Vic Michaelis is riding a wave of momentum as 2026 begins. The multifaceted performer—known for their work as an actor, improvisational comedian, and honorary president of the streaming platform Dropout—has already lined up several major projects that showcase their versatile talents. From a dramatic role in Peacock's espionage thriller to hosting duties on their own improvised talk show and now stepping into the world of tabletop roleplaying, Michaelis is proving to be one of the most dynamic figures in contemporary comedy and entertainment. This convergence of opportunities highlights their unique ability to bridge different genres and mediums.
The year kicked into high gear with the January 15 premiere of Ponies, a scripted espionage series on Peacock. While the show operates primarily as a tense, tightly-wound thriller, Michaelis's character brings moments of levity to the dramatic landscape. This balance between tension and humor plays directly to their strengths as a trained improviser. In a recent conversation with Polygon, Michaelis expressed gratitude for the creative freedom they were afforded during production. "I'm really, really fortunate because they knew they were hiring an improviser, and I think they were excited about that," they explained. While not every improvised moment made the final cut, Michaelis believes the essence of spontaneity and playfulness permeates their performance regardless. This ability to infuse scripted work with the spirit of improvisation demonstrates their unique approach to character development and scene work, setting them apart from traditional actors.
Beyond the world of scripted drama, Michaelis continues to anchor their presence at Dropout with Very Important People, an entirely improvised talk show where they serve as host. The series, which has just launched its third season, features Michaelis interviewing fellow comedians who appear in elaborate makeup and prosthetics as outlandish characters. The current season has already delivered memorable moments, including Rekha Shankar as "Mother Hot Dog" and the unforgettable pairing of Jacob Wysocki with Brennan Lee Mulligan as deeply unsettling babies available for adoption. The show's format allows Michaelis to flex their improvisational muscles while creating a space for pure comedic absurdity, further cementing their reputation as a master of unscripted performance and collaborative comedy.
Perhaps the most anticipated development for fans of Dropout's content is Michaelis's upcoming debut on Dimension 20, the platform's flagship actual play series. They will join the new Gladlands campaign, marking their first foray into performance-based tabletop roleplaying games. The journey to this moment wasn't straightforward, however. While Michaelis has long been a fan of the show—citing A Court of Fey & Flowers as their entry point—the prospect of actually playing in such a high-profile campaign initially gave them pause. The pressure of performing in a beloved series with an established fanbase created understandable hesitation.
The invitation arrived unexpectedly while Michaelis was in Hungary filming Ponies. An email from Dropout executives David Kerns and Paul Robalino presented the opportunity, but Michaelis's initial response was cautious. "I don't think so. Call me," they replied, acknowledging both their admiration for Brennan Lee Mulligan's storytelling prowess and their own inexperience with performance D&D. Having watched the series extensively during their travels—finding comfort in the familiar voices during lonely trips abroad—Michaelis understood the cultural weight and importance of Dimension 20 within the Dropout ecosystem. The hesitation stemmed not from lack of interest, but from a deep respect for the craft and a healthy dose of performance anxiety.
The executives' follow-up call proved persuasive. When they explained the campaign would consist of just six episodes and, more importantly, feature many of Michaelis's closest friends, the decision became clear. "OK," Michaelis recalled saying, the excitement beginning to build. The timing added another layer of significance to the opportunity. Scheduled to begin filming the day after returning from six months abroad, Gladlands would represent Michaelis's first performance back home. What could have felt overwhelming instead became something transformative and welcoming.
"I thought it was going to feel very daunting, and instead it really felt like a homecoming," Michaelis reflected. The experience proved to be "the most wonderful experience in the world," a testament to the supportive environment cultivated by the Dropout team and the power of collaborative storytelling. This sentiment reveals something essential about Michaelis's approach to their craft: while they may experience doubt and reservation, their trust in creative partners and commitment to the spirit of play ultimately triumphs over fear.
The convergence of these three projects—Ponies, Very Important People, and Dimension 20—illustrates the breadth of Michaelis's capabilities. They navigate the tension of a spy thriller, the absurdity of improvised character comedy, and the narrative depth of tabletop roleplaying with equal skill. Their journey from fan to participant in the Dimension 20 universe also mirrors the experience of many viewers who have found community and comfort in the show's campaigns. This transition demonstrates how the line between audience and creator continues to blur in modern digital entertainment.
As 2026 unfolds, Vic Michaelis stands at an interesting intersection of mainstream television and niche streaming content, scripted drama and unscripted comedy, performance and play. Their willingness to embrace new challenges while staying true to their improvisational roots suggests a career trajectory that will continue to surprise and delight audiences across multiple platforms. Whether they're making you laugh as a talk show host, keeping you on edge in a thriller, or rolling dice in a fantasy world, Michaelis brings an authenticity and joy to every performance that makes them impossible to ignore. The future looks exceptionally bright for this rising star.