Jubilee’s ‘Surrounded’ ignites fresh debates in the digital age

A new way of engaging political discourse

Last week, Pete Buttigieg found himself in a rather unconventional setting. Seated in a Michigan studio, he was surrounded by 25 undecided voters eager to debate his takes on Kamala Harris and Donald Trump’s policies. Unlike traditional town halls or cable news panels, this encounter didn’t air on mainstream networks like CNN, Fox, or MSNBC.

The rise of ‘Surrounded’

This particular meeting was part of the sixth episode of the hit YouTube series Surrounded, brought to you by Jubilee Media, an independent L.A. production company known for disruptive social experiments such as Middle Ground and Swipe or Swap. With episode titles like “Can 1 Woke Teen Survive 20 Trump Supporters?” and “Can 25 Liberal College Students Outsmart 1 Conservative?”, the series has gone viral since its debut, amassing over 50 million views on YouTube.

Viral success and social media dominance

Perhaps you’ve seen the liberal online debater Destiny “own” skeptics in MAGA hats or the right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk “destroy” leftist teenagers, depending on your algorithm. The show’s fourth episode, featuring conservative pundit Ben Shapiro, captivated 5.1 million viewers within the first day, rivaling the audience figures of Saturday Night Live. The immense popularity underscores the show’s ability to spark intense discussions and draw massive online engagement.

Promoting open dialogue

The primary objective of Surrounded is to promote open dialogue. Each episode, spanning up to two hours and meticulously fact-checked by Straight Arrow News, endeavors to provoke understanding and create human connections. Jubilee’s founder and CEO, Jason Y. Lee, is committed to showcasing what productive and empathetic discourse looks like. While debates may often devolve into heated shouting matches, the underlying goal is to foster environments where meaningful conversations can thrive.

A digital media powerhouse

Since its inception in 2010, Jubilee’s shows have accumulated over 4 billion views, establishing the company as a major player in the digital media landscape. Bypassing the traditional Hollywood studio system, Jubilee has grown into a formidable production house, eager to shape the next era of American political discourse.

Adapting to political currents

Jubilee’s programming took a notable pivot toward politics post-2016 election. Lee felt disheartened by the stark political divisions in America and sensed a craving among young people for nuanced, thought-provoking content. Recognizing a substantial opportunity to contribute positively to societal discussions, Lee steered the company toward tackling hot-button issues with shows like Middle Ground, a series that bridges divides between trans and cis people, Republicans and Democrats, and Israelis and Palestinians.

Maintaining neutrality and diversity

Despite the politically charged content, Lee emphasizes Jubilee’s commitment to neutrality. The company prides itself on maintaining a diverse team of producers and editors, ensuring a balanced representation of perspectives. Though Lee’s past includes an internship on Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, he remains steadfastly silent on his current political views to uphold the company’s unbiased stance.

The future is digital

Lee envisions the future of political conversations unfolding on platforms like YouTube rather than traditional media. Ahead of the upcoming election, Jubilee was in serious discussions with both presidential campaigns to explore the possibility of having Trump or Harris feature on Surrounded. Lee firmly believes that by the next election, a presidential debate should be hosted on YouTube, with Jubilee positioned as the ideal home for it. He argues that traditional news channels are prone to critiques of format and bias, whereas Jubilee’s stripped-down concepts allow for a more authentic and unbiased exploration of topics.

Breaking away from traditional media

Jubilee’s approach is marked by a disdain for the often visible strings of traditional media production. Lee notes that in mainstream media, the producer’s intentions are palpable, creating an aversion among audiences. In contrast, Jubilee’s content feels raw and unmanipulated, offering a genuine platform for varied voices.

Though offers from traditional media companies have come in to license or develop Jubilee’s content, Lee sees no advantage in navigating Hollywood’s complexities. Jubilee enjoys the agility to produce content swiftly, a stark contrast to the sluggish pace of traditional television.

A digital-first promise

For Jubilee, the promise of digital media isn’t an afterthought but a core ethos. The company’s rapid content creation and release capabilities set it apart, allowing it to continually engage and expand its audience without the constraints faced by traditional media outlets.

Jubilee Media continues to pave the way for new forms of digital political discourse, aiming to amplify diverse voices and foster empathy across the spectrum. As it moves forward, the company’s innovative approach promises to keep reshaping conversations and connecting people on a profound level.