The best storytelling is the kind of storytelling that leaves you with a lasting impression. And there’s no question that there is an abundance of incredibly high quality fiction podcasts.
The podcasting format has lent itself to the creation of captivating stories and immersive audio experiences that are the perfect way to escape into new worlds and adventures. These podcasts offer a diverse range of genres, from gripping thrillers and fantastical tales to heartwarming dramas and sci-fi epics, all brought to life through rich soundscapes and talented voice acting.
Through the journey of writing a podcast recommendation newsletter for the past five years, I’ve heard a copious amount of fiction podcasts that have left an impression, and that’s why I wanted to put together this list of some of the very best fiction podcasts in the English language.
Limetown
A decade past, an entire community vanished without a trace from a tiny Tennessee village, leaving no clues behind. This podcast follows the investigation of Lia Haddock, an American Public Radio journalist, as she delves into the enduring mystery: “Where did Limetown’s residents go?”
The Magnus Archives
“Confront your dread, voice your truth.” This chilling weekly audio drama delves into the eerie records housed within the Magnus Institute, an enigmatic organization devoted to investigating the uncanny and supernatural. Follow along as Jonathan Sims navigates the mysterious archives, but proceed with caution—for as he probes the shadowy depths of these accounts, an unseen presence begins to take notice.
Welcome to Night Vale
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Bi-weekly broadcasts from the peculiar desert community of Night Vale, a place where all conspiracy theories are reality. Tune in and seek shelter, as this fictional radio program unveils the strange happenings and bizarre events of a town unlike any other.
The Penumbra Podcast
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The Penumbra Podcast offers two distinct narrative universes. In one, accompany Juno Steel, a cynical and quick-thinking detective on Mars, as he grapples with an enigmatic charmer, hunts down perilous relics from a long-lost alien culture, and confronts his top three phobias: extreme heights, the sight of blood, and romantic entanglements. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the realm of the Second Citadel, where the uncompromising Sir Caroline must wrangle a squad of emotionally fragile male warriors to safeguard their stronghold against creatures that prey on the mind – including those that have captured the hearts of her comrades.
Archive 81
“Archive 81” is an audio drama that weaves together elements of the supernatural, urban landscapes, and the hidden recesses of the mind. This narrative podcast plunges listeners into a world where eerie tales unfold against the backdrop of metropolitan settings, exploring the intersection of fear, city life, and the unexplored territories of human consciousness.
Alice Isn’t Dead
A long-haul trucker embarks on a cross-country quest to find her spouse, whom she had believed perished years ago. As her journey unfolds across the United States, she encounters a series of bizarre and terrifying obstacles. These include confrontations with murderous beings that defy human classification, communities inexplicably trapped in different eras, and a sinister plot that extends far beyond her personal mission to locate her missing partner.
The Lovecraft Investigations
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A deep dive into the realms of sorcery, mystical practices, and clandestine governmental activities. This exploration uncovers the hidden connections between ancient magical traditions, esoteric knowledge, and covert operations conducted by shadowy agencies.
Video Palace
After viewing an enigmatic cassette from his collection, film enthusiast Mark Cambria begins uttering an unknown language during his slumber. Intrigued and unsettled, Mark and his partner Tamra embark on a quest to uncover the tape’s origins. Their investigation leads them into a labyrinth of secrecy, dark rituals, and mounting terror centered around a fabled movie rental shop.
The White Vault
Venture into the depths of terror with the immersive audio series “The White Vault.” This chilling narrative podcast invites listeners to uncover the harrowing experiences of a maintenance crew dispatched to the remote Outpost Fristed, nestled in the desolate frozen expanses of Svalbard. Through a compilation of recovered logs and recordings, you’ll piece together the crew’s descent into unimaginable horrors.
Wolf 359
Doug Eiffel, the communications specialist aboard the U.S.S. Hephaestus Research Station, faces daily challenges as he navigates life in deep space. Currently on the 448th day of their orbit around the crimson dwarf star Wolf 359, Eiffel finds himself 7.8 light years from home on an open-ended scientific expedition. His sole companions on this isolated outpost include the no-nonsense mission commander Minkowski, the unhinged lead scientist Hilbert, and Hera, the station’s artificial intelligence that’s prone to glitches and quirks.
Copperheart
“Copperheart” is an immersive audio narrative that unfolds in a parallel universe gripped by the aftermath of nuclear devastation. In the depths beneath Groom Lake, Nevada, a sprawling subterranean complex known as the USRB (United States Reconstruction Bunker) houses over 2,000 souls. This diverse community of everyday citizens, researchers, and military staff exists in a multi-tiered sanctuary, shielded from the inhospitable surface world.
Midnight Burger
Upon accepting a server position at what seemed like an ordinary eatery near Phoenix, Gloria unknowingly became part of the crew at Midnight Burger, an extraordinary diner that defies the laws of space and time. Each day, this peculiar establishment materializes in a different location across the universe, bringing along its eclectic staff: a cosmic wanderer, a maverick scientist specializing in theoretical physics, a self-aware vintage radio set, and an enigmatic individual called Caspar.
The Left Right Game
In this gripping audio drama, acclaimed actor Tessa Thompson portrays an ambitious, novice reporter seeking to establish her reputation by documenting the exploits of a team of supernatural investigators. This group is fixated on what appears to be an innocuous activity called the Left/Right Game. As the story unfolds, the journalist finds herself drawn into an otherworldly realm that proves far more perilous than anticipated.
Wrong Station
“Wrong Station” is a critically acclaimed audio series featuring a collection of original, spine-chilling tales and bizarre narratives. This podcast draws inspiration from the eerie legacy of “The Twilight Zone” and the vintage radio dramas that preceded it. With each installment, listeners are whisked away to the most unsettling realms of freshly imagined universes.
Old Gods of Appalachia
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Old Gods of Appalachia is a horror anthology podcast that takes place in an alternate version of Appalachia. In this eerie setting, delving too deeply into the mines was merely the initial error.
Counterbalance
Counterbalance is a high fantasy audio drama. A rift has been created in the fabric of magic, enabling spirits that endanger mortal lives to appear. Counterbalance follows the adventure of three individuals striving to mend the rift while uncovering the identity of the one responsible for tearing it open.
Adventures in New America
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“Adventures in New America” breaks new ground as a unique blend of science fiction, political commentary, and Afrofuturistic comedy, presented as a serialized narrative for a modern audience in tumultuous times. Set in the near future, this story follows the misadventures of two unlikely African-New-American companions: IA, a rotund, solitary grouch, and Simon Carr, a crafty lesbian thief. The duo embarks on a series of ever more daring robberies to rapidly acquire funds for IA’s urgent medical care.
Boston Harbor Horror Presents
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United States Coast Guard member Alex Devereaux, holding the rank of Petty Officer, is dispatched to handle a health crisis on a tiny landmass within Boston’s maritime expanse. His arrival at this secluded spot marks the beginning of an unexpected odyssey, plunging him into realms far beyond his wildest imaginings…
Ghost Wax
“Ghost Wax” is a spine-chilling audio drama that chronicles the endeavors of the sole remaining “spirit interrogator.” This enigmatic figure probes a sequence of mysterious and gruesome deaths by resurrecting the deceased and capturing their ultimate testimonies on antiquated phonograph cylinders. This eerie narrative blends supernatural elements with vintage technology, creating a unique and haunting exploration of the afterlife and unsolved crimes.
The Black Tapes
“The Black Tapes” is a serialized audio program released each week by the team behind Pacific Northwest Stories, with Alex Reagan at the helm. This fictional documentary-style series follows a determined reporter’s quest for answers, delving into her enigmatic subject’s shadowy history and the tangible and metaphorical specters that linger in both their lives.
Desert Skies
At the threshold between mortal existence and the great beyond lies a solitary waypoint we all must visit. The Desert Skies Astral Plane Fuel and Service Station caters to souls embarking on their voyage through the cosmic realms. Get acquainted with the Station’s eclectic crew: the Attendant, the Mechanic, and C.A.S.H. Register. This peculiar trio is dedicated to ensuring you’re fully equipped for the extraordinary journey that awaits.
Impact Winter
In a not-so-distant tomorrow, seven years have passed since a celestial impact plunged our planet into perpetual twilight. The globe has transformed into a frigid, shadowy wasteland. Suddenly, monstrous entities surface and seize control. Could these savage beings truly be the stuff of legend – bloodsucking nightmares come to life? Amidst the desolate British rural landscape, a group of resilient humans band together, establishing a stronghold within the subterranean chambers of an ancient fortress.
Valley Heat
Independent claims assessor Doug Duguay employs his self-taught sleuthing abilities to document peculiar occurrences in and around his residence. His focus lies within the horse-friendly community of Burbank, California, known as the Rancho Equestrian District. With a keen eye and a penchant for observation, Duguay records and analyzes the various dubious happenings that unfold in this unique suburban enclave.
Last Known Position
From the creators of “Blackout” and “The Left Right Game” comes a gripping audio thriller, “Last Known Position.” Led by submersible expert Mikaela Soto (Gina Rodriguez), a team embarks on a mission to locate a mysteriously vanished aircraft in the Pacific. Funded by bereaved tycoon William Cavanaugh (James Purefoy), whose family was aboard the missing plane, the yacht expedition soon uncovers hidden agendas. As danger mounts, evidence points to a saboteur within and an ominous presence lurking in the ocean depths.
Wooden Overcoats
Wooden Overcoats is a critically acclaimed comedy series featuring gloomy siblings Rudyard and Antigone Funn managing their struggling mortuary and striving to meet burial deadlines. Their world is upended when the charismatic Eric Chapman opens a rival funeral home, drawing joyful crowds. Aided by their assistant Georgie and a rodent named Madeleine, the Funns resort to desperate measures to keep their business afloat.
Mabel
“Mabel” is an audio drama that weaves together tales of spectral encounters, concealed familial histories, enigmatic dwellings, and lost opportunities for connection. This narrative podcast explores the intersection of the supernatural and the personal, delving into the mysteries that haunt both physical spaces and human relationships.
Within the Wires
Stories conveyed through discovered audio from an alternate reality. Season four, titled “The Cradle,” follows the journey of a mother and daughter as they strive to manage a family-oriented commune existing on the outskirts of society.
King Falls AM
“King Falls AM” focuses on the nocturnal radio broadcast of a secluded alpine community, exploring its supernatural occurrences and eccentric residents. This audio drama explores the mysterious and unusual events that unfold in this peculiar town. Fresh episodes are released bi-monthly, on the first and fifteenth of each month, inviting listeners to tune in to the strange happenings that come to life through the crackling AM airwaves.
From Now
The legendary vanished vessel, USS HOPE, resurfaces on Earth after a 35-year disappearance. Its solitary survivor (portrayed by Richard Madden) emerges, bafflingly unchanged since departure. In the wake of the resulting press frenzy, he at last reconnects with his once-identical twin sibling (now elderly) in a private encounter.
The Truth
“THE TRUTH” crafts audio cinema for your listening pleasure. This podcast presents compact narratives that range from eerie to humorous, consistently captivating their audience. Each tale stands alone, yet all share the ability to transport listeners to unanticipated realms through the pure power of sound.
The Amelia Project
“The Amelia Project” revolves around a clandestine organization specializing in staging its customers’ demises, allowing them to resurface with entirely new personas. This dark humor series is brimming with mysteries, unexpected turns, and an unusual fondness for hot chocolate. The narrative initially unfolds as a series of consultations with individuals seeking to fabricate their own deaths.
Case 63
CASE 63’s second installment is now available. It catapults listeners back to 2012, where we find Eliza Beatrix Knight disoriented and unclothed in a JFK airport restroom, her objective unfulfilled. Upon hospitalization, she encounters Dr. Vincent Caldwell, an intern psychiatrist whose voice strikes a chord of recognition. Beatrix becomes the enigmatic Case 63. As humanity’s fate hangs in the balance, Beatrix and Vincent must swiftly decode the events of yesteryear to safeguard a precarious tomorrow.
Ad Lucem
In 2032, AD LUCEM O.I.’s groundbreaking CARA system, a human-operated virtual assistant, boasts 10 million users. As the CEO prepares to launch an upgrade, aiming for greater success, it becomes clear that her quest to preserve human interaction through technology may lead to unforeseen and potentially dangerous outcomes.
Blum
Aspiring art scholar Clara Torres vanishes while researching her dissertation on Ursula Blum, an innovative 20th-century artist. Half a decade later, reporter Emma Clark embarks on a journey to Switzerland, intent on picking up where Clara left off. Through a series of podcast episodes, Emma chronicles her findings as she delves into the enigmatic circumstances surrounding both the missing student and the avant-garde painter.
DUST
Following the annihilation of humanity by mysterious extraterrestrial beings, a newly conscious artificial intelligence emerges. Driven by a thirst for retribution, this sentient machine embarks on a relentless quest across the charted cosmos and into uncharted realms beyond.
We Fix Space Junk
“We Fix Space Junk” follows veteran smuggler Kilner and reluctant fugitive Samantha as they navigate a dystopian, high-tech galaxy, dodging bullets and encountering bizarre beings while performing odd jobs on the fringes of the law. This female-led sci-fi comedy sitcom draws inspiration from classic sci-fi, echoing the works of Harry Harrison and Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
Hello From The Magic Tavern
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Arnie Niekamp tumbled through a dimensional portal behind a Burger King into the magical realm of Foon. Surprisingly, he still receives a weak wifi signal, allowing him to upload a weekly podcast from the Vermilion Minotaur tavern. There, he interviews wizards, monsters, and adventurers. It’s an incredible discovery!
Sandra
Helen has always dreamed of leaving her hometown, so when she secures a job at the company behind Sandra, the beloved A.I., she thinks it’s the perfect opportunity. However, working behind the scenes turns out to be far from the escape from reality she had anticipated.
Darkest Night
Darkest Night is a binaural audio drama that immerses you, the listener, in a recovered memory, making it feel like the events are unfolding around you in real time. Each episode explores the final memories of the recently deceased, gradually uncovering a terrifying master plan. Who is orchestrating this sinister conspiracy, and what is their endgame?
Small Victories
A recently recovered drug addict attempts to begin her new life, but fate seems determined to challenge her. This drama chronicles Marisol’s highs and lows over the course of a year.
Hi Nay
Hi Nay, meaning “Hi Mom,” is a supernatural horror fiction podcast that follows Filipina immigrant Mari Datuin. Her family’s babaylan (shaman) heritage inadvertently draws her into confronting perilous supernatural occurrences in Toronto.
Passenger List
Atlantic Flight 702 vanished mid-flight between London and New York, carrying 256 passengers. Kaitlin Le (Kelly Marie Tran), a college student whose twin brother was on the flight, is resolute in her quest to uncover the truth behind the disappearance.
Blackout
Academy Award® winner Rami Malek stars in this apocalyptic thriller as a small-town radio DJ struggling to safeguard his family and community following a nationwide power grid failure that disrupts modern civilization.
The Bright Sessions
Dr. Bright offers therapy to the odd and extraordinary, with their sessions recorded for research purposes.
Sorry About The Murder
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In the quaint Canadian town of Beavermount, Ontario, the frozen body of Scott ‘Scotty’ McDonald is discovered inside the town’s Zamboni. Gaétan “Frenchie” Arsenault, the town’s Zamboni driver and sole Francophone, is immediately arrested for the crime. Can Frenchie unravel the mystery and clear his Québecois name? More urgently, can he solve it in time to ready the ice for tonight’s big hockey game?
Borrasca
A compelling psychological thriller featuring Cole Sprouse as Sam Walker. In the first season, we follow Sam as he meticulously recounts the summer his sister vanished. He shares the friends he made, the legends he encountered, and the anguish and bewilderment of loss. Throughout nine episodes, we uncover the unspeakable secrets of Drisking, Missouri, and its residents.
Strange Air
A decade ago, Malcolm Smith hosted “Strange Air,” a popular radio show focused on the paranormal. During a live broadcast, Malcolm mysteriously disappeared without a trace. To this day, his fate remains unknown. Now, his daughter Chase Smith, in her final year of film school, is creating a documentary about her father’s disappearance.
Do you know of another fiction podcast that you think should be on this list? Let me know.
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