If you’re looking for a new Dungeons & Dragons actual play to tune into, you’re in for a treat! Whether you're a fan of high-stakes drama, hilarious role-play, or intricate storytelling, this list of 10 must-watch DnD shows has something for everyone:
1. Exandria Unlimited: Calamity
Creators: Critical Role (Brennan Lee Mulligan as Game Master)
Summary: A stunning and heartbreaking Critical Role prequel set in Exandria. The show tells the story of the downfall of the abundant Age of Arcanum. EXU: Calamity is often praised as the best actual play series of all time; it brings incredible storytelling, unforgettable performances, and some of the most tear-jerking moments in TTRPG history.
Number of Episodes: 6
Average Length: 4+ hours
Links: YouTube | Spotify
2. Once Upon a Witchlight
Creators: Legends of Avantris
Summary: A quirky campaign based on the official DnD adventure module, Wild Beyond the Witchlight. The show starts off light and whimsical but hits some deep, emotional moments as it goes on. With big character arcs, even bigger laughs, and some seriously heartfelt storytelling, if you’re into surreal fantasy and feywild weirdness, this one's for you. Plus, for anyone who’s seen the hilarious TikToks and YouTube shorts that the Legends of Avantris team put out, you’ll recognize some familiar faces along the way!
Number of Episodes: 56
Average Length: 2-3 hours
Links: YouTube | Spotify
3. City of the Black Rose: Herald of Shadows
Creators: 3 Black Halflings
Summary: A gripping dark-fantasy campaign set in Mavros, a city full of political intrigue, eldritch horror, and morally grey adventurers. This terrifying season uncovers gruesome murders, industrial-era class divides and corporate conspiracies that will keep you hooked. Ideal for those of you who love murder mysteries and bleak urban settings.
Don’t miss our upcoming Kickstarter, where we’re creating a terrifying campaign sourcebook based on this incredible setting!
Number of Episodes: 20
Average Length: 1.5 hours
Links: Podcast channel | Spotify
4. Real Housewives of Dungeons & Dragons
Creators: Real Housewives of Dungeons & Dragons
Summary: A wild, drama-filled campaign following a group of high-society adventurers who juggle local gossip, intrigue and scandal. Think DnD meets your favourite reality TV show – big personalities, unexpected twists, and plenty of over-the-top moments. Perfect for anyone who loves high-energy and iconic, quotable one-liners.
Number of Episodes: Ongoing
Average Length: 1–2 hours
Links: Spotify | Patreon
5. The Wizard, the Witch & the Wild One
Creators: Worlds Beyond Number (Brennan Lee Mulligan, Erika Ishii, Aabria Iyengar, Lou Wilson)
Summary: A beautifully produced, deeply immersive DnD audio drama following three childhood friends who embark on an extraordinary journey of magic, destiny, and discovery. This series blends first class role-play, cinematic storytelling and a custom soundtrack, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to get lost in a grand, character-driven saga. The prequel is great, too!
Number of Episodes: Ongoing
Average Length: 2–3 hours
Links: Spotify | Patreon
6. DesiQuest
Creators: Jasmine Bhullar, Anjali Bhimani, Omar Najam, Sandeep Parikh, Rekha Shankar
Summary: A vibrant, South Asian inspired actual play series that blends rich cultural influences with epic storytelling. Featuring a stellar cast, this campaign brings fresh perspectives and mythologies to the table, making it a fantastic choice for listeners looking for immersive world-building and a wonderful alternative to the more common Tolkien-style fantasy settings.
Number of Episodes: Ongoing
Average Length: 2-3 hours
Links: YouTube | Spotify
7. Sunday Spy Club
Creator: Pixel Circus
Summary: A thrilling espionage-inspired DnD campaign where spies, double agents, and covert missions take centre stage. With shocking twists and plenty of tongue-in-cheek action, this series is ideal for fans of Totally Spies, Powerpuff Girls and the Charlie’s Angels films.
Number of Episodes: Ongoing
Average Length: 1–2 hours
Links: YouTube | Patreon
8. Baldur’s Gate 3 Cast One-Shot
Creators: High Rollers
Summary: Bringing the smash-hit Baldur’s Gate 3 to the table, this actual play brings the video game voice actor cast into a high-stakes tale. If you’ve sunk 200+ hours into the game and want even more adventures, or if you’re new to DnD and want to learn along with the cast, this is a must-watch. Game master Mark Hulmes delivers an engaging, action-packed experience from the get-go.
Number of Episodes: 2
Average Length: 2 hours
Links: YouTube
9. The Unsleeping City
Creators: Dimension 20
Summary: A dazzling urban-fantasy campaign set in a magical version of New York City, where everyday people uncover hidden supernatural forces. This beloved series was so popular, it became the setting of Dimension 20’s sold-out Madison Square Garden show. Ideal for DnD fans who have visited New York (or have always wanted to), love witty banter between players, and enjoy modern settings with a fantasy twist.
Number of Episodes: 17 (Season 1)
Average Length: 2–3 hours
Links: YouTube | Dropout TV
10. Natural Six
Creators: Natural Six
Summary: New to the actual play scene, Natural Six is a UK cast of trained voice actors who deliver a breathtaking mix of role-play, strategic combat, and compelling stories of gods and politics. If you’re searching for something new, this imaginative series is a fantastic pick. Plus, if you're a fan of the Witcher series (who isn't?), the show features Geralt's voice actor, Doug Cockle, as one of the players!
Number of Episodes: Ongoing
Average Length: 2–3 hours
Links: YouTube | Patreon
From reality-TV-inspired antics to gothic horror, these DnD actual play series offer something for everyone! Whether you’re in the mood for deep world-building, emotional storytelling, or laugh-out-loud moments, there’s a show on this list for you. Which one will you check out first? Let us know on our Discord! See you there.
