In the entertainment industry, few stories are as compelling as that of Spencer Crittenden, an actor and star who rose from humble beginnings to become a prominent figure in television production. His journey from an antisocial Apple Store employee to a celebrated dungeon master and showrunner represents one of the most unlikely success stories in modern entertainment.
Crittenden’s transformation began with a single decision to attend a live podcast taping, a choice that would ultimately reshape his entire career trajectory. Today, he stands as a testament to how passion, talent, and serendipity can converge to create extraordinary opportunities in the creative world.
From Apple Store Employee to Entertainment Star
Spencer Crittenden’s early life painted the picture of someone unlikely to find fame in the entertainment industry. Working at an Apple Store, he described himself as “really antisocial” and admitted to having attended only one concert in his entire life before his breakthrough moment. His self-proclaimed status as an “awkward mess” with no performing experience made his eventual success all the more remarkable.
During this period, Crittenden was navigating personal challenges that left him feeling “trapped in his head most of the time.” He had recently gone through a breakup and was struggling with social anxiety that kept him isolated from most activities. The cherub-faced performer, distinguished by his “big, beautiful bushy beard and monotone voice,” seemed an unlikely candidate for television stardom.
Despite his antisocial tendencies, Crittenden maintained a deep passion for Dungeons & Dragons, a hobby he had cultivated since childhood. He had grown up playing the game almost exclusively in the role of dungeon master, though he had drifted away from it during college. By the time he discovered the Harmontown podcast, he hadn’t played D&D for over a year, making his eventual role even more serendipitous.
The Harmontown Discovery That Launched a Career
The pivotal moment in Crittenden’s life came when he decided to attend a live taping of Harmontown, the podcast created by Dan Harmon, the mastermind behind Community and Rick and Morty. This decision was particularly significant given Crittenden’s antisocial nature and his reluctance to participate in public events. He was drawn to the show partly because Harmon had mentioned Dungeons & Dragons on previous episodes.
During the fifth episode of Harmontown, Dan Harmon posed a question to the live audience that would change Crittenden’s life forever: he asked if anyone in the crowd had ever been a dungeon master. Without hesitation, Crittenden raised his hand and found himself called onstage to field questions about the game. His natural knowledge and enthusiasm for D&D immediately impressed both Harmon and the audience.
The chemistry was so apparent that Crittenden was invited to return for the following episode, where he would generate first-level characters for Harmon and co-host Jeff Davis. That night, he also joined the crew for drinks, where he learned about their ambitious plans to incorporate D&D into the show format. What had originally been conceived as a reality show-style competition to find the best dungeon master was abandoned after Crittenden’s first appearance, as he had clearly found his calling.
Building a Creative Partnership with Dan Harmon
Crittenden’s relationship with Dan Harmon evolved far beyond their initial podcast collaboration. He gradually became a “dryly sarcastic fixture” on Harmontown, appearing onstage before the D&D segments to contribute commentary to the show’s wide-ranging discussions. Despite having no performing experience, he felt comfortable because he was contributing a skill set he had been practicing for over half his life.
The partnership deepened when Harmon was rehired to Community for the show’s fifth season. In a stroke of perfect timing, Crittenden reached out about potential job opportunities just as Harmon was losing an assistant. This led to Crittenden officially joining Harmon’s team in a professional capacity, marking his transition from fan to industry insider.
Working as Harmon’s assistant provided Crittenden with invaluable insights into the entertainment industry. He learned to navigate writers’ rooms, contribute creative ideas, and understand the nuts and bolts of television production. His suggestions occasionally made it onto Community, including concepts like using a Ukrainian Teen Center as a random location. Harmon’s mentorship proved instrumental in Crittenden’s development, with the showrunner actively cultivating relationships with young, talented, creative people to help them succeed.
HarmonQuest – From Game Master to Showrunner
The success of the D&D segments on Harmontown led to an unexpected opportunity when Dan Harmon casually pitched a web series spin-off to an NBC Universal executive. The concept involved playing Dungeons & Dragons in front of a live audience while interspersing animated sequences to visualize the fantasy world. The network was intrigued enough to fund an initial six episodes, which eventually expanded to a full series when Seeso picked up the show.
Crittenden’s role in HarmonQuest represented a dramatic evolution from his original position as game master. As Harmon became increasingly busy with other projects including Rick and Morty, Crittenden found himself with greater creative control over the series. Initially, the prospect of increased responsibility caused him to hyperventilate, as he admitted to being “afraid of things changing.”
However, Crittenden adapted to his expanded role with what he described as a “gentle learning curve” under Harmon’s guidance. By the second episode, he had become comfortable giving notes and making creative decisions. He now serves as producer, writer, and game master, essentially running HarmonQuest on his own while Harmon focuses on other projects. This transformation from game master to showrunner represents one of the most significant career developments in his journey.
Acting Credits and Television Appearances
Beyond his work as a producer and game master, Spencer Crittenden has established himself as a recognizable actor and television personality. His most notable acting credit came through a guest appearance on Community, where he played Annie’s brother in what fans of Harmontown recognized as a delightful crossover moment. This cameo represented his first significant on-screen acting role and demonstrated his ability to transition from behind-the-scenes work to performance.
Crittenden has also become a regular presence on Great Minds with Dan Harmon, the History Channel show where he appears alongside his longtime collaborator. These appearances have helped establish him as a television personality in his own right, separate from his role as a dungeon master. His distinctive appearance and dry sense of humor have made him a fan favorite across multiple platforms.
His contributions to Rick and Morty as additional crew further demonstrate his versatility within the entertainment industry. Working on one of television’s most acclaimed animated series has provided him with experience across different types of production, from live-action comedy to animated storytelling. These diverse credits have helped establish Crittenden as a multi-faceted entertainment professional rather than simply a gaming enthusiast who found television success.
The Art of Modern Dungeon Mastering
Crittenden’s approach to dungeon mastering has evolved significantly from traditional tabletop gaming to accommodate the unique demands of television production. While typical D&D sessions can last four to five hours, HarmonQuest segments run for only 15 to 30 minutes, requiring him to compress storytelling and maintain narrative momentum in much shorter timeframes. This adaptation has made him a pioneer in televised role-playing game formats.
Working with celebrity guests and professional comedians has presented unique challenges that differ from traditional gaming groups. Unlike regular D&D players who generally cooperate with their dungeon master, the comedians on HarmonQuest often thwart Crittenden’s plans for comedic effect. He has learned to be exceptionally adaptable, holding multiple parallel story versions in his head and pivoting quickly when players take unexpected directions.
His philosophy emphasizes that “every group is different, every table is different, every player has different values and ideas of what the game is.” This inclusive approach has made HarmonQuest accessible to both gaming veterans and complete novices. Crittenden believes that newcomers often make the best guests because they adapt quickly to the performance aspects without preconceived notions about how the game should be played. His ability to guide both experienced players and celebrities with no gaming background has become one of his signature skills.
Future Projects and Creative Aspirations
Looking toward the future, Spencer Crittenden has expressed ambitious goals that extend beyond his current role as a dungeon master and producer. He has revealed that he has “ideas for various scripts” but acknowledges that he doesn’t think he’s “quite there yet” in terms of his writing abilities. This self-awareness reflects the same humility that has characterized his entire career journey, from his early days as an anxious Apple Store employee to his current status as a television producer.
His years working as Dan Harmon’s assistant have provided him with comprehensive training for life as a creator. He has gained access to insider meetings, learned the operational aspects of running a television show, and developed skills in editing and joke timing. This behind-the-scenes education has prepared him for potential future projects as a writer and showrunner in his own right.
Crittenden’s hope for HarmonQuest’s continuation reflects his long-term vision for character development and storytelling. He has expressed excitement about the possibility of reaching “a Season 7” where the characters would have leveled up significantly, allowing for more complex adventures and powerful character abilities. His commitment to the show’s growth demonstrates his dedication to pushing the boundaries of what televised role-playing games can achieve.
The entertainment industry has benefited immensely from Crittenden’s unique perspective and skills. His journey from an antisocial gaming enthusiast to a respected television professional serves as an inspiration for others who might feel like outsiders to the entertainment world. As he continues to develop his craft and explore new creative opportunities, Spencer Crittenden remains a compelling figure whose story demonstrates that passion and authenticity can create unexpected paths to success.
