Introduction: Why Fiction Podcasts Are the Campfire Stories of the Digital Age
Picture this: You’re stuck in traffic, folding laundry, or walking your dog. Suddenly, you’re not there anymore. You’re aboard a spaceship with a crew of chaotic queer space pirates. Or unraveling a cursed board game in a shadowy underground club. Or laughing so hard you snort at a Victorian detective duo’s banter.
That’s the magic of fiction podcasts. They’re not just shows—they’re portable portals. And in 2023, creators outdid themselves, spinning tales so vivid that you’ll forget you’re wearing sweatpants. Let’s ditch the robotic “Top 10” list and geek out over the stories that made us cry, laugh, and check under the bed for monsters.
Why Fiction Podcasts Hit Different in 2023
A. The Rise of “Earbud Cinema”
Remember when podcasts were just guys talking about tech? Now, they’re full-blown audio movies. In 2023, shows like DEVISER and The Goblet Wire used Dolby Atmos soundscapes, A-list voice actors, and scores that’d make Hans Zimmer jealous.
B. Your New Social Life (No Pants Required)
Fiction podcasts aren’t solitary. Reddit threads dissect plot twists. Discord servers ship robot/human romances. TikTok duets recreate iconic scenes. It’s a fandom party—and everyone’s invited.
Pro Tip: Search #AudioDrama on Tumblr for fan art that’ll melt your heart.
The 2023 Hall of Fame: Podcasts That Stole Our Sleep (And Why)
1. Starship Q Star: Sci-Fi’s Lesbian Space Opera
Why It’s a 2023 Icon: Imagine Guardians of the Galaxy meets The L Word in zero gravity. This show’s unapologetically queer, hilariously chaotic, and somehow… deeply relatable?
Behind the Mic:
- Creator J.D. Braxton wrote the pilot during lockdown: “I needed joy. So I made a universe where Earth blew up, but gays thrive.”
- The sound designer used actual NASA recordings for engine hums.
2. The Goblet Wire: Your Brain Will Thank You (Later)
Why It’s a 2023 Icon: This isn’t a podcast—it’s a ritual. Each episode feels like slipping into a secret society where reality bends. Think Inception meets Dungeons & Dragons in a noir-lit alley.
Behind the Mic:
- The show’s “game rules” are based on real occult manuscripts. Don’t try this at home, kids.)
- Guest writers include Pulitzer finalists and anonymous Reddit horror poets.
Episodes That’ll Hook You:
- “The Labyrinth of Whispers”—a”game level where lies become physical traps.
- “Player Two”—a” twist that’ll make you side-eye your best friend.
Listener Vibe: “I took notes. I have a conspiracy board now. My therapist is concerned.” – u/GobletWireTruther (Reddit)
Hello from the Hallowoods: Horror That Hugs You Back
Why It’s a 2023 Icon: Most horror movies make you sleep with the lights on. This one makes you want to text your ex, “Hey, you okay?”
Behind the Mic:
- Creator William A. Wellman narrates ASMR-style. Fans call it “audio melatonin.”
- The theme song is played on a soundtrack salvaged from a 1950s sci-fi film.
Episodes That’ll Hook You:
- “The Thing in the Maple Tree” – A tender love story between a ghost and a beekeeper.
- “Where the Fireflies” Go”—ugly-cry warning.
Listener Vibe: “It’s like Mr. Rogers took up witchcraft. 10/10.” @HallowoodsHugs (Twitter)
How to Fall in Love with Fiction Podcasts: A Step-by-Step for Newbies
A. Find Your “Gateway Drug”
- For Rom-Com Lovers: Love and Luck (queer witches running a coffee shop).
- For True Crime Addicts: Video Palace (creepy VHS tapes that curse you).
- For Fantasy Nerds: The Two Princes (gay princes + a sassy unicorn).
Pro Tip: Start with single-season shows (8-12 eps). Less commitment than a Tinder date.
B. Turn Chores into Adventures
- Pairing Guide:
- Doing taxes ➔ Fawx & Stallion (detective banter = painkiller).
- Cooking ➔ The Boar Knight (epic quests = slicing onions heroically).
How to Support Creators (Because Rent Is Due)
- Free Ways to Help:
- Leave a 5-star review (it’s like giving them coffee).
- Shout them out in your Instagram Stories.
- Paid Ways:
- Buy merch (rock that “Hallowoods” tote bag).
- Join their Patreon for bloopers (robot voice actor swearing = gold).
The Future of Fiction Podcasts: 2024 Predictions
- AI Voice Cameos: Imagine David Attenborough narrating your D&D podcast.
- Choose-Your-Adventure Shows: Apps that let you pick the plot via voice command.
Final Thought: Your Ears Deserve Better
Life’s too short for bad audio. Whether you’re into sentient tacos or socialist tailors, 2023’s fiction podcasts have a world for you. So hit play, let your laundry pile up, and remember: The best stories aren’t watched—they’re felt. The fiction podcast landscape in 2023 was filled with incredible stories, innovative storytelling, and diverse voices. Whether you’re a seasoned listener or new to the medium, these top fiction podcasts offer a fantastic journey into immersive audio storytelling.