Best Fiction Podcasts of 2022
The Best Mystery, Thriller, Horror, Crime, and Suspense Podcasts of 2022 (so far)
We’re living in a golden age of podcasts. Fiction, non-fiction, true-crime, audio dramas—the list goes on.
And so, we’re forced to limit our (very early) praise for the best podcasts of 2022 to fiction; specifically fiction that falls into the genres we cover in this magazine.
#7
Unwell – Season 4
Lillian Harper moves to the small town of Mt. Absalom, Ohio, to care for her estranged mother Dorothy after an injury. Living in the town’s boarding house which has been run by her family for generations, she discovers conspiracies, ghosts, and a new family in the house’s strange assortment of residents.
Genre: Gothic Mystery
Why it’s a best fiction podcast of 2022:
An endearing mystery with horror elements, solid sound design, and a focus on diversity and representation in the characters.
#6
Magmell
Stranded 700 light years away from home, the crew of the USS Magmell make an astonishing discovery; they’re not alone. Not only is something sinister is lurking in the deep reaches of space, but they are also remembering things that never happened, things that couldn’t have happened.
Genre: Sci-fi Thriller
Why it’s a best fiction podcast of 2022:
Magmell soars with an engagint ghost spaceship plot and worthwhile ending.
#5
American Hostage
Based on a true story, American Hostage stars Jon Hamm as Fred Heckman, a beloved local radio reporter who is thrust into the middle of a life-or-death crisis when hostage-taker, Tony Kiritsis, demands to be interviewed on his popular radio news program.
Genre: True Crime
Why it’s a best fiction podcast of 2022:
This is as much a psychological thriller as a true crime podcast. Either way, it’s one you won’t want to miss.
#4
Borrasca – Season 2
Sam Walker moves to the town of Drisking, Missouri one summer and quickly befriends two other kids, Kyle and Kimber. When Sam’s sister, Whitney, disappears a few months later, he passes five lonely years wondering what happened to her.
Genre: Horror
Why it’s a best fiction podcast of 2022:
A chiller of a story, with ghosts from the past and unspeakable secrets
#3
The No Sleep Podcast – Season 2
The NoSleep Podcast is a multi-award winning anthology series of original horror stories, with rich atmospheric music to enhance the frightening tales.
Genre: Horror
Why it’s a best fiction podcast of 2022:
For a second season, they’re at it again. Original horror stories that will keep you up at night.
#2
Ethersea
Justin, Travis and Griffin McElroy from My Brother, My Brother and Me have recruited their dad Clint for a campaign of high adventure. Join the McElroys as they find their fortune and slay an unconscionable number of … you know, kobolds or whatever in … The Adventure Zone.
Genre: Adventure Thriller
Why it’s a best fiction podcast of 2022:
Adventure on the high seas!
#1
Overleaper
“Highly engaging entertainment.” — Dean Koontz
Starring BAFTA and Emmy-nominated actress Thora Birch!
An American soldier must stop her doppelganger from a parallel dimension who plans to assassinate the US President.
Genre: Thriller
Why it’s a best fiction podcast of 2022:
A multiverse sci-fi thriller, that’s light on the sci-fi but heavy on the adrenaline.