Dimension 20 has become one of the internet's most popular tabletop role-playing shows, boasting sold-out live events and a vast library of content on Dropout.tv. With 28 seasons to explore, newcomers might wonder where to begin their journey into this expansive Dungeons & Dragons universe. This guide highlights six campaigns that serve as ideal entry points, catering to various tastes and preferences.
For a Lighthearted Introduction: Escape From the Bloodkeep
As the second season of Dimension 20, Escape From the Bloodkeep offers an accessible starting point with a simple premise and all six episodes available for free on YouTube. The season parodies The Lord of the Rings from the perspective of villains, following the six closest advisors to a recently assassinated Lord of Shadows as they decide their next move. Despite the dark setup, the campaign unfolds as an ensemble sitcom with a comedic touch, exploring themes of player agency and the unpredictability of tabletop role-playing games. Game Master Brennan Lee Mulligan himself noted that player choices significantly altered the campaign's planned trajectory, providing a valuable lesson for aspiring GMs.
For Pure Comedy: Never Stop Blowing Up
For viewers seeking a heavy dose of humor, Never Stop Blowing Up is a standout choice. This season is a vibrant send-up of both '80s action movies and modern isekai anime, utilizing a customized version of the Kids on Bikes system designed for cinematic flair. The narrative begins when the staff of a struggling video store are transported into a magical VHS tape, finding themselves as anti-heroes in a world governed by action tropes, where physics are fluid and consequences are temporary. The season is celebrated for its comedic chaos, with players like Jacob Wysocki and Ify Nwadiwe competing for high body counts and Rekha Shankar delivering unhinged performances. It captures the unique experience of shared, inside jokes that emerge during a TTRPG session.
For D&D Purists: Fantasy High Freshman Year
Fantasy High is the foundational campaign of Dimension 20, and its first season, Freshman Year, serves as an excellent, albeit lengthy, introduction to the series' core elements. Set in a high school for aspiring adventurers, the campaign offers a loving yet sharp parody of Dungeons & Dragons tropes, akin to The Breakfast Club meets a fantasy world. While it comprises 20 episodes and is the start of the longest subseries within Dimension 20, its length is offset by a compelling narrative and the fact that many basic D&D systems are explained organically due to some players being new to the game. The setting is populated by dangerous eccentrics who often resort to violence to solve problems, creating a dynamic and engaging world.
For Classic Horror Aficionados: Coffin Run
Coffin Run offers a more niche but ambitious dive into the world of Dimension 20, drawing heavily from classic horror tropes. This six-episode side quest follows four members of Dracula's coterie tasked with transporting his corpse across dangerous territory while fending off werewolves, vampire hunters, and opportunistic relatives. Game Master Jasmine Bhullar infuses the season with a distinct Hammer horror aesthetic, evoking the B-movie charm of films like Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. It's considered a sleeper hit, ideal for those who appreciate old-school monster movie fun.
For Science Fiction Enthusiasts: A Starstruck Odyssey
Based on the acclaimed space opera comic series Starstruck by Elaine Lee, Brennan Lee Mulligan's mother, A Starstruck Odyssey transports viewers to the AnarchEra, a lawless period in a distant, technologically advanced future. This campaign, featuring the core cast known as the Intrepid Heroes, follows a team of mercenaries burdened by debt and past mistakes who embark on a rags-to-riches journey. The setting is inspired by Iain M. Banks' Culture novels, presenting a galaxy where humanity's advanced technology has led to profound weirdness. The players' significant choices drive the narrative, making it a deeply earned tale of overcoming adversity and a fan-favorite campaign that has sparked demand for a sequel.
For Harry Potter Fans Seeking Satire: Misfits & Magic
Misfits & Magic, played on the Kids on Bikes system, offers a sharp and pointed satire of the Harry Potter universe, particularly relevant during a period of public scrutiny for J.K. Rowling. Set at a British magical academy, the campaign follows four American teenagers who, upon arrival, begin to question and rebel against the established rules and customs of magical society. The first season, comprising just four episodes and available on YouTube, is a quick watch that generated significant viral moments. Its subsequent 11-episode second season, which aired in 2024, continued the story of the "Magical Misfits" as they navigated adulthood.
