Dropout’s New Board Game Show is Everything I’ve Missed Since Tabletop
Dropout’s not exactly niche anymore, Dimension 20 just sold out Madison Square Garden, but I’ve been a fan of the crew over there for a while. From the unhinged brilliance of Game Changer and Make Some Noise to the casual comfort trivia show Um… Actually, their mix of improv, heart, and fun has filled my weekly viewing schedule for years.
So when they announced Parlor Room, a new board game actual play series, I couldn’t renew my subscription fast enough.
Board Games + Becca Scott + Dropout Cast? Yes Please.
Parlor Room is hosted by Becca Scott, who I first recognised from her board game teach videos on Geek & Sundry. These days, you’ll find her on her own channel, Good Time Society, mixing actual plays with solid rules explanations. She’s sharp, welcoming, and knows how to keep a table moving, without sucking the fun out of it.
While Becca handles the intros and walks through the rules, it’s actually a different cast member each episode who brings in the game, sharing why it’s special to them. They also bring a halftime snack, which is a fun touch, even if none of them have looked particularly edible so far.
It’s a perfect combo: familiar Dropout faces playing games both new and old, with Becca gently steering the ship while doing her best to keep them on track. This isn’t your classic rules-deep dive or strategy breakdown. It’s about having a good time. And it nails the vibe of a really great game night. The kind where everyone’s funny, just competitive enough, and dangerously good at riffing nonsense.
What games have they played so far?
I’ll be updating this section as more episodes go live. For now, here’s what’s hit the table:
Episode 1 – Wavelength
Picked By: Paul Robalino
Things kick off with Wavelength, a team-based party game where you’re trying to guess where someone’s clue lays hidden on a spectrum, like Cold to Hot, but weirder. Think “Cat Behaviour” to “Dog Behaviour” or “Normal Greeting” to “Unhinged Interaction.”
It’s always good for a laugh, but with a cast this sharp, it becomes a full-on masterclass in wildly specific brain logic. The real joy here is seeing Dropout’s stars in a more social setting, revealing the bizarre little corners of how they think.
At one point, someone gives what they swear is a totally normal greeting, and the team immediately overthinks it, debates its social acceptability, and ends up slotting it way closer to the “that’s weird” end of the scale.
Like… how do they want to be greeted?
Episode 2 – Cash’n Guns
Picked By: Vic Michaelis
Foam guns, fake money, and betrayal. Cash & Guns is a bluffing game where players aim toy pistols at each other, try not to get shot, and then split up the loot. Unless they’re dead. Or ducked. Or double-crossed.
It’s complete nonsense, but the drama of pointing guns at one another (even it they’re fake) makes for excellent TV. With some players going full gremlin mode, and breaking table-wide deals, while others tried (and failed) to form alliances.
There’s also a cameo from El Dragon that I won’t spoil, but it’s just as ridiculous as you’re hoping.
Episode 3 – Betrayal at House on the Hill
Picked By: Ify Nwadiwe
Ify showed up with his favourite game: Betrayal at the House on the Hill (or as he insists, Betrayal at Hill House).
It’s a cooperative game to a point. Where together you put tiles together to build out and explore a haunted mansion, collect items, raise your stats, and then halfway through the game. Bam! The Haunt triggers and one player becomes the bad guy.
The episode nails the campy horror vibe, and while this haunt was wildly lopsided (the heroes never stood a chance), it still provided the exact kind of fun and cheesy storytelling that this game is best at.
Creepy voices, wild reveals and a very questionable gym teacher it’s all here.
Taboo
Picked By: Rekha Shunkar
Taboo is a classic word game where you’re trying to get your team to guess a word without saying five very obvious related words. Simple in theory, harder when your brain goes blank mid-sentence.
Rekha was ridiculously good at it. Coming up with wild, abstract clues that didn’t go near the banned word list but still made perfect sense. Meanwhile, Katie… tried. She really did. She ended her first round with negative two points and what I assume is some lasting emotional damage.
Their dynamic was perfect. You know when people say the Olympics should include one regular person just so we understand how good the athletes are? This was that. But for Taboo, and it was a blast.
Should You Watch Parlor Room?
Yes. Especially if:
- You like games but don’t always want to learn rules.
- You miss the days of Tabletop but wish it had more swearing.
- You’ve ever watched a Dropout show and thought, “I bet they’d be a menace in board games.”
It’s warm, it’s chaotic, it’s funny, and it nails that feeling of watching a game night spiral in all the best ways. If you already have a Dropout sub, Parlor Room is a no-brainer. And if you don’t? Well… this might be your excuse.
You can see some of my favourite shows from a previous article when I covered them fantastically combining Bridgerton and D&D in A Court of Fae and Flowers .
Games you’d love to see them play next? I’ve got a wishlist brewing.
Let me know what you’d throw on the table.