Plug into this handpicked selection of global podcasts with narratives in various genres to somewhat settle the pandemic blues
Representative image. Pic/iStock
With lockdowns and night curfews being re-imposed across the country, it is safe to say the majority of us will be spending long hours at home. Podcasts, which keep screentime to a minimum, are an entertaining source of knowledge and have gained popularity in India over the past year. The sheer variety of global content can make it difficult to know where to start. To make it easier for you, we have selected the best fictional podcasts across genres from around the world—
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Romcoms forever
Fans of the romantic comedy genre can never have enough of emotionally engaging stories which radiate hope, warmth, and love. ‘RomComPods’ draws in listeners with its fictional tale that follows a different character each season and their journey towards love. The latest season follows Lucy who has been ghosted by her crush, who also happens to be her boss' son. Each episode, ranging between 20-40 minutes, is poised to move listeners as they undertake a heart-warming journey together with the characters.
Out of the world
A narrative fiction podcast with elements of horror, ‘Sayer’ is set on Earth's man-made second moon, Typhon. The story follows a highly advanced and self-aware AI Sayer created to help acclimatize new residents to their lives on Typhon and employment with Ærolith Dynamics. Among the most popular science-fiction podcasts, ‘Sayer’ is a thrilling tale of cosmic exploration and human behaviour. Episodes range between 15 to 35 minutes and are released every other week.
Classic whodunit
If the roster of Indian over-the-top (OTT) platforms is an indication, crime drama is an extremely popular genre in the country. ‘Solve’ is a murder mystery podcast that follows detective Bill as he unravels fictional tales rife with death, mystery, intrigue, and deception. Even as listeners are drawn into the story, they are tasked with figuring out who committed the crime. The weekly episodes, ranging from 20 to 50 minutes, keep listeners on their toes.
Queer slice of love
‘Love and Luck’ is Australia’s first LGBTQIA+ drama podcast that follows two men as they fall in love and make an attempt at a relationship in present-day Melbourne. Listeners follow their story via swapped voicemails that are often awkward and deeply relatable as they navigate the early stages of their relationship. If you are fond of exploring healthy relationships and happy endings, Love and Luck will please you. You can set your own pace with episodes ranging between 10 to 50 minutes.
Deadly satire
‘Wooden Overcoats’ is a satirical program set in the United Kingdom. Winner of the British Podcast Award and recognized as Best of iTunes, the podcast follows two rival funeral homes as they struggle to stay in business. The light-hearted story has well-etched characters mouthing quick-witted dialogue to keep the listeners entertained. Every episode, ranging between 10 to 40 minutes, is sure to please fans of the sitcom genre.
Immersive horror
Dabbling somewhere in the horror and fantasy genre, Dark Dice follows six travellers who embark on a journey to find the missing children of a nearby village. Seems fairly simple at first, but the presence of a shapeshifting monster pursuing them complicates their mission. Episodes ranging from 5 to 50 minutes introduce new characters and dive into backstories, in addition to moving the narrative forward. Mysterious lands, interesting creatures, and immersive soundscapes make this podcast a worthy addition to your list.
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