Trying to compile recommended Actual Play Podcasts
I've listened to a few, and I'm planning on rating them by the following criteria: Game-i-ness, polish, humor, and story. The rating is supposed to be really simple, just 1-3, just to give people an idea of what each one is. I'll write basically what I'm thinking so far, and I'd love to know where you disagree with me, or if you could add on with other podcasts you recommend, I'd appreciate it.
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World's Beyond Number
Game: 2/3 Very little of this podcast feels game-y, but Brennan likes to emphasize the roll of dice in their storytelling, and it's clear the game has a big influence on the story being told.
Polish: 3/3 Enough said, listening is like listening to a professional radio drama.
Humor: 1/3, it's not unfunny, but it's not the focus. Don't let this dissuade you; humor isn't the main goal here.
Story: 3/3 -
Critical Role
Game: 1/3 I don't think it's scripted or anything, but the fact that they are playing a game doesn't feel important or integral to much of it.
Polish: 1/3 Talking about the podcast specifically, there isn't much editing to make the podcast shine, but of course, all of the performances are phenomenal. (Personally, I find it hard to listen to as a podcast, much better as a video.)
Humor: 2/3. It's similar to World's Beyond Number, but I'd say that, depending on the campaign, specific characters and large-group dynamics lend themselves more to humor.
Story: 3/3 -
Dungeons & Daddies
Game: 2/3 They're not too concerned with being accurate to the game they're playing, but a lot of humor comes up around designing new game mechanics and leveraging existing mechanics for interesting situations.
Polish: 3/3 Has great audio production, music, and uses editing well to service other narrative and bits.
Humor: 3/3 It's a comedy podcast.
Story: 2/3 90% of episodes aren't really focused on story or important character moments, but the last 10% is really high quality. -
KOLLOK: 1991
Game: 2/3 Not terribly focused on being a game, but they have some mechanics that make their way into the story.
Polish: 2/3. Original music, a fantastic ability to set the tone, and immersive storytelling, but sometimes I find the performances a little difficult.
Humor: 1/3 Not what it's trying to do, but still present.
Story: 3/3 A very compelling and interesting mystery with equally interesting world-building. -
NADDPOD
Game: 3/3 Feels like the most realistic portrayal of what a D&D campaign is like.
Polish: 2/3 Easy to listen to, audio production does its job.
Humor: 3/3 It's a comedy podcast.
Story: (I need help on this, I'm only like 20 episodes in, right now I'd give it like a 2/3, but I'm not sure if it ramps up) -
GumShoes and Dragons
Game: 3/3 Every episode is a mini murder mystery puzzle game.
Polish: 3/3 Similar to Dungeons and Daddies
Humor: 3/3
Story: 1/3 It's largely just episodic mysteries of the week. -
Dimension 20:
(This wavers some from season to season I'd say this is largely true for most seasons, but there's more info here: on what seasons are more comedic https://dimension20.fandom.com/wiki/Watch_Order )
Game: 3/3 This is Brennan again, so similar to WBN, but with less editing to get between the audience and the game.
Polish: 2/3 It's better watched than listened to as a podcast.
Humor: 3/3
Story: 2/3 It has a very good story, good character moments, especially in later seasons, but every other episode is a combat encounter, which weakens this category a little bit for me.
Posted May 6, 2026, 10:39 PM UTC