The main webseries features the cast of Critical Role playing the tabletop game Dungeons & Dragons (often abbreviated as D&D) in a fictional world created by the dungeon master, or DM. The series is a mix of live broadcasts, recorded video, and written recaps. The company also produces other shows and merchandise, such as podcasts, books, and collectibles. It has an extensive social media presence and a philanthropic foundation.

The improv-heavy format of the show gives its actors a huge creative freedom that many other entertainment franchises lack. According to Bleeding Cool, this allows the cast to create a rich world with deep character and interesting storylines that fans of the show have embraced. It has also allowed the cast to build a close community of followers known as Critters.

In addition to the main campaign, there are several one-shots that take place in different genres of gaming. For example, the group has run games based on Middle-earth, Hearthstone, and Call of Cthulhu. Some of the one-shots are sponsored by the game's publishers.

After amicably parting ways with Legendary Digital Networks (Geek & Sundry's parent company) in 2018, the members of Critical Role started their own production company, called Critical Role Productions. The eight founding cast members of the show each own equity stakes in the company.

The company has a number of trademarks and other business assets, including the publishing imprint Darrington Press, a music label called Scanlan Shorthalt Music, and a film production banner called Metapigeon. It has also signed a TV and film first-look deal with Amazon Studios.