The Dungeons & Dragons movie Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is ready for a March 3rd release, and fans are gearing up to see it in theaters. After all, there are few things more fun than D&D, and the thought of getting to see a campaign play out on screen seems incredible.
Yet it wouldn't be the first time that a D&D-style campaign has played out on screen. There have been many occasions where characters in TV shows played out an actual D&D game. While some are more relevant to the story than others, it's always fun to see the many TV episodes where the characters play D&D.
'The D&D Vortex' - The Big Bang Theory
Since The Big Bang Theory always thrived on exploring geek culture, it makes sense that the show would eventually turn its attention to D&D. In 'The D&D Vortex,' the show explored a game of celebrity D&D as the gang tried their best to play a game of D&D with William Shatner and other famous players.
It was an episode that introduced the most famous guest stars that The Big Bang Theory ever featured. It also showcased just how fun D&D could be and also how people from all backgrounds could enjoy the game in their own ways, while also making friends along the way.
'Dungeons, Dungeons, and More Dungeons' - Gravity Falls
Given how many ridiculous situations were featured in Gravity Falls, it is somewhat surprising that the show had an entire episode focused on D&D. Yet the show made it work, as the supernatural elements of Gravity Falls dragged the characters from Dipper's game into their world.
Gravity Falls was one of the best Disney Channel cartoons ever made, so to have it cover a game like D&D is always fun. The show used D&D to develop the relationship between Ford and Dipper, while also thrilling fans of both franchises. It was a surprisingly great medium for an episode, and it certainly worked well.
'Bender's Game' - Futurama
When Futurama saw Bender desperately trying to play D&D with Cubert and Dwight, 'Bender's Game' explored the imagination limitations of robots like Bender. After initially failing to join the game, Bender finally managed to imagine himself as a knight, which then caused him to act volatile.
It was a fun story that really showcased how far the show could take any concept in the Futurama universe. The fact that the show managed to include the characters transporting into the universe of Bender's imagination was even more fun, and the characters seemed to enjoy the game well enough.
'The Midnight Club' - Riverdale
While Riverdale is a show that never fails to be unpredictable, fans especially didn't expect a flashback episode that would focus on the heart of the Satanic Panic in the 80s. Given that the era revolved around D&D, it makes sense that the parodying game "Gryphons and Gargoyles" would play a role.
With people trying to murder them for playing the game, it was a storyline that no other show could have done. Still, the episode showed off everything great about D&D, as the characters bonded over the game with ease. There's nothing better than seeing people having fun playing D&D, even if it ended with a Riverdale-style murder.
'Jen the Fredo' - The IT Crowd
There are few shows about geeky characters that don't feature the occasional game of D&D. The IT Crowd was no exception. In 'Jen the Fredo,' the show explored how much the characters loved a version of D&D, as the characters attempted to explain the game to businessmen.
The show may have played it like a joke, but it also did describe why the game could be so great. After all, it explained the game incredibly well and showed off how emotions can play into D&D. It also explained how D&D actually works, which is always helpful for the uninitiated. Even the characters who weren't excited to play the game quickly found that it was a great time and a lot of fun, which tends to be the case for D&D.
'Discos and Dragons' - Freaks and Geeks
There should be no surprise that Freaks and Geeks featured a D&D episode of its own. Set in the 80s, there is no way that a show about geeks would fail to cover the game, and the show did a great job with it. After Daniel was sent to audio/visual class, the group invited him to their D&D game.
The episode was one of many that made Freaks and Geeks feel so relatable. It showed characters making friends through D&D with ease, even despite being from very different walks of life. The game's depiction was also perfect, as it even showed off players fighting and snacking in the middle of the session.
'D & DD' - Dexter's Laboratory
The best episodes of Dexter's Laboratory explored Dexter's relationship with his sister and 'D & DD' was no exception. When Dee Dee wanted to play Monsters & Mazes with Dexter, Dexter initially trie d to refuse, but he was eventually granted the chance to be the Game Mistress.
It was a fun episode that challenged Dexter's inability to give up control or accept his sister's involvement in his interests. While Dexter always cheated, Dee Dee actually made a great GM, even if Dexter refused to acknowledge the fun he had while playing.
'Scanbo' - The Legend Of Vox Machina
Since it is a show based on the first Critical Role D&D campaign, it's no surprise that The Legend of Vox Machina featured a group of characters playing D&D. That's why when Scanlan ran to escape his foes, he found a group of guards playing D&D together in a sideroom.
It was a fun little easter egg, and it also helped to establish even the background guards as characters with their own interests and hobbies. Given that Scanlan was about to destroy them all, having that quick moment of characterization really made fans feel bad for those poor guards.
'Advanced Dungeons & Dragons' - Community
With an episode completely devoted to a D&D session, Community certainly proved willing to address the game. After the group scheduled a D&D session and failed to invite Pierce, the study group had to deal with Pierce's frustrations while they tried to comfort the depressed Neil.
It was a fun episode that went into depth about D&D and showed off just how much fun can come out of the game. While it still featured some fun comedy, it managed to do it without poking fun at D&D fans in the process. Little more than a love letter to the game, it furthered Neil and Pierce's characterizations in the process.
'Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers' - Stranger Things
Not only does Stranger Things feature characters playing D&D, but it is also revolved around the game. After all, the show started with its geeky protagonists playing D&D, before one of their friends went missing shortly after. Many of the show's villains were also D&D characters, and D&D plays a major role throughout the series.
Given that the Hellfire Club, their party's name, is the center of the show, Stranger Things is both a love letter to the 80s and to D&D. Every session that the gang plays looks incredibly fun, and they certainly bonded over it. Having gone more into depth about D&D than any other show, Stranger Things has done amazing things with the concepts of characters playing the game.