Like all other Gen Zers, I need to be entertained with some sort of screen 24/7. I’m always listening to something—more often than not, multiple things at once. So, it goes without saying that my complete avoidance of silence has turned me into quite the podcast aficionado. As much as I love a podcast that’s just two girls gabbing, my absolute favorite genre of podcasts to listen to are ones that feel like you’re watching a TV show.
I used to put a show on in the background while doing chores and would literally watch an entire series without knowing a single thing that happened. But with podcasts, you get the same experience without missing anything while getting things done. Here are my favorite podcasts that feel like curling up on the couch and binge-watching a Netflix series.
1. Scamanda
If you like true crime stories but don’t want to be absolutely terrified the next time you’re walking to your car alone, Scamanda is the perfect listen. It follows Amanda, a bubbly blogger who detailed her cancer journey for a loyal online following. But when an investigative producer gets a tip that her story doesn’t quite add up, journalists begin to unravel the truth behind her diagnosis. If you binge-watched Apple Cider Vinegar in one sitting, you won’t be able to stop listening.
2. 36 Questions
Whether you’re a full-blown theater kid or just have a strong appreciation for the Hamilton soundtrack, 36 Questions is a must-listen. It’s a three-part musical podcast starring Jonathan Groff and Jessie Shelton, and I absolutely devoured it. You might think a musical wouldn’t hit the same without visuals, but this one will prove you wrong.
3. Sounds Like A Cult
Unlike the previous podcast, every episode of Sounds Like A Cult is a standalone, not part of an interconnected series. Each one dives into a cult-like community, like SoulCycle, Erewhon, and even bachelorette parties. The episodes are hilarious and will have you noticing culty behavior in every group gathering.
4. Serial
Each season of Serial takes you deep into a story just as enthralling as the last. The first season, and perhaps the most popular, investigates the murder of Hae Min Lee and the imprisonment of her ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed, who maintained his innocence. The podcast dives into every angle of the case. The most recent season explores the life of Keiko, the killer whale you might recognize from Free Willy, and follows his journey across countries in an effort to return him to the ocean after years in captivity.
5. Rabbit Hole
If you’ve ever wondered how your endless scrolling really affects you, Rabbit Hole by The New York Times will draw you in completely. It examines how internet algorithms encourage compulsive consumption and even radicalize users. Once you start listening, you won’t be able to stop.
6. The Retrievals
As women, we know how difficult it can be to advocate for our health—especially reproductive health. The Retrievals follows a group of women undergoing egg retrievals at a Yale fertility clinic and the pain and dismissal they endured. It’s an incredibly poignant and gripping listen, but if you’re dealing with infertility or health challenges of your own, consider checking the trigger warnings first.
7. Normal Gossip
Reality TV fanatics—this one’s for you. Normal Gossip is on par with even my favorite Bravo shows. The host, Rachelle Hampton, and a guest read and react to listener-submitted pieces of gossip. These stories are mundane, hilarious, and bizarre in the best way, and they’ll have you laughing out loud while listening.
8. Dying for Sex
You know a podcast is TV-worthy when they literally turn it into a show, and that’s exactly what happened with Dying for Sex. It’s a true story hosted by close friends Molly Kochan and Nikki Boyer, following Molly’s journey through Stage IV breast cancer, leaving her marriage, and exploring her sexuality. Once you finish the podcast (likely in one sitting), you can stream the series on Hulu, too.
9. The Dropout
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard of Elizabeth Holmes, the Theranos founder now serving prison time for fraud. The Dropout breaks down how Holmes went from a Stanford dropout to one of the biggest scammers in Silicon Valley. Like Dying for Sex, this one also got the TV treatment, so you can stream it once you’ve finished listening.
10. The Shrink Next Door
The Shrink Next Door is one of those stories you won’t believe is real while listening, but the shocking tale is, in fact, a true story. Journalist Joe Nocera’s neighbor in the Hamptons, Ike, was a therapist to NYC’s elite. But one summer, Ike disappeared, and Joe discovered that everything he thought he knew about him was a lie. He recounts the entire wild journey in this podcast, and it’s a ride from start to finish.
11. Welcome to Night Vale
If you’re looking for something so TV-like it’s not based in reality at all, Welcome to Night Vale is a fictional supernatural podcast that will immediately suck you in. It’s bizarre, surreal, and totally captivating. Whether you’re commuting, doing laundry, or walking to class, this one will make your day way more interesting.
Lauren Blue, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of must-read books, movies, home tours, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Goodreads for new releases to feature on the site.
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