Is Mythic Quest one of the best workplace comedies streaming right now? It’s right up there with Blockbuster and Severance, although the latter swirls around in more dramatic waters. Good news: the inventive hit Apple TV+ series about ambitious coworkers in the most epic multiplayer video game company of all time just debuted its third season.

So, what’s in store for the intrepid gang who builds worlds, and creates heroes and legends? Big changes, in fact. New job roles, new situations, and plenty of opportunity to confront a gaggle of personal insecurities pepper the new season. And the cast—Rob McElhenney, Charlotte Nicdao, David Hornsby, Danny Pudi, Ashly Burch, Imani Hakim, Jessie Ennis, and Naomi Ekperigin, coming on as a series regular—have never been more on the mark.
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For starters, Ian (McElhenney) and Poppy (Nicdao) navigate the gaming world and their alliance at the newly formed GrimPop Studios. Look for some innovative story arcs for Poppy.

“I love that we left Ian and Poppy at the end of Season Two with this big cliffhanger where they basically decided to abandon everything they’ve ever known, leave Mythic Quest, and start a completely new adventure,” Nicdao says of her and McElhenney’s characters. “And that’s where we pick them up. They’ve now created their own studio and working on Poppy’s game. From my perspective, I just found it fun to see Poppy in these completely new moments in her life, where suddenly she’s the boss. She’s the one with the creative control. She’s the one steering the ship—and Ian is her support system instead of the other way around. It’s a great case of: ‘be careful what you wish for.’”

As for the other characters, Dana (Hakim) is forced to play mediator to her bosses’ incessant bickering. Over at Mythic Quest, David (Hornsby) embraces his new role as boss, finding himself in charge for the first time. Jo (Ennis) is back as his assistant, perhaps more militant than ever. Berkeley-bound Rachel (Burch) struggles with her morals and capitalism. Carol (Ekperigin) has been promoted and trying to figure out where she fits in. And a post-prison Brad (Pudi) does his best to re-enter society as a reformed man.

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New Season, New Worlds

Mythic Quest, which garnered attention for offering an innovative spin on the workplace comedy, was created by McElhenney and his It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia pal Charlie Day, and Megan Ganz. The series is executive produced by McElhenney, Day, and Hornsby.

Of the show’s popularity, Burch, who plays Rachel in the series, said: “I love that our show is set in an industry we don’t usually see represented on television.”

“I think it really does a great job of balancing comedy and drama,” added Jessie Ennis, who stars as Jo. “We’ve got such a great ensemble, and everyone has a wealth of love for each other. The series has the magic of the workplace comedies that I grew up loving. I think that’s why people have responded to it.”

One of the noted shifts viewers will spot this season is seeing the character of Jo toning down her drive for power. “The way that she handles that is channeling her drive into David,” Ennis said. “Jo is trying to coach him and cheerlead him into taking more risks and being more forceful in terms of his stature within the company. I loved getting to play that.”

Meanwhile, the stakes for Rachel in Season Three are more existential. “There’s a moral conundrum for her,” Burch shared. “She realizes that the thing she’s decided to pursue, she’s actually quite bad at doing, and that creates a conflict in her. She’s struggling with the fact that she’s very good at being a person she doesn’t want to be. That’s a weird place to be in.”

Of her character’s unique story arc in the new season, Nicdao points out Poppy’s vulnerability. Something she experienced more so in the past. Regardless, it startles her.

“There’s an unraveling with Poppy this season where it’s no longer just her reputation on the line. It’s also her dream,” Nicdao noted. “It’s the thing she most wants to bring to fruition. As the season goes on, she’s grasping at different straws trying to keep that dream alive. And, let’s face it, it’s kind of funny to watch, but there are also moments that are a bit heartbreaking.”

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A Workplace Comedy Hit

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By all accounts, Mythic Quest could be around for quite some time. Fans and critics have hailed the series. Nicdao pointed out that many cast members have been longtime friends and that in and of itself, generates its own kind of vibe—basically, starring in a workplace comedy while also working in a workplace comedy.

“We’re constantly bouncing ideas off each other, whether the cameras are rolling or not,” Nicdao said. “We have fun with the story we’re telling. Ultimately, the show is a workplace comedy about the relationships between this misfit gang that bonded as a family. But it also delves into some of the deeper questions of creative collaboration and what it means to build something with another person. Sometimes you’re going to lift each other up, and sometimes, your disagreements are going to be super disruptive.”

Ennis noted another factor to the show’s success: the creators. McElhenney, Day, and Ganz aren’t just funny, but they also manage to create a collaborative environment.

“I’ve learned so much from them being in a writers’ room and getting to see how they break down the story and bring other people into the process,” she said. “We’ve had lots of opportunities to do things. I directed at one point, but before that I visited the editing bay, and I could shadow Rob and other directors. And other actors have sat in the writers’ room and voiced their opinions on different characters. It’s a collaborative process. And I think they really value that.

“In terms of our on-screen dynamics,” she added, “there’s a lot of improv, a lot of freedom, and we get to bring a lot to our characters.”

As for the season ahead, Nicdao remains optimistic. She believes viewers will stay invested in the show.

“What I hope the audience takes away from Season Three is a feeling of satisfaction and happiness,” she said. “At the end of the day, we’re trying to make a show that’s entertaining. I love that we so frequently get feedback from people saying that we’ve touched on something dramatic or real or emotional that they relate to. And at the same time, I hope people enjoy every episode, then want to come back for Season Four.”

Mythic Quest premieres globally on Friday, November 11 on Apple TV+.