Dropout’s Dimension 20 turns 5 and it’s the perfect time to get on board

To say the world of tabletop actual play has exploded in the past 10 years would be an understatement — from Critical RoleThe following are some of the ways to get in touch with us: Adventure ZoneThe following are some of the ways to get in touch with us: Dungeons & Daddies (to name a few), there’s no shortage of shows and podcasts out there for Dungeons & Dragons Role-playing enthusiasts can get their fix. But among the countless brilliant actual play shows out there, there’s one that stands out due to its creative storytelling and welcome environment for players and listeners new to Dungeons & Dragons: Dropout’s Dimension 20,A play-series unlike any other.

Having already produced a staggering 19 seasons (and with a newly announced 20th installment on the way), it’s almost impossible to believe Dimension 20 The show is still only 5 years young. Created by Brennan Lee Mulligan (who also serves as one of the show’s game masters), Dimension 20 was first envisioned as a long-form series that could serve as a flagship show on CollegeHumor’s then-new platform, Dropout. What is the concept? Combining improv comedy with Dungeons & Dragons — a deceptively simple idea that bridged what CollegeHumor was known for with Mulligan’s long-standing affinity for tabletop role-playing.

But while “comedians playing Dungeons & Dragons” hardly sounds groundbreaking, the resulting series was an electric, unpredictable, and thoroughly charming first outing: Fantasy High, sold as “John Hughes meets D&D,” a coming-of-age story about an unlikely gaggle of teenagers attending the fantastical Aguefort Adventuring Academy. Despite varying degrees of familiarity with the game among the “Intrepid Heroes” (Brian Murphy runs an actual play podcast of his own, while Ally Beardsley had no experience with D&D Before their time on D20The infectious nature and ease of the atmosphere amongst the Dimension 20 Cast made Fantasy High an instant classic.

Enjoying an episode Dimension 20 feels less like streaming a TV series and more like sitting in on a tight-knit friend group’s favorite pastime. Yes, there’s a devoted effort toward story and character, but a cast full of comedians (especially those who have spent years working together) yields constant quote-worthy moments and memorable encounters. The Intrepid Heroes aren’t afraid to go for the joke, swing big and miss, or even tank their characters’ mechanical abilities if they think it’ll make for a stronger story — the chaotic arc Lou Wilson and Mulligan cook up for Fabian in season 2 of Fantasy High This is proof of just how far we have come. D20Cast is ready to give a little.

Gathering seasoned comedians to comprise the cast of a D&D It’s a great way to make the episodes fly by, even if they are two and a half hours long (which is incredibly frustrating for some actual play lovers). But, as funny as the series is, it isn’t just Dimension 20’s sense of humor that makes it so beloved; it’s the consistently heartfelt, poignant storytelling that accompanies it. There’s incredible emotional depth to each new world of Dimension 20Players and game masters work together to create arcs that are tailored for each character and player. Storylines like Adaine’s complicated relationship with her sister Aelwyn, Ayda Aguefort’s journey with neurodivergency, and Riz reconciling with his father’s death hit on raw, relatable emotional truths that transcend the confines of D&D. But just as you’ve well and truly fallen in love with the characters of whatever world Mulligan and the Intrepid Heroes have cooked up for a season of Dimension 20, the season’s over and you’re whisked away to a new, different, but no less affecting world of unfamiliar characters played by familiar faces.

Dimension 20’s format allows the series to be constantly reinventing itself — spanning a vast variety of genres, styles, and tones. The’s format allows the series to be constantly reinventing itself — spanning a vast variety of genres, styles and tones. Game of Thrones– The following are some examples of how to get started: CandylandThe ‘inspired by tragedy Crown of Candy To a Regency romance Fey Court of FlowersIn the latest season there was a murder mystery noir. Mentopolis, Dimension 20’s seasons run the gamut, but are consistent in their ability to deliver across comedic, narrative, and emotional fronts. Particularly in a playscape so heavily dominated with high fantasy. Dimension 20’s willingness to play with genre is a breath of fresh air.

A season is only as good as the players, even if it’s a Mulligan-style story. So, Dimension 20 builds its casts from a vast pool of performers — CollegeHumor/Dropout regulars, certainly, but countless other actors, voice actors, comedians, and tabletop veterans have graced Dimension 20’s signature dome. There are many familiar faces for fans of the other play shows: The Critical Role’s Matt Mercer and Marisha Ray (the former of whom was also the GM for a season, The Ravening War), Aabria Iyengar (who has GM’d multiple seasons), Erika Ishii, and Adventure Zone’s McElroys, to name a few.

Image: CH Media

It’s a great way to play with genre. Size 20’s guests are varied and inspired. The show’s willingness to take a chance on players outside the world of D&D It allows new voices and perspectives to be heard, as well as new playstyles that can only come from those who are new in the genre. Whether they’re YouTubers, Ddrag queens, or stand-up comedians, players like Hank Green, Jujubee, and Ally Beardsley are fan favorites in large part because of their initial inexperience and the new energy they bring to the table.

It is more important than all else. Dimension 20 is easy to fall in love because of its inclusivity: The series is openly queer in a way D&D, at least as far as marketing materials go, often isn’t. And despite complex narratives and fully realized characters, the series is a perfect jumping-on point for someone just entering the world of Dungeons & Dragons. Yes, the gameplay can be complex, but the constant joke-cracking and the fact that plenty of players have entered the dome without playing any D&D before allows the series to welcome viewers who might otherwise be intimidated by the complexities of TTRPGs.

The potent combination of ingredients means Dimension 20 After only five years, has cemented itself as a major player in the actual-play world: 19 seasons and 15+ unique worlds. There are dozens of players and an enthusiastic fan base that is so excited for more, the group will embark on a UK and Ireland tour next year. The chameleon in storytelling Dimension 20’s simple premise of improv comedians playing D&D opened the door for near-constant unpredictability — both from the players and the expansive worlds cooked up for them.