Critical Role’s The Mighty Nein emerges as Prime Video’s darker fantasy standout

According to Collider, The Mighty Nein, an animated fantasy series from Critical Role, has become a standout on Amazon Prime Video.

The 2025 series, influenced by classic fantasy, has released eight episodes and features voice talent including Matt Mercer, Laura Bailey and Ashley Johnson. Its ensemble — two Tieflings, a half-orc, a goblin, a monk and a magic user — are drawn together amid a war as the plot examines the Kryn Dynasty’s reincarnation practice and the fallout when the Luxon beacon is stolen.

The show diverges from Critical Role’s earlier Legend of Vox Machina by focusing on darker, damaged characters and slower, more wrenching emotional development. Key story threads include Caleb (Liam O’Brien), revealed to have been born Bren and brainwashed into violence for the Dwendalian Empire, and Nott the Brave (Sam Riegel), whose self-loathing and alcoholism are central to her arc; the series’ creators remain in control of the adaptation.

The entire first season is available to stream on Prime Video, released November 19, 2025, and audiences are awaiting a sophomore season.

Key Topics

Culture, Critical Role, Prime Video, Kryn Dynasty, Dwendalian Empire