Critical Role

Critical Role began in 2015 as a weekly actual play show where friends gather around a table to tell adventures using the mechanics of tabletop role playing. Rather than filming a scripted story, the players and a game master improvise within a rich fantasy setting drawn from Exandria, Aramán, and neighboring realms. The cast brings personae to life through dialogue, dice rolls, and in‑world decisions that steer the plot in real time. Brennan Lee Mulligan appears as the game master guiding the session, while Laura Bailey, Luis Carazo, Robbie Daymond, and Aabria Iyengar portray distinct characters whose choices drive the action. The result is a collaborative narrative that blends humor, danger, and character growth into a single saga.

Released in 2015, the show uses an actual play format rather than a scripted series. It centers on a game master guiding players through Exandria and the broader realms, with Ashley Johnson, Liam O'Brien, and Matthew Mercer among its creators.

Over time the series helped popularize the actual play format on streaming platforms, spawning fan communities, live events, and a new wave of RPG shows. Its blend of humor and high stakes made storytelling feel accessible and social rather than purely competitive.

Critics and fans have noted the show for its character driven focus, improvisational energy, and world building. The sessions probe themes of trust, leadership, and collaboration as players negotiate danger and friendship across shifting alliances.