How to Watch Dimension 20: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide

Dimension 20 is an actual-play D&D show published on DropoutTV, originally created by the team at CollegeHumor. Helmed primarily by fan-favorite Dungeon Master Brennan Lee Mulligan, Dimension 20 quickly became known for its hilarious, emotional, and imaginative storytelling. Since launching in 2018, the show has grown to over 20 unique seasons, each bringing fresh adventures and unforgettable characters.

Whether you're brand new to tabletop RPGs or a seasoned actual-play fan looking for your next binge-worthy show, Dimension 20 has something to offer everyone. In this ultimate beginner’s guide, I'll break down everything you need to know—where to start watching, standout seasons, the amazing cast, and answers to common questions.

Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

What Exactly is Dimension 20?

Dimension 20 is an anthology-style actual-play series, which means each season typically tells its own unique, standalone story. You don't need to watch the seasons in order, making it easy to jump in wherever you like. The exception here is sequel seasons, which are only a handful.

Dimension 20 divides its seasons into two main types:

• Intrepid Hero Seasons: These feature the original cast from Dimension 20's very first full-length campaign, Fantasy High. Intrepid Hero (a.k.a Core Cast) seasons tend to be longer (around 18–20 episodes) and focus deeply on character development, humor, and storytelling.
• Side Quests: These seasons usually feature rotating casts and guest Dungeon Masters like Aabria Iyengar, Matt Mercer, and others. They are shorter, ranging from four to around ten episodes, and often explore unique themes and creative twists on traditional role-playing adventures.

This combination of consistency (Core Cast) and innovation (Side Quests) keeps Dimension 20 fresh, exciting, and approachable for new fans and longtime viewers alike.

Where Can You Watch Dimension 20?

The primary destination for all Dimension 20 content is Dropout.tv, the streaming platform created by CollegeHumor. Dropout hosts every season and episode, neatly organized under the Dimension 20 series page.

However, you can also watch select full seasons for free on Dimension 20’s official YouTube channel. Currently, these freely available seasons include:

• Fantasy High
• Fantasy High: Sophomore Year
• Escape From The Bloodkeep
• The Unsleeping City Chapter 1

Additionally, Dimension 20 releases the first episode of each new season on YouTube, typically about a week after it premieres on Dropout.

All Dimension 20 Campaigns (And Where to Start)

Let's dive into the full list of Dimension 20 seasons (as of March 2025), with a quick summary of each. Afterward, I'll share my personal recommendations for the best ways to begin your Dimension 20 journey in 2025.

Dimension 20 Seasons

1. Fantasy High – The first-ever season! Follow a group of teenage adventurers navigating high school and heroics. Perfect for beginners, since the cast learns the game as you watch. The game system used for this season is D&D 5e.
2. Escape From The Bloodkeep – Dimension 20’s first side quest, featuring CollegeHumor alums as comedic villains caught in a chaotic fantasy scenario. The game system used for this season is D&D 5e.
3. The Unsleeping City – Magical New York meets urban fantasy. Deeply personal storytelling, with a fantastic portrayal of NYC through Brennan and the core cast’s eyes. The game system used for this season is D&D 5e.
4. Tiny Heist – A quirky side quest featuring characters who are tiny toys attempting an epic heist. A great pick if you love whimsical storytelling. The game system used for this season is D&D 5e.
5. A Crown of Candy – A dark, dramatic fantasy inspired by Game of Thrones—with candy-themed kingdoms. High stakes, emotional storytelling, and serious tension. The game system used for this season is D&D 5e.
6. Pirates of Leviathan – The first spin-off from Fantasy High, set in Leviathan, a pirate city introduced in the original series. It’s short, fun, and full of pirate adventure! The game system used for this season is D&D 5e.
7. Fantasy High: Sophomore Year – A sequel continuing the adventures of Fantasy High’s heroes, originally broadcasted live weekly on Twitch and later uploaded to Dropout. The game system used for this season is D&D 5e.
8. The Unsleeping City: Chapter II – Filmed remotely during the pandemic, this season continues the adventures of New York’s magical protectors. The game system used for this season is D&D 5e.
9. Mice & Murder – A Sherlock Holmes-inspired mystery side quest, filmed with Brennan in the dome and players remotely due to the pandemic. The game system used for this season is D&D 5e.
10. Misfits and Magic – A charming side quest introducing Aabria Iyengar as a guest GM and Brennan as a player. This season uses the Kids on Brooms RPG system instead of D&D 5e.
11. The Seven – Another Fantasy High spin-off focusing on the Seven Maidens, formerly NPCs now played by the cast, with Brennan reprising his role as Zelda. The game system used for this season is D&D 5e.
12. Shriek Week – A spooky, Halloween-themed adventure packed into a short side quest. The game system used for this season is the Mythic system, created by Gabe Hicks.
13. A Starstruck Odyssey – A sci-fi comedy adventure in the Starstruck universe, originally created by Brennan’s mom (It's my personal favorite!). The game system used for this season is Star Wars 5e.
14. Coffin Run – A gothic, Dracula-inspired tale, marking Jasmine Bhullar’s debut as a guest GM in Dimension 20. The game system used for this season is D&D 5e.
15. A Court of Fey & Flowers – Aabria returns as GM in this beautifully crafted side quest set in the Feywild, filled with intrigue, romance, and drama. A true standout. The game system used for this season is D&D 5e and Good Society.
16. Neverafter – Fairy tales get a dark, comedic horror twist in this unforgettable core cast season. The game system used for this season is D&D 5e.
17. The Ravening War – Dimension 20’s first prequel, GM’d by Critical Role’s Matt Mercer. It expands on the world of A Crown of Candy. The game system used for this season is D&D 5e.
18. Dungeons and Drag Queens – A fabulous side quest starring actual drag queens as legendary adventurers. Fun, glamorous, and hilarious. The game system used for this season is D&D 5e.
19. Mentopolis – A unique "whodunit" mystery set inside the human mind, featuring Hank Green’s debut as a Dimension 20 player. The game system used for this season is Kids on Bikes.
20. Burrow’s End – Follow a group of animals fleeing disaster, GM’d by the talented Aabria Iyengar. A beautiful, emotionally-driven side quest. The game system used for this season is D&D 5e.
21. Fantasy High: Junior Year – The adventures continue for the Bad Kids in their third year at Aguefort Adventuring Academy. The game system used for this season is D&D 5e.
22. Never Stop Blowing Up – A fast-paced, action-packed side quest, blending Fast & Furious with Michael Bay-level explosions. The game system used for this season is Never Stop Blowing Up, a homebrew system heavily inspired by Hunters Entertainment’s Kids on Bikes.
23. Misfits and Magic Season 2 – A longer sequel to the beloved Misfits and Magic, revisiting our magical heroes. The game system used for this season is Never Stop Making Magic, a homebrew mix of Dropout’s Never Stop System and  Hunters Entertainment’s Kids on Bikes.
24. Dungeons and Drag Queens Season 2 – The queens return in style for another hilarious and heartfelt adventure. The game system used for this season is D&D 5e.
25. Titan Takedown – A wrestling-themed side quest full of high-flying moves, big personalities, and dramatic showdowns. The game system used for this season is D&D 5e.

How Should You Start Watching Dimension 20 in 2025?

If you're new to Dimension 20, jumping into such a big show can feel overwhelming. Don't worry—here are three popular ways fans recommend diving in:

1. Follow the Current Season

The easiest way to join the Dimension 20 community is simply to watch the newest season as it premieres. At the time of writing, the upcoming season is Titan Takedown, a short, four-episode wrestling-themed side quest.

Starting here means you can engage directly with ongoing community discussions and enjoy the excitement of new episodes releasing weekly. If you enjoy what you see, you can then dive deeper into the older seasons available on Dropout.

2. Start from the Beginning

If you're up for the full Dimension 20 experience, starting from the very first season, Fantasy High, is the way to go. While each season generally stands alone, watching in release order lets you catch running jokes, references, and character moments that span multiple campaigns.

With 25+ seasons (and growing!), starting from the beginning is a commitment—but it's manageable compared to catching up on larger actual-play series like Critical Role. You'll quickly see why longtime fans love this journey.

3. Start With a Short, Non-Committal Side Quest

If you'd rather not commit immediately to a longer series, pick a shorter "Side Quest." My personal recommendation, especially if you're new to D&D or actual plays, is Dungeons and Drag Queens (Season 1). It's beginner-friendly, hilarious, fabulous, and only four episodes long, making it an excellent starting point.

Another great option is the first season of Misfits and Magic, a delightful, short series that introduces you to Dimension 20’s unique charm without using traditional D&D rules.

With these three options, you're set up to enjoy Dimension 20 in whatever way suits your style!

Standalone Episodes and Specials

Over the years, Dimension 20 has also produced several memorable live shows and special episodes, many set in the popular Fantasy High universe.

One standout is The Time Quangle, a unique live experience launched in 2024. In these special performances, Brennan and the cast roll dice live on stage before the adventure begins, randomly determining their characters, and the universe they'll explore that night. This spontaneity creates hilarious, unpredictable, and one-of-a-kind adventures that differ from city to city.

These live shows and specials add an exciting layer of creativity to Dimension 20, offering fans unique stories beyond the regular seasons. All of them are uploaded to Dropout, too.

Who Are the Main Cast and Characters?

Dimension 20’s beloved Intrepid Heroes (a.k.a Core Cast) is a group of talented actors, improvisers, and comedians who’ve brought unforgettable characters and stories to life. Here’s a quick introduction to each of them:

Brennan Lee Mulligan (Dungeon Master)

The creative mastermind behind Dimension 20, Brennan is renowned for his incredible storytelling, sharp wit, and endless energy. He’s famous for playing countless NPCs, each distinct and memorable, from hilarious comic relief to deep, emotional roles.

Emily Axford

Known for her boundless creativity and unpredictable antics, Emily often plays chaotic and lovable characters. Her most iconic roles include Fig Faeth (Fantasy High), the rebellious teen bard, and Sofia Lee (The Unsleeping City), the badass Staten Island hairstylist turned champion of New York’s magical realm.

Brian "Murph" Murphy

Murph frequently portrays down-to-earth characters who become the group's voice of reason (or occasionally, comedic frustration). Standout roles include the anxious yet endearing Riz Gukgak (Fantasy High), a goblin detective, and the gothic hot-topic-manager-turned-hero Cody "Night Angel" Walsh (The Unsleeping City).

Lou Wilson

With charisma and warmth, Lou often embodies earnest and enthusiastic characters who bring both humor and heart to the table. Notable roles include the charmingly naive Fabian Aramais Seacaster (Fantasy High), a pirate’s son trying to make his own legacy, and Broadway-loving nurse Kingston Brown (The Unsleeping City).

Zac Oyama

Zac frequently plays deeply relatable and hilariously awkward characters who quickly become fan favorites. His roles include the lovable jock with a heart of gold Gorgug Thistlespring (Fantasy High), and the earnest firefighter-turned-hero Ricky Matsui (The Unsleeping City).

Siobhan Thompson

Siobhan specializes in witty, sharp-tongued characters that often serve as the narrative’s backbone or emotional anchor. Her standout roles include the uptight elf Adaine Abernant (Fantasy High), whose vulnerability made her a fan favorite, and the elegant and powerful society wizard Misty Moore (The Unsleeping City).

Ally Beardsley

Ally brings a unique blend of humor, sincerity, and bold improvisation to every role. Their characters often explore deeper emotional or existential themes, such as the charismatic and deeply conflicted Kristen Applebees (Fantasy High), or the spiritually curious dreamer Pete Conlan (The Unsleeping City).

The chemistry and friendship among these core cast members are central to what makes Dimension 20 special. Watching them play together feels like joining a table of close friends, making every season a genuinely warm and hilarious experience.

Dimension 20 vs Other Popular Actual Plays

With so many excellent actual-play podcasts out there, it's natural to wonder how Dimension 20 stacks up against other favorites like Critical Role, Not Another D&D Podcast (NADDPOD), and Worlds Beyond Number. Let's quickly break down the differences and similarities, and help you figure out which is the best fit for your personal tastes.

Dimension 20 vs Critical Role

• Tone & Length:
  • Dimension 20 episodes typically range from 1.5 to 2.5 hours, offering tight pacing, high comedy, emotional storytelling, and a clear focus on story arcs.
  • Critical Role episodes frequently last 3-4 hours, diving deep into detailed character development, extensive lore, slower pacing, and dramatic storytelling.
• Production & Accessibility:
  • Dimension 20 is known for slick editing, custom-built miniatures and sets, shorter campaigns, and anthology-style storytelling (each season is largely independent).
  • Critical Role has long-running, epic campaigns spanning hundreds of hours, detailed world-building, immersive voice acting, and an ongoing story that requires more investment to fully appreciate.
• Who it’s for:
  • Choose Dimension 20 if you prefer comedic, fast-paced storytelling that blends humor with genuine emotional moments in shorter seasons.
  • Choose Critical Role if you’re looking for deep character-driven drama, detailed lore, longer campaigns, and a richer, long-term commitment.

Dimension 20 vs NADDPOD (Not Another D&D Podcast)

• Tone & Style:
  • Both Dimension 20 and NADDPOD feature comedy and warmth. Dimension 20 emphasizes visual storytelling and tightly structured arcs, while NADDPOD relies purely on audio storytelling with improvisational, looser sessions.
• Cast Overlap:
  • Both shows share several cast members: Emily Axford, Brian Murphy, Zac Oyama, and Siobhan Thompson. If you enjoy their chemistry on Dimension 20, you'll likely love NADDPOD’s relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
• Length & Format:
  • NADDPOD episodes are about 1-2 hours, similar to Dimension 20, but NADDPOD seasons are longer and audio-only. NADDPOD has fewer structured set-pieces, relying more heavily on imagination and improvisation.
• Who it’s for:
  • Choose Dimension 20 if you want shorter, visually enhanced storytelling with diverse and uniquely themed seasons.
  • Choose NADDPOD if you love a pure audio experience, long-term character growth, and comedic improvisation with friends.

Dimension 20 vs Worlds Beyond Number

• Storytelling & Atmosphere:
  • Dimension 20 is humorous, engaging, and often emotionally deep, but typically leans towards fun, quirky, and energetic storytelling.
  • Worlds Beyond Number (WBN) emphasizes lush, atmospheric, narrative-rich storytelling, exploring deeper emotional themes, subtle character interactions, and expansive world-building.
• Pace & Production:
  • Dimension 20 has tightly edited episodes and shorter seasons, keeping the pace brisk and energetic.
  • WBN takes a slower, more deliberate narrative pace, allowing immersive and detailed storytelling, often leaning toward poetic and emotional depth.
• Game Systems:
  • Dimension 20 primarily uses Dungeons & Dragons 5e with occasional experimentation (e.g., Kids on Brooms in Misfits & Magic).
  • WBN has used D&D 5e as its foundation but prioritizes narrative over mechanics, often bending rules to fit the story.
• Who it’s for:
  • Choose Dimension 20 if you prefer shorter, humorous, visually engaging campaigns with a focus on fun and varied storytelling.
  • Choose Worlds Beyond Number if you crave deep storytelling, poetic narratives, emotional immersion, and a podcast that unfolds slowly and deliberately.

Ultimately, Dimension 20 uniquely balances accessibility, comedy, emotional storytelling, and visual creativity, making it perfect if you're looking for diverse, shorter, and visually-rich actual-play experiences. Each of these shows is fantastic in its own way, but Dimension 20 is particularly welcoming to newcomers who want a friendly, energetic entry into the actual-play world.

Common Questions

Here are clear answers to some of the most frequently asked questions by newcomers to Dimension 20:

Do I need to watch Dimension 20 seasons in order?

Nope! Dimension 20 is an anthology series, meaning most seasons are completely standalone. You can start anywhere that sounds interesting to you, though watching from the beginning can enrich your experience with running jokes and references.

Do I need prior knowledge of D&D to enjoy Dimension 20?

Not at all. Dimension 20 is very accessible and welcoming to newcomers. Many cast members were beginners themselves in earlier seasons, so the show naturally teaches you how things work as you watch.

How many episodes are in a typical Dimension 20 season?

Core Cast seasons usually have about 18–20 episodes, while Side Quest seasons are shorter—typically between 4–10 episodes. Each episode typically ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

Is Dimension 20 kid-friendly or suitable for teenagers?

Dimension 20 seasons vary, but generally, it's aimed at older teens and adults due to language, themes, and occasional mature humor. Seasons like Fantasy High are great for older teens, but you might want to screen seasons like A Crown of Candy or Neverafter if younger viewers are involved due to darker themes.

Is Dropout.tv worth subscribing to just for Dimension 20?

If you're a fan of Dimension 20, absolutely! Dropout is the main platform for the show, with full access to every episode, behind-the-scenes specials, exclusive content, and early access to new seasons. It’s also inexpensive and has a wealth of other content you might enjoy.

Are all Dimension 20 campaigns using Dungeons & Dragons 5e rules?

Most Dimension 20 seasons use D&D 5e rules, but occasionally other systems are featured—like Kids on Brooms in Misfits and Magic and an adapted version of Lasers & Feelings in Mentopolis. The show prioritizes storytelling over strict rules, making it easy to follow regardless of the system used.

Thanks For Reading!

I hope this guide helped you find everything you wanted to know about Dimension 20! If there's anything else you'd like to see covered, please let me know in the comments below—I’d love to keep improving this article over time.

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