The LitRPG genre is having a moment. With Matt Dinniman's Dungeon Crawler Carl saga set to hit Peacock, thanks to Seth MacFarlane's production team, fans are buzzing about what could be the next big adaptation. The series, which blends video game mechanics with a wild, post-apocalyptic adventure, has become a gateway for many readers into this niche but growing genre. As the hype builds, it's only natural to wonder: which other LitRPG titles are poised to follow in its footsteps?
For the uninitiated, LitRPG (literary role-playing game) books drop characters into worlds governed by game rules—think leveling up, acquiring skills, and battling increasingly tough foes. It's a storytelling style that merges the best of reading and gaming, and it's been gaining serious traction. Dungeon Crawler Carl has become the face of the genre, but it's far from the only gem. Here are five other LitRPG series that could easily make the leap to television.
5. Dominion of Blades by Matt Dinniman
Before Carl, Dinniman wrote Dominion of Blades and its sequel, The Hobgoblin Riot, with a third book on the way. This series takes a different tack from Dungeon Crawler Carl, swapping the intergalactic game show for a more traditional fantasy setting. The story follows Jonah, who wakes up inside a banned video game with no memory of how he got there. It's a classic LitRPG setup, but Dinniman's signature humor and high stakes keep it fresh. The fantasy world—complete with dragons and goblins—might require a bigger budget, but as we've seen with shows like Game of Thrones, high fantasy can thrive on TV.
4. Apocalypse Parenting by Erin Ampersand
Erin Ampersand's Apocalypse Parenting is one of the most relatable LitRPG series out there. It centers on a mom with a sharp sense of humor trying to keep her kids alive when aliens turn Earth into a deadly game show. The setting is a suburban Alabama neighborhood, which keeps production costs down and makes the story accessible to a wider audience. With just a few aliens and a talking stuffed turtle, the special effects needed for a first season are surprisingly minimal. This one could be a sleeper hit for a streamer looking for a family-friendly (but still edgy) adventure.
3. Discount Dan's Backroom Bargains by James Hunter
If you love the dark, vulgar comedy of Dungeon Crawler Carl, James Hunter's Discount Dan's Backroom Bargains is the closest match. The series follows Dan, a bargain-hunting hero who navigates the surreal Backrooms—a dimension filled with ever-changing floors, from a '90s mall to a deadly Christmas tundra. The story is packed with wild creatures, including a mimic dog made of blue Croc rubber and monsters with toilet heads. This one practically begs for an animated adaptation, perhaps in the style of Archer, to fully capture its chaotic energy. With the right animation studio, it could be a visual feast.
2. He Who Fights with Monsters by Shirtaloon
Travis Deverell, writing as Shirtaloon, has crafted the second most popular LitRPG series after Dungeon Crawler Carl. He Who Fights with Monsters follows Jason, a man transported to a fantasy world where he gains the ability to absorb monster powers. The series is known for its witty protagonist, intricate magic system, and epic battles. It's a more traditional fantasy than some other LitRPGs, but it has a massive fanbase and a story that could easily span multiple seasons. With the right budget, this could be the next big fantasy epic on TV.
1. The Land by Aleron Kong
While not in the original list, The Land by Aleron Kong deserves a mention as one of the genre's pioneers. It's a sprawling series with a devoted following, and its blend of kingdom-building, dungeon crawling, and humor would translate well to a serialized format. With the success of Dungeon Crawler Carl, it's only a matter of time before networks start snapping up LitRPG rights. As the genre continues to grow, we can expect more announcements like the Peacock adaptation and other streaming deals. The future of LitRPG on screen looks bright.
With Dungeon Crawler Carl leading the charge, these five series prove that LitRPG has plenty of stories worth telling. Whether it's the relatable parenting struggles of Apocalypse Parenting or the wild animated potential of Discount Dan, there's something for every viewer. As streaming platforms continue to search for fresh content, don't be surprised if one of these titles gets the green light next.
