Origin
The Reaction Guys meme features five men (Jamal, Dontez, Kayne, Devin, and Elijah) reacting with escalating shock/excitement to a TV show. The original 2020 video showed them watching Keeping Up with the Kardashians, filmed by their friend.
Twitter user @KUWTKContent posted the clip in October 2020, and it immediately went viral as a reaction template.
Format & Virality
The video’s appeal came from the group’s genuine, expressive reactions—perfect for pairing with shocking revelations, plot twists, or unexpected news.
The format spread across Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube throughout late 2020-2021. Common uses:
- TV show spoilers
- Plot twists
- Political scandals
- Personal drama reveals
Subject Response
The five friends (primarily Jamal and Dontez) embraced their viral fame:
- Created dedicated reaction channels
- Partnered with streaming services for official reactions
- Monetized content through YouTube, Patreon
- Appeared at conventions and brand events
By 2021, they’d amassed millions of followers and turned reactions into a business.
Decline
Peak usage: Late 2020-2021. As professional reaction content proliferated, the original meme’s novelty faded. However, the group’s content remains popular in reaction video niches.
Sources
- Know Your Meme: Reaction Guys
- The Daily Dot: Five Friends Interview
- YouTube: Official Reaction Channels