Peacock picks up Dungeon Crawler Carl live-action series from Seth MacFarlane

Peacock is developing a live-action TV series based on the popular book series, Dungeon Crawler Carl. This is the next phase for the LitRPG franchise.

I’m so excited about this project! It’s based on Matt Dinniman’s incredible book series, and Universal International Studios picked it up way back in early 2025. At the time, though, nobody knew where we’d be able to watch it – they hadn’t announced a streaming platform or anything yet.

The series has found a home on Peacock, bringing it one step closer to being made as the final details and agreements are being worked out.

Chris Yost is the writer and will also executive produce the show. Seth MacFarlane will executive produce through his production company, Fuzzy Door. Dinniman and Erica Huggins are also executive producers, and Rachel Hargreaves-Heald will manage production for Fuzzy Door.

Peacock is developing a live-action TV series based on “Dungeon Crawler Carl.” The show centers around a group of people struggling to survive an alien invasion, and who are forced to compete in a cruel, alien game show for their lives. Chris Yost will be the writer and executive producer, with Seth…

— Variety (@Variety) April 2, 2026

Carl, a former Coast Guard member, is one of the few people left after an alien invasion destroys most of the world. He’s then unwillingly entered into a dangerous, televised game show where contestants must battle monsters, aliens, and each other to survive. Joining him is Princess Donut, his ex-girlfriend’s famous cat, as they fight their way through a deadly, monster-filled arena.

This announcement follows Dinniman’s recent statement that the project was close to a critical juncture. The final decision on whether or not to proceed depended on securing contracts and obtaining necessary approvals.

Live-action concerns addressed as series moves forward

The Dungeon Crawler Carl series has seven books out now, with another one coming on May 12th. The author, Dinniman, intends to write a total of ten books in the series.

The author reassured fans worried about turning the fantastical story into a live-action series instead of an animated one, highlighting Robert MacFarlane’s extensive experience with projects relying on computer-generated imagery as a major reason for confidence.

Dinniman explained that filming wouldn’t begin until the visual effects were good enough, specifically mentioning tests using computer-generated imagery for characters like Princess Donut. He pointed to previous Fuzzy Door projects, like Ted and The Orville, to show the studio’s experience with complicated visual effects work.

Dungeon Crawler Carl isn’t alone in becoming a major book series adapted for the screen in 2026. Brandon Sanderson also made a deal in January to bring his ‘Cosmere’ universe to Apple TV, beginning with his bestselling novel, Mistborn.

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2026-04-02 21:19