Entertainment · Books & Arts · 6 hrs ago
Matt Dinniman discusses ‘Dungeon Crawler Carl’ and its Peacock adaptation
Matt Dinniman’s ‘Dungeon Crawler Carl’ series has sold more than 14 million copies to date.
The science fantasy story follows Carl and Princess Donut, his ex-girlfriend’s cat, as they face deadly dungeon levels in an intergalactic TV show that puts humanity and Earth at stake.
The eighth book, ‘A Parade of Horribles,’ was released in May 2026 and continues their story.
Dinniman says the series’ appeal may come from a man resisting a system designed to crush him, alongside the presence of a talking cat.
Peacock is developing a TV adaptation with Seth MacFarlane’s Fuzzy Door and co-showrunners Eric Heisserer and Chris Yost.
No release date for the adaptation is given, while Dinniman says the series’ ending is in sight and he is sad it will eventually be over.
Matt Dinniman says the success of his “Dungeon Crawler Carl” series may reflect its timing and its story of a man resisting a system designed to crush him.
The series has sold more than 14 million copies, according to Space.com.
Its eighth book, “A Parade of Horribles,” was released in May 2026.
A streaming adaptation is coming to Peacock, with Seth MacFarlane’s Fuzzy Door and co-showrunners Eric Heisserer and Chris Yost involved.
Dinniman says he still loves writing the story, though he is sad that its ending is in sight.
- Who
- Author Matt Dinniman discusses his “Dungeon Crawler Carl” series and its adaptation.
- What
- A Peacock streaming adaptation of the books is in development.
- When
- The eighth book was released in May 2026; the article was published on October 14, 2026.
- Where
- The adaptation is coming to Peacock.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The eighth book in the series, “A Parade of Horribles,” was released.
Space.com published its interview with Matt Dinniman.
- Series sales
- More than 14 million copies
- Latest book
- A Parade of Horribles
- Latest book release
- May 2026
- Streaming platform
- Peacock
- Co-showrunners
- Eric Heisserer and Chris Yost
What people are saying
I think I just happened to hit the right story at the right time
It’s about a man pushing back against impossible odds. The antagonist isn’t just a single person or entity, but an entire system designed to crush any life out of him, all for the entertainment of the masses. That sort of story seems to really be resonating right now. Plus there’s a talking cat in it.
Luckily I’m still in love with this story, and I am in love with writing it. It hasn’t gotten old yet. The end is in sight, and I’m more sad than anything that it'll eventually be over.