorite Wisecrack video ever. That would mean a lot right now. It’s been really great doing this for you guys. Until next time, see you, space cowboy.”
Final Thoughts
Wisecrack wasn’t just another YouTube channel. It was a community, a classroom, a cultural lens. For fans, it was where they could dive deep into The Matrix, The Sopranos, or even Tiger King, and come out the other end smarter.
And while Wisecrack is saying goodbye, the voices behind it aren’t going silent. They’re just evolving, and fans will no doubt follow them wherever they go next.
