Critical Role (2015)
The landmark actual play series where professional voice actors bring epic tabletop adventures to life every Thursday.
Critical Role - Series Information
- Original Title: Critical Role
- First Air Year: 2015
- Last Air Year: 2026
- Created by: Matthew Mercer, Ashley Johnson, Marisha Ray, Taliesin Jaffe, Sam Riegel et al.
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 394
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: YouTube, Twitch, Alpha, Beacon
- Production Companies: Critical Role Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Critical Role - Plot
Critical Role is a weekly actual play series that uses tabletop role-playing game mechanics as a means to explore and develop stories from the vast fantasy worlds of Exandria,Aramán, and beyond, with sweeping narratives intricately woven through collaboration between Game Masters and players.
Critical Role - Trailer
Preview the world of Exandria and see what awaits in Critical Role:
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Where to Watch Critical Role
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Critical Role - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Matthew Mercer
- Ashley Johnson
- Marisha Ray
- Taliesin Jaffe
- Sam Riegel
Main Cast
- Matthew Mercer
- Laura Bailey
- Taliesin Jaffe
- Ashley Johnson
- Travis Willingham
- Liam O'Brien
- Sam Riegel
- Marisha Ray
- Robbie Daymond
- Aabria Iyengar
Critical Role - FAQs
What is Critical Role about?
Critical Role is a weekly actual play series in which a group of professional voice actors play Dungeons & Dragons under the guidance of Game Master Matthew Mercer. Set in the richly detailed world of Exandria, the show blends collaborative storytelling, humor, and emotional depth across multiple campaigns.
Where can you watch Critical Role online?
Critical Role streams live on Twitch and YouTube every Thursday. Past episodes and exclusive content are available on Beacon, the show's official subscription platform. Select content is also accessible through the Critical Role YouTube channel and the Alpha streaming service.
Do you need D&D experience to enjoy Critical Role?
No prior Dungeons & Dragons experience is required to enjoy Critical Role. The show functions equally well as a dramatic narrative series. New viewers often find themselves drawn in by the characters and story long before they understand the game mechanics, making it accessible to a broad audience.
How many seasons and campaigns does Critical Role have?
Critical Role has 4 seasons across 394 episodes. These include a Specials season and three complete campaigns — Vox Machina, The Mighty Nein, and Bells Hells — plus the ongoing Campaign 4. Each campaign features a new story and largely new characters within the world of Exandria.
Who are the main cast members of Critical Role?
The core cast includes Matthew Mercer as Game Master, Laura Bailey, Taliesin Jaffe, Ashley Johnson, Travis Willingham, Liam O'Brien, Sam Riegel, and Marisha Ray. Guest and recurring players such as Robbie Daymond and Aabria Iyengar have also featured prominently across campaigns.
When did Critical Role first premiere?
Critical Role first premiered in 2015. What began as a private home game among friends was eventually brought to a live-streaming format, quickly building a passionate global fanbase and becoming one of the most influential actual play productions in the tabletop RPG community.
Is Critical Role still producing new episodes?
Yes, Critical Role is a returning series and is currently in production. Campaign 4 is actively underway with new episodes releasing regularly. The show has maintained a consistent weekly schedule since its debut in 2015 and shows no signs of slowing down.
Has Critical Role won any notable awards?
Critical Role has received widespread recognition within the gaming and entertainment communities, earning multiple Streamy Awards and nominations over the years. It has been credited with significantly boosting mainstream interest in tabletop RPGs and has won awards for live programming and gaming content.
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