Fiction shows have emerged as a standout category among podcasts, captivating listeners with immersive stories, talented voice acting, and creative sound design. From thrilling mysteries and sci-fi adventures to witty comedies and heartfelt dramas, there’s no shortage of great fiction podcasts to explore.
In this article, we highlight the best fiction podcasts, showcasing the diverse range of storytelling and production offered in this exciting medium.
If you’re in the mood for slightly similar shows, check out our list of the best storytelling podcasts.
1. Homecoming
Homecoming is a psychological thriller audio drama that follows a caseworker, Heidi Bergman, as she helps soldiers transition back to civilian life. However, things start to unravel when Bergman realizes her true role in the program, leading to a mysterious conspiracy that threatens her sanity and safety. The podcast features an impressive cast, including Catherine Keener, David Schwimmer, and Oscar Isaac, and is known for its gripping plot, immersive sound design, and cinematic storytelling.
2. The Lovecraft Investigations
The Lovecraft Investigations is a horror/mystery podcast that follows private detective Daniel Carter as he investigates supernatural occurrences in the city of Arkham. Set in the world of H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos, the podcast combines elements of noir fiction with cosmic horror, as Carter delves deeper into the mysteries of the city and confronts ancient and unspeakable terrors. The podcast is produced by the BBC and is known for its atmospheric sound design and chilling storytelling.
3. The Sandman
The Sandman is a dark fantasy audio drama adapted from Neil Gaiman’s iconic comic book series of the same name. The podcast follows the story of Dream, the Lord of Dreams, as he navigates the realms of the Dreaming and interacts with various mythical and historical figures. The podcast features a star-studded cast, including James McAvoy, Taron Egerton, and Kat Dennings, and is known for its vivid world-building, intricate storytelling, and stunning sound design.
4. Welcome To Night Vale
Welcome to Night Vale is a surreal and comedic podcast set in the strange and mysterious desert town of Night Vale. Presented as a community radio show, the podcast features bizarre news, weather, and local events, with a heavy dose of supernatural occurrences and government conspiracies. The podcast has a cult following and is known for its unique blend of humor, horror, and existential dread, as well as its talented voice acting and eerie sound design.
5. Limetown
Limetown is a mystery and thriller podcast that follows journalist Lia Haddock as she investigates the disappearance of over 300 people from a neuroscience research facility in Limetown, Tennessee. The podcast features a mix of documentary-style interviews and narrative storytelling as Lia delves deeper into the mystery, uncovering a web of secrets and conspiracies surrounding the research conducted at Limetown. The podcast is known for its immersive sound design, suspenseful storytelling, and strong performances from its voice cast.
6. DUST
Dust is a science fiction anthology podcast that features standalone stories exploring futuristic and dystopian worlds, alternate realities, and extraterrestrial life. Each episode presents a unique tale with its own set of characters, settings, and themes, ranging from thought-provoking to action-packed. The podcast is known for its high production values, diverse range of stories, and innovative approach to storytelling.
7. We Fix Space Junk
Get ready for the intergalactic adventures of Kilner and Samantha in We Fix Space Junk. Kilner, a self-proclaimed pro smuggler, can talk his way out of any situation. Samantha, a fugitive, reluctantly joins Kilner on their journey. Together, they traverse the galaxy, bending and breaking the law along the way. Along with space battles and ship repair, the show features well-developed characters beyond Kilner and Samantha, making for a fast-moving and lighthearted comedy that celebrates adventure.
8. The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel
The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel is a fictional podcast created by Gen-Z Media, targeted towards middle-grade and young adult audiences. The story follows a group of friends, led by the titular character Mars Patel, as they investigate the mysterious disappearance of several of their classmates.
Along the way, they discover a larger conspiracy involving a shadowy organization known as “The Company” and their attempts to control the minds of young people through a new technology called “The Whisperer.” The podcast features a talented cast of young actors, immersive sound design, and a thrilling storyline filled with twists and turns.
9. Wolverine: The Long Night
Wolverine: The Long Night is a scripted podcast by Marvel and Stitcher, following two agents investigating a series of brutal murders in a small Alaskan town. Their search leads them to the legendary X-Men character, Wolverine, who is also investigating the same case.
The story unfolds like a noir detective thriller, with twists and turns that keep listeners engaged. The podcast features a talented cast of voice actors, immersive sound design, and a gripping storyline that delves deep into the character of Wolverine.
10. The Amelia Project
The Amelia Project is a darkly comedic audio drama about a secret agency that helps people fake their own deaths and start a new life. Each episode features a different client with a unique story, and the talented cast of voice actors brings the characters to life with wit and humor. The show plays with the idea of identity and the lengths people will go to reinvent themselves. The Amelia Project is a must-listen for fans of offbeat humor and twisted storytelling.
11. Wooden Overcoats
Wooden Overcoats is a British comedy podcast that follows the misadventures of two rival funeral directors on the small island of Piffling Vale. The show features a talented cast of voice actors who bring the quirky characters and offbeat humor to life. With witty writing and clever storytelling, Wooden Overcoats has gained a devoted following for its unique blend of comedy, drama, and eccentricity. The podcast is a must-listen for fans of British humor and off-kilter storytelling.
12. Hello From the Magic Tavern
Hello From the Magic Tavern is a comedic and improvised fantasy podcast hosted by Arnie Niekamp, along with his co-hosts, Chunt the talking badger and Usidore the wizard. Arnie fell through a magical portal behind a Burger King in Chicago and found himself in the land of Foon.
In each episode, the trio interviews various strange and hilarious characters from the fantastical world of Foon, often going on wild and absurd tangents. The podcast is a blend of humor, storytelling, and improvisation, making it a must-listen for fans of fantasy, comedy, and improv.
13. 36 Questions
36 Questions is a musical podcast drama produced by the creators of the hit podcast Limetown. The story follows a couple, Judith and Jase, as they attempt to repair their broken relationship by answering a set of 36 questions designed to bring people closer together. Through a series of emotionally charged musical performances, we learn about the couple’s past, their hopes and fears, and the secrets they’ve been keeping from each other. The podcast is a powerful exploration of love, forgiveness, and the lengths people will go to in order to salvage a relationship.
14. Alice Isn’t Dead
Alice Isn’t Dead is a horror podcast created by Joseph Fink, the co-creator of the popular podcast Welcome to Night Vale. The story follows a truck driver, played by Jasika Nicole, as she searches for her wife, who she had long thought dead. Along the way, she encounters strange and unsettling people and places, and uncovers a sinister conspiracy involving a mysterious supernatural force. The podcast combines elements of horror, mystery, and psychological thriller to create a gripping and haunting tale that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.
15. Sandra
Sandra is a fictional audio drama produced by Gimlet Media. The story revolves around a virtual assistant named Sandra, voiced by Alia Shawkat, who is programmed to help people with their daily tasks. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that there is more to Sandra than meets the eye. The show delves into the moral and ethical implications of artificial intelligence and the impact it can have on human relationships. With a talented cast and a suspenseful plot, Sandra is a compelling exploration of technology and humanity.
16. Wolf 359
Wolf 359 is a science fiction audio drama that follows the crew of the U.S.S. Hephaestus as they orbit around the star Wolf 359. The show features a diverse cast of characters, including the spaceship’s AI, a dysfunctional communications officer, and a brilliant but socially awkward scientist.
As the crew goes about their routine mission, they encounter unexpected challenges and uncover a sinister conspiracy that threatens the entire solar system. Wolf 359 is a thrilling and thought-provoking exploration of space exploration, artificial intelligence, and the human condition, with plenty of humor and heart along the way.
Your List of the Best Fiction Podcasts
From gripping thrillers to heartwarming comedies, the world of fiction podcasts is vast and endlessly entertaining. We hope this list of the best fiction podcasts has introduced you to some new favorites, but we know there are many more out there waiting to be discovered. Do you have a favorite fiction podcast that didn’t make the list? Let us know in the comments!
Midnight Burger is a must!
There are many podcasts on this list that I love! Some really great fiction podcasts I have listened to recently are Bridgewater, Derelict, and the Manatawauk Caves. Thanks for the article!