15 Sci-Fi Podcasts to Escape Reality and Explore New Worlds

Chel and Peter, two xenobiologists, are dispatched to study a planet within a binary star system and investigate the remnants of a vanished civilization. Their experiences are documented through audio logs, presented in reverse chronological order, building toward a dramatic climax. Chel’s recordings start as enthusiastic and personal accounts of a curious explorer, while Peter’s begin at the mission’s intense conclusion. Unbeknownst to them, the creatures responsible for the civilization’s downfall still inhabit the planet, and the duo is unprepared for the dangers they face. With exceptional writing and immersive sound design, the podcast vividly portrays the characters and crafts an atmosphere brimming with awe and terror (with a heavy emphasis on the latter).

Lia Haddock, an investigative journalist with American Public Radio, remains determined to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of 300 individuals from a neuroscience research facility in Tennessee over a decade ago. Limetown became a cultural phenomenon upon its debut, delivering a gripping scripted narrative in the style of Serial, blending realism with a chilling sci-fi mystery. The first season, consisting of six main episodes and several shorts, is perfect for a quick binge. While a second season and a prequel novel exist, it’s the initial season that truly captivates.

If you’ve heard of Pseudopod (perhaps from our list of top horror podcasts), this is its equally respected sci-fi counterpart. Each episode features a science fiction story narrated by skilled performers, ranging from timeless classics like “Flowers for Algernon” to original tales, showcasing a diverse array of voices. Notably, the show compensates its writers and narrators fairly. With over 800 episodes and counting, newcomers can explore the curated recommendations page—featuring standout stories like “Non-Zero Probabilities” or “In Their Image”—to find the perfect starting point.

Set in Mike Pence’s fictional dystopian YA universe, the year 2062 envisions a world where everyone is gay, and a totalitarian regime enforces the gay agenda. Humanity’s last hope lies in Mikey, a teenage boy who is secretly straight. Gay Future

Twilight Histories offers a unique blend of alternate history tales, often set in pseudo-historical contexts (though some venture into futuristic and space-themed narratives). Unlike traditional RPG podcasts such as The Adventure Zone, this series narrates its adventures in the second person, a style that may feel unusual at first but complements its vintage radio-drama vibe. With a vast library of episodes, listeners can explore stories ranging from ice-age time travel to a sprawling 13-part saga depicting a clash between Rome and the Saxons. Host Jordan Harbour, an archaeologist by training, brings a deep passion and authenticity to the historical settings, enriching the storytelling experience.

Lauren Shippen’s widely acclaimed scripted drama revolves around individuals with superpowers, referred to as “atypicals,” who undergo therapy with Dr. Bright. Each episode unfolds as a recorded therapy session, blending the introspective tone of In Treatment with a sci-fi twist. The series thoughtfully explores real-world trauma within its fantastical framework, while gradually weaving in Dr. Bright’s mysterious backstory. The heart of the show lies in the evolving journeys of her patients. After four compelling seasons, the story continues through a couple of standalone spin-offs, offering additional depth to the universe.

Initially a sci-fi comedy, Wolf 359 follows Doug Eiffel, a communications officer aboard the U.S.S. Hephaestus Research Station, surrounded by a quirky and dysfunctional crew. As the story progresses, Doug stumbles upon secrets he wasn’t meant to discover, realizing that none of them are ever supposed to leave the station. Over its four-season run, the series evolves into a thriller while retaining its comedic undertones, creating a unique blend of humor and suspense.

Part of the “Night Vale Presents” network, Within the Wires delivers standalone stories each season, each presented through a unique audio format. The first season unfolds via relaxation tapes from an unnamed medical institute, where you, the listener, are a patient. The narrative unfolds subtly, adhering to the format, revealing the institute’s rules and mysteries through the tapes. The second season adopts a museum audio tour format, maintaining the same immersive storytelling. Now in its sixth season, the show explores 1970s Ireland and its ghostly tales, continuing its tradition of inventive storytelling.

As a queer individual with a love for lighthouse mysteries and a touch of anxiety, The Far Meridian feels like it was tailor-made for me. (If so, thank you! How did you guess?) The show follows Peri (voiced by creator Eli Barraza), an agoraphobic lighthouse keeper who one day discovers her lighthouse has mysteriously relocated. Each morning, it moves again, transporting Peri to bizarre and occasionally frightening new worlds, which she finds easier to navigate than the complexities of her own life. Her search for her missing brother adds a thread of continuity to her adventures. With two seasons available and a third on the way, the story continues to captivate.

This series, set during the final weeks of a decommissioned moon base, is brimming with unexpected emotional depth. The story unfolds through audio logs from Roger Bragado-Fischer, one of the last crew members, who also leaves heartfelt messages for his husband on Earth. The narrative is steeped in loneliness and subtly critiques the dystopian consequences of modern capitalism, yet it also carries a poignant sense of hope, even as the base’s shutdown spirals into chaos. The first season features short, five-minute episodes, each focusing on a single character, making it incredibly easy to dive into. The second season offers alternate viewpoints on the first season’s events, while the latest season, now concluded, advances the timeline.

While classic radio produced many outstanding science fiction programs, X Minus One (a successor to the shorter-lived Dimension X), which aired from 1955 to 1958, stands out as the pinnacle of quality writing and production. Alongside original scripts, the show adapted iconic works from the golden age of sci-fi, featuring legends like Philip K. Dick, Isaac Asimov, Frederik Pohl, Ray Bradbury, Robert A. Heinlein, and Theodore Sturgeon (though the era’s lack of diversity is evident, the content remains exceptional). This treasure trove of classic stories has been revived as a podcast, offering a nostalgic yet deeply engaging listening experience.

After the titular spaceship is destroyed, Violet Liu, the sole survivor, is rescued by the crew of the Rumor, a delightfully diverse and morally ambiguous group, at least according to the Intergalactic Republic. The narrative starts as a dialogue between a few characters but expands into a grander tale, with the heartwarming dynamic of a found family driving the story forward.

Most actual-play RPG podcasts focus on fantasy settings, reflecting the genre’s dominance in tabletop gaming. However, this series blends fantasy elements like orcs and elves with futuristic technology for a unique twist. Another standout feature is the use of two game masters for separate groups, each unaware of the other’s plans, adding an extra layer of unpredictability and excitement to every campaign.

Piper Lee, an employee in the mailroom of tech giant Void Networks, has her life upended when she encounters Adelaide, a mysterious voice with knowledge of future events. Drawn into a conspiracy orchestrated by the mega-corp to exploit her hometown, Piper rallies her friends to fight back. Created by Cole Burkhardt, this podcast blends charm and relevance, offering a mix of whimsy and timely commentary.

While podcasts often thrive on intimacy, sometimes a grander, cinematic experience is what we crave. Marsfall delivers just that, weaving a scripted tale of the first Martian colonists and their evolving lives. Central to the story is the theme of forging a new home, but it also boasts thrilling action scenes and a captivating soundtrack that enhances the drama.