Critical Role Cooldown

Critical Role Cooldown puts you at the table just after a live Critical Role session ends, as the cast stays on to unwind and talk through what happened. With dice stowed and the performance behind them, the players trade reactions, point out small details viewers might have missed, and laugh about outtakes and improvisations. The tone is relaxed and conversational, so you get behind-the-scenes context, quick clarifications, and candid takes from both the players and the Game Master without changing the main episode's events. Each episode is short, focused, and designed to extend the experience of the game rather than reteach it.

Released in 2024, Critical Role Cooldown was created by Matthew Mercer, Ashley Johnson, and Marisha Ray, and features regular appearances by Brennan Lee Mulligan, Matthew Mercer, Laura Bailey, Liam O'Brien, and Travis Willingham.

As of its 2024 debut the series had not received major industry awards or wide nomination attention; most recognition has come from fan engagement and platform visibility rather than traditional prize circuits.

Among fans of tabletop roleplaying and live-play entertainment, Cooldown has deepened engagement with the main show by offering immediate reactions and candid moments that fuel discussion and fan content. It reinforces Critical Role's presence as a hub for tabletop culture and gives community members extra material to discuss between main episodes.

Early reception has been favorable, though available ratings are limited. Viewers praise the show for spotlighting group dynamics, the creative process, and how players process dramatic or surprising scenes. Themes include friendship, improvisational storytelling, and collaborative problem solving, making the series appealing to longtime fans who want a closer look at the people behind the characters.