Ex-Actors Turned Entrepreneurs: How McMiller’s Side Hustle Became a Viral Party Board Game Company

In a heartwarming entrepreneurial journey featured on Shark Tank Season 17, former stage and screen actors David McGranaghan and Julian Miller transformed a side hustle into a thriving viral party board game company — McMiller Games. What started as a way to liven up family gatherings became a multimillion-dollar business, with their flagship game It’s Bananas! and a suite of quirky, social titles delighting game nights around the globe. LinkedIn+1

Here’s a deep dive into how these two creative founders built McMiller from a playful idea into a business that captivated Shark Tank investors and customers alike, turning laughs into real revenue and strategic investment.

From Family Fun to Fast-Growing Game Business

• A Side Hustle Born from Boredom: McGranaghan and Miller, both Los Angeles-based creatives and partners, began designing party games during the COVID-19 era to entertain family and friends. Their playful experiments eventually evolved into a business that now generates more than $12.5 million in total sales. LinkedIn

• Acting to Entrepreneurship: Before McMiller, both founders worked professionally in acting — McGranaghan on London’s West End and Miller in TV and film. Their theatrical backgrounds helped shape the exuberant, performance-oriented nature of their games. Moviedelic

• Game Design Philosophy: McMiller focuses on high-energy, easy-to-learn games that emphasize fun and social interaction rather than complex strategy. Games like Fire in the Hole! and UpRoar! reflect this philosophy with physical elements and chaotic play, ideal for holiday parties and group gatherings. Shark Tank Blog

Their breakout hit, It’s Bananas!, invites players to wear Velcro banana tails and swing rings onto a target — a silly spectacle that’s perfect for social media sharing and group play, contributing to the game’s viral spread. AOL

Viral Momentum and Strategic Growth

• Social Media as a Growth Engine: McMiller’s rise was significantly propelled by short-form video platforms. A single viral TikTok clip featuring It’s Bananas! garnered tens of millions of views, driving rapid sell-outs and fueling brand awareness. People Of Play

• E-Commerce Success: Most McMiller sales have come through direct-to-consumer channels, including Amazon, where viral interest boosted It’s Bananas! into multiple sell-outs and sustained demand. AOL

• Sustainability Focus: McMiller emphasizes eco-friendly production, opting for cardboard, fabric, or plant-based materials whenever possible and minimizing plastic use — a move that resonates with conscientious consumers. Shark Tank Blog

This blend of creative product design, social momentum, and strategic sales channels positioned McMiller for accelerated growth long before they stepped onto the Shark Tank stage.

Shark Tank Spotlight: Competitive Pitch and Strategic Investment

When McMiller appeared on Shark Tank on December 10, 2025, they entered with solid financials and strong growth potential:

• Seeking Investment: The founders asked for $200,000 in exchange for 5% equity, aiming to leverage retail expansion and bolster distribution. Shark Tank Blog

• Sales and Valuation: Pre-show revenue included impressive lifetime sales figures for It’s Bananas! and complementary titles, which caught the attention of multiple Sharks. AOL

• Shark Competition: Unlike many pitches, McMiller garnered interest from several Sharks, reflecting confidence in their business model, viral appeal, and brand growth trajectory. AOL

Ultimately, the founders secured a deal with investor Daniel Lubetzky — agreeing to $200K for 9% equity, plus a $0.99 royalty per sale until his investment is recouped. This offer blended capital infusion with ongoing incentives aligned to sales performance. Shark Tank Blog

This Shark Tank moment amplified McMiller’s visibility, helping accelerate brand recognition beyond social media buzz into broader consumer and industry awareness.

What Sets McMiller Games Apart

Inclusive, Playful Design

McMiller’s games stand out for two reasons:

• Immediate Gameplay: There’s no long rulebook to learn — players jump right into action, keeping sessions fiercely fun and frustration-free. Shark Tank Blog

• Physical Interaction: Many games incorporate movement and goofy performance elements, making them ideal for party settings and social gatherings. AOL

Sustainability and Creativity

• Eco-Friendly Materials: The company’s commitment to sustainability — from biodegradable felt components to recyclable packaging — reflects a modern consumer preference for responsible goods. Shark Tank Blog

• Creative Depth: The founders’ performance backgrounds seep into every title, making each McMiller game a social experience rather than just another board game. Moviedelic

These elements combine to create games that “bring people together” in laughter, challenge and shared memory-making — a differentiator in an otherwise crowded tabletop market.

Growth Prospects and 2026 Outlook

With the Shark Tank spotlight now behind them, McMiller eyes expansion into brick-and-mortar retail, international markets and broader product lines, building on its viral success. AOL

Industry insiders and consumers alike see McMiller as part of a new wave of experience-centered tabletop gaming — one that emphasizes bonding over competition and play over complexity.

Their journey from weekend side hustle to viral sensation and *Shark Tank-backed enterprise highlights how creative passion, social media strategy and bold business moves can turn quirky ideas into profitable ventures.