Welcome to the enchanting world of fiction podcasts, where imagination knows no bounds and audio stories come to life in ways that rival even the most gripping novels. If you’re someone who gets lost in stories, who enjoys a thrilling mystery, a spine-chilling horror, or a whimsical fantasy, then our curated list of top fiction podcasts is perfect for you. Podcasts have blossomed into a diverse medium, boasting narratives that range from laugh-out-loud comedies to eerie thrillers.
With storytelling that’s as captivating as any bestseller, these podcasts offer an immersive experience. Whether you’re a long-time listener or new to the audio scene, we’ve got recommendations that are sure to thrill and entertain you. So grab your headphones, and let’s explore the realms of audio fiction that await!
20 best fiction podcasts you should listen
Are you ready to dive into captivating tales that will transport you to worlds unimaginable? Fiction podcasts have revolutionized storytelling, offering rich audio experiences that engage your imagination like never before. Here, we present twenty of the best fiction podcasts that’ll keep you glued to your headphones.
1. The Bright Sessions
The Bright Sessions is an artful blend of therapy and mystery, created by Lauren Shippen. The podcast follows Dr. Bright, a therapist for the strange and unusual. Each session unveils the personal struggles of individuals with superhuman abilities.
The layers of character development coupled with the enigma of each episode create a gripping narrative that’s hard to pause. With each session recorded “for research purposes,” listeners are privy to a world where the extraordinary intersects with the deeply personal.
2. Welcome to Night Vale
A cult classic among fiction enthusiasts, Welcome to Night Vale takes the form of a community radio broadcast in a peculiar desert town where every conspiracy theory is true. This podcast combines the eerie and surreal with a touch of deadpan humor.
Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor’s creation is not just a story; it’s an experience. The bizarre happenings, cryptic weather reports, and whimsical announcements ensure there’s never a dull moment in Night Vale.
3. Limetown
If you’re a fan of mysteries with a sci-fi twist, Limetown is your perfect match. This gripping podcast narrated by American Public Radio journalist Lia Haddock explores the eerie disappearance of over 300 people from a research facility in Tennessee.
As Lia’s investigation unfolds, we find ourselves in a tale filled with suspense, enigmatic characters, and haunting secrets. It’s a narrative that hooks you from the very first episode.
4. The Magnus Archives
Dive into the heart of horror with The Magnus Archives, a series that has left a lasting mark on the genre. Created by Jonathan Sims, the podcast examines the unsettling tales housed within the Magnus Institute. Each episode is a standalone horror story that gradually intertwines with a larger, more sinister narrative. The compelling writing and chilling sound design make every episode an immersive experience in terror.
5. Alice Isn’t Dead
Follow the intriguing journey of a truck driver across America in search of her supposedly deceased wife in Alice Isn’t Dead. Created by the minds behind Welcome to Night Vale, this podcast explores themes of grief, love, and existential dread set against an eerie backdrop of not-quite-human encounters and time-bending mysteries. Its unique storytelling offers an eerie yet emotional ride that keeps listeners engaged.
6. The Black Tapes
This podcast immerses you in an investigative journey through the world of the supernatural. The Black Tapes, hosted by journalist Alex Reagan, presents itself as a serialized docudrama exploring the mysterious tapes of Dr. Richard Strand, a paranormal skeptic. The podcast takes listeners through a labyrinth of eerie accounts and ghostly phenomena, questioning the very nature of reality and belief.
7. Sayer
Travel to Earth’s man-made second moon, Typhon, with Sayer. This podcast brings to life a world guided by an advanced AI designed to help new arrivals adapt to their avant-garde living conditions. With episodes released biweekly, listeners are invited to explore a blend of high-tech narratives and philosophical queries, all narrated by the calculated yet unsettling voice of Sayer.
8. The Adventure Zone
The Adventure Zone is nothing short of a fantasy adventure masterpiece. Stemming from the creative minds behind “My Brother, My Brother and Me,” the McElroy family fuses humor and high-stakes adventure in a Dungeons & Dragons setting. Their unscripted, comedic storytelling, coupled with endearing character development, makes this podcast an exhilarating auditory escapade.
9. Wolf 359
Ever wondered what life aboard a space station orbiting a distant star is like? Wolf 359 answers that question with humor and intensity. The podcast’s keen blend of sci-fi and character-driven storytelling explores the adventures and mishaps of Doug Eiffel and the crew on the U.S.S. Hephaestus. Packed with mystery, intrigue, and unexpected moments of levity, it’s a must-listen for sci-fi aficionados.
10. Homecoming
Homecoming brings a unique twist to fictional storytelling, blending psychological thriller elements with a star-studded cast including Catherine Keener and Oscar Isaac. The podcast unravels the mysterious events surrounding a government transition program for soldiers. Its slow-building narrative and atmospheric production draw listeners into a deeply complex web of intrigue.
11. The NoSleep Podcast
For those who seek spine-chilling tales, The NoSleep Podcast is a treasure trove of horror stories. This anthology of terrifying tales, narrated with a rich tapestry of sound design, transports listeners to the depths of fear with each haunting episode. It’s a masterclass in bringing the macabre to life, guaranteed to send shivers down your spine.
12. We’re Alive
Experience survival and resilience in a post-apocalyptic world with We’re Alive. This epic audio drama follows a group of survivors in Los Angeles as they face not just zombies but also human adversaries. Their struggle for survival in a world turned upside down is captured through vivid performances and detailed soundscapes, making each episode an immersive and gripping experience.
13. The White Vault
The White Vault invites listeners to uncover the mysteries hidden within the icy expanses of Svalbard. This captivating audio drama uses found footage and expert sound design to illuminate the unsettling stories of a repair team at Outpost Fristed. It’s a tale of suspense, survival, and horrifying secrets lurking beneath the snow.
14. Archive 81
Blending horror and the supernatural, Archive 81 takes listeners through found audio archives that unravel a bizarre and eerie narrative. The story revolves around the disappearance of archivist Daniel Powell as he delves deeper into a world where reality and insanity intertwine. The podcast grips listeners with its intricate plot and atmospheric storytelling.
15. The Left Right Game
The Left Right Game, an immersive adventure, explores what happens when an online urban legend manifests into a real road trip down terrifying rabbit holes. As journalist Alice Sharma chronicles the journey down The Left/Right Game, listeners are pulled into a mind-bending narrative with twists that reimagine the nature of adventure and discovery.
16. EOS 10
Mix laughs with medical drama and sci-fi in EOS 10, a podcast set on a decommissioned intergalactic hospital station. It follows the antics of Dr. Dalias, Dr. Urvidian, and their team as they navigate life and laughter in the very edge of space. This comedic audio drama balances lighthearted banter with engaging plotlines, creating a uniquely entertaining experience.
17. The Strange Case of Starship Iris
Step into a universe of queer narratives and space adventures with The Strange Case of Starship Iris. The podcast follows an eclectic crew onboard a spaceship as they uncover political conspiracies, form unlikely friendships, and engage in thrilling escapades across the galaxy. Its heartwarming characters and inclusive storytelling make it a standout in sci-fi fiction.
18. Caravan
Follow the journey of a bounty hunter navigating a desert full of danger in Caravan. This audio drama combines western elements with magical realism to craft a world where anything is possible. The show’s atmospheric soundscapes and intriguing characters ensure listeners are transported to an otherworldly, gripping adventure.
19. The Far Meridian
For a narrative that toggles between reality and the surreal, The Far Meridian offers a storytelling sanctuary. Join Peri, a lonely lighthouse keeper, as she searches for her missing brother and emerges into a world far grander than she could have imagined. This heartfelt tale of exploration, discovery, and solitude is beautifully told through poignant voice work and a captivating soundscape.
20. The Amelia Project
Last but not least, we have The Amelia Project, a witty British comedy about an agency that helps clients fake their deaths and begin anew. Each episode features amusing and eccentric narrative twists, providing a fresh perspective on life, death, and rebirth. Its clever dialogue and whimsical plots have cemented its place in the beloved realm of fictional podcasts.
Conclusion and Listening Recommendations
We’ve covered a lot of ground in our exploration of the best fiction podcasts, from mind-bending mysteries to thrilling sci-fi adventures. Fiction podcasts are flourishing for a reason—they offer a rare blend of storytelling, creativity, and sound design that engages our imagination in unique ways. Whether you’re unraveling the mysteries of “The Magnus Archives” or diving into the cosmic journey of “Midnight Burger,” there’s a world of audio stories waiting to be discovered.
For those new to fiction podcasts, here are a few recommendations to start with:
- Welcome to Night Vale: Dive into the wonderfully weird world of Night Vale with its mix of horror and humor.
- Limetown: If you enjoy a suspenseful mystery, follow the investigation into the eerie vanishing of an entire town.
- The Amelia Project: Enjoy a taste of wit and dark comedy with this British gem, where new identities are created.
- Girl in Space: Experience a humorous and heartfelt adventure with X in her quest across the stars.
- Wooden Overcoats: For lots of laughs, follow the quirky lives of rival undertakers on a small island.
So, grab your headphones and embark on new audio adventures. With such a variety of choices, you’re sure to find podcasts that won’t just entertain you—they’ll stay with you long after the story ends. Happy listening!
