A trailblazer in the world of digital content creation is bidding farewell. Rooster Teeth, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Streaming & Interactive Entertainment, has announced that after 21 years, it will be closing its doors. The process has officially begun today and is expected to unfold over the course of several months. The news was delivered during an all-hands company meeting and shared in an internal memo by Rooster Teeth general manager Jordan Levin.
“It is with a heavy heart that I must share the news of Rooster Teeth’s closure due to the challenges faced by digital media in light of significant shifts in consumer behavior and monetization across various platforms, advertising, and patronage,” Levin expressed in the email (full message below).
The Roost Podcast Network will continue to operate as Warner Bros. Discovery evaluates external interest in acquiring this valuable asset, Levin confirmed. Additionally, there are Rooster Teeth-branded projects in the WBD pipeline, including an upcoming movie from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.
Founded in 2003 by Burnie Burns, Matt Hullum, Geoff Ramsey, Jason Saldaña, Gus Sorola, and Joel Heyman, Rooster Teeth has seen various ownership changes before becoming part of WBD following the acquisition of TimeWarner from AT&T. Despite the challenges, WBD continued to invest in the company, content, and community post-merger.
After exploring other avenues, WBD ultimately decided to proceed with the shutdown. The company expressed gratitude to Rooster Teeth’s innovative creators, partners, and management team for their years of success, acknowledging the dedication of their passionate fanbase.
In his memo, Levin highlighted the legacy of Rooster Teeth, emphasizing how they set a new standard for digital-first brands and expanded their content into community-driven experiences. The journey of Rooster Teeth is symbolized by their first production, “Red vs. Blue,” which launched in April 2003 and is now coming to a close.
“We inadvertently find ourselves concluding our last season of ‘Red vs. Blue’ as we navigate this closure together,” Levin remarked.
