While the term “social experiment” may seem the opposite of appealing, Jubilee takes the opportunity to create intriguing episodes that are both entertaining and educational. The audience of this Youtube channel gets to experience a range of episodes that vary from coming to a common ground on a controversial issue to putting random strangers together on a blind date.

In addition, the people that they bring on for each episode have lots of diversity—varying in ethnic background, age, gender, sexuality, and interests. With their motto, “feel more, think more, see more in others,” I knew that Jubilee would present me with a variety of insightful topics to open my eyes to different perspectives. 

I enjoy nearly all the Jubilee videos that have invaded my Youtube recommendations; however, several stand out as my favorites. 

Short Films

In the depths of the channel, I found their series of 21 short films. While each one differs in length and subject, I was originally reluctant to see a video style that flopped in past experiences I’ve had from other channels. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised by the fantastic quality and purpose of every segment. 

I was first intrigued by an episode titled with my favorite time: “11:11.” This featured a relationship that forms between a child patient and a man who participates in community service at the hospital. By granting one wish at 11:11, the older man makes the child’s day brighter. It was sweet, simple, and sincere with an underlying exigence of helping patients currently battling cancer; it was an endearing touch to a short story. 

“Fireflies” was the next film that piqued my interest. It started with a romantic but cliche montage of a young boy and girl writing messages to each other on large sheets of paper; they put them against the window for the other to see from a different house. While I was content with the cute story, I wasn’t truly moved by it until it is revealed that the young girl has autism, and due to her dislike of face-to-face interaction, they find ways to communicate using morse code which connects to the film’s title, “Fireflies.”

Once I realized that every episode was an ode to raise awareness for different groups of people, my appreciation for them grew.

Odd Man Out

This second series features a group of enthusiasts and one imposter. As a group, they are placed into a timed discussion in an attempt to figure out who the mole is. The group may be tasked with discovering who secretly isn’t a Disney fan or who isn’t a cheerleader. After every round, each person is forced to vote out who they believe is the imposter until they stop and the true liar is revealed.

The imposter isn’t the only one who attempts to convince the group that they belong; every member needs to persuade the others that they are the real deal too. The audience also gets to play along and guess who among the contestants is bluffing. Viewers are left on the edge of their seats with anticipation just like the participants.

While the entire process of interrogating other people as to how big of a Disney fan they are is extremely entertaining, I also found myself walking away with some new knowledge under my belt. Watching their tactics to figure out who is lying is always interesting as viewers themselves question who seems the most suspicious. 

With 70 different Odd Man Out topics, there’s bound to be something for everyone to enjoy. Overall, it’s a super fun series that explores the differences and similarities between groups.

Tea for Two

This segment inspires people to have more meaningful conversations with others, no matter whom the conversation is with. As a hopeless romantic myself, it wasn’t surprising that I fell in love with the conversations that strangers had on these blind dates.

Unlike other common dating videos, I was pleased with the fact that nothing felt forced or scripted. Every conversation was so wholesome and vulnerable; nearly every couple would be left cracking up with laughter or invoking deep emotions through their past traumas and aspirations. 

On these blind dates, strangers are asked a total of 36 questions that can supposedly make two people fall in love. Each one is thought-provoking and can create anything from humorous responses to emotional memories.

“What would constitute a perfect day for you?” 

“Do you have a secret hunch about how you will die?” 

“Is there something you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it?”

Throughout the date, clear chemistry forms between each pair. And although their relationship may never turn into a romantic one, I certainly feel that every person at least walks away having opened up to a new friend.

However, there was one aspect that proved to be the most entertaining: staring into each other’s eyes for the duration of the four minutes. The held eye contact sometimes results in nervous giggles and creates an invisible connection with the couple. Jubilee shows that bonds can form with strangers at the most unexpected times.

Now more than ever, it’s important to celebrate our differences and unite over our commonalities. This channel does an excellent job of spreading awareness about current prejudices in the world while also providing entertainment for all audiences. Whether an episode is experimental, educational, or romantic, I immediately find myself entranced in Jubilee’s storytelling. 

Altogether, the compilation of  Jubilee videos that fill my free time have a daily positive impact and widen my perspective of the world.