15 Best TV Shows That Started as Podcasts
Podcasts have become a treasure trove for TV, turning compelling audio stories into gripping visual dramas. From true crime to eerie fiction, these adaptations bring fresh narratives to the screen, often with big-name talent and bold visuals.
This article lists the 15 best TV shows that started as podcasts, showcasing how these audio gems transformed into must-watch television. Each series captures the heart of its source while adding cinematic flair.
15. The Edge of Sleep (2024-present)
Based on the QCode podcast, ‘The Edge of Sleep’ follows a night watchman discovering everyone who slept one night has died. Markiplier stars as Dave, unraveling a chilling mystery in a small town. The show’s tense atmosphere and fast pacing make it a solid thriller, though less layered than some competitors.
The TV adaptation, streaming on Amazon Prime, keeps the podcast’s apocalyptic vibe but adds vivid visuals of eerie, empty streets. Its six episodes hook you, even if the podcast’s audio immersion feels slightly more intimate.
14. Up and Vanished (2018)
Payne Lindsey’s podcast dives into cold cases, with its first season exploring Tara Grinstead’s 2005 disappearance. The Oxygen series follows Lindsey’s real-time investigation, using gritty, documentary-style visuals to mirror the podcast’s raw intensity. It’s compelling but feels less polished than scripted dramas.
The show’s strength lies in its authentic portrayal of amateur sleuthing, with Lindsey himself as the lead. Its single season captures the podcast’s dogged pursuit of truth, though the TV format adds less depth than expected.
13. Dying for Sex (2025)
Wondery’s podcast about a woman with terminal cancer exploring her sexuality became a bold FX series. Molly Dennis and Kim Basinger star in a drama blending humor and heartbreak. The show’s emotional depth outshines typical romance dramas, though it leans heavily on melodrama.
The TV adaptation amplifies the podcast’s intimate confessions with vibrant visuals and strong performances. Its ongoing run keeps viewers invested, even if it occasionally strays from the podcast’s raw vulnerability.
12. The Thing About Pam (2022)
This NBC miniseries, based on Dateline’s podcast, recounts Pam Hupp’s twisted role in a Missouri murder case. Renée Zellweger delivers a chilling performance as the manipulative Pam. The show’s campy tone makes it stand out, though it can feel exaggerated compared to the podcast’s restraint.
The six-episode series uses flashbacks and quirky narration to echo the podcast’s storytelling. It’s a gripping true-crime tale, but the podcast’s straightforward reporting feels more grounded.
11. Catch and Kill: The Podcast Tapes (2021)
Ronan Farrow’s podcast exposing Harvey Weinstein’s crimes became an HBO documentary series. The six-episode show uses interviews and archival footage to amplify the podcast’s investigative journalism. Its raw power overshadows flashier true-crime series, though it lacks narrative flair.
The TV adaptation, featuring Farrow himself, keeps the podcast’s focus on survivors’ voices. It’s a stark, compelling look at abuse and accountability, even if the visual format adds little new.
10. Joe vs. Carole (2022)
This Peacock series, based on Wondery’s ‘Over My Dead Body’, dives into the feud between Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin. John Cameron Mitchell and Kate McKinnon bring wild energy to the roles. The show’s over-the-top drama outshines ‘Tiger King’ for character depth, though it’s less iconic.
The eight-episode miniseries keeps the podcast’s focus on eccentric personalities but adds colorful visuals and dark humor. It’s a fun ride, even if the podcast’s raw interviews feel more authentic.
9. The Midnight Gospel (2020)
Duncan Trussell’s podcast, blending cosmic philosophy with comedy, inspired this Netflix animated series. Trussell voices Clancy, a “spacecaster” interviewing bizarre characters across trippy universes. Its psychedelic visuals make it unlike any other animated show.
The eight-episode series captures the podcast’s existential humor but adds stunning animation by ‘Adventure Time’ creator Pendleton Ward. It’s a mind-bending experience, though the podcast’s freeform chats are more introspective.
8. The Ricky Gervais Show (2010-2012)
Based on Ricky Gervais’ podcast, this HBO animated series brings his absurd conversations with Stephen Merchant and Karl Pilkington to life. The show’s simple animation amplifies Pilkington’s deadpan humor, making it funnier than most sitcoms. Its three seasons are a comedy gem.
The series keeps the podcast’s chaotic banter, with visuals that exaggerate the trio’s quirks. It’s a lighthearted adaptation that captures the original’s charm, though the podcast’s raw audio feels more spontaneous.
7. Lore (2017-2018)
Aaron Mahnke’s podcast, exploring dark historical tales, became an Amazon anthology series. Each episode dramatizes myths like vampires or haunted houses with eerie visuals and narration. Its two seasons stand out for blending history and horror, though some stories feel uneven.
The show expands the podcast’s chilling narration with moody reenactments, starring actors like Holland Roden. It captures the podcast’s spooky vibe but occasionally leans too heavily on visual effects.
6. Gaslit (2022)
Slate’s ‘Slow Burn’ podcast, focusing on Watergate’s lesser-known figures, inspired this Starz miniseries. Julia Roberts shines as Martha Mitchell, a whistleblower caught in political chaos. The show’s retro style and sharp performances make it a standout political drama.
The eight-episode series amplifies the podcast’s depth with vibrant visuals and a focus on Mitchell’s fiery spirit. It’s gripping, though the podcast’s detailed narration offers more historical context.
5. The Horror of Dolores Roach (2023)
Based on Gimlet’s fictional podcast, this Amazon series follows Justina Machado as Dolores, an ex-con turned cannibalistic masseuse. Its dark comedy and gritty New York setting make it more thrilling than typical horror shows. The ongoing series keeps you hooked.
The show matches the podcast’s macabre humor but adds vivid urban visuals and intense performances. It’s a bold adaptation, though the podcast’s audio-driven tension feels slightly more claustrophobic.
4. The Shrink Next Door (2021)
Wondery’s podcast about a psychiatrist manipulating his patient became an Apple TV+ dark comedy. Paul Rudd and Will Ferrell star as Dr. Ike and Marty, delivering nuanced performances. The show’s eight episodes outshine other true-crime comedies with its emotional depth.
The series keeps the podcast’s focus on manipulation but adds sleek visuals and subtle humor. It’s a compelling take, though the podcast’s raw interviews feel more intimate.
3. Dr. Death (2021-2023)
Wondery’s podcast about neurosurgeon Christopher Duntsch’s deadly malpractice inspired this Peacock series. Joshua Jackson plays the chilling doctor, with Alec Baldwin and Christian Slater as surgeons fighting to stop him. Its three seasons grip you with intense drama.
The show amplifies the podcast’s horror with vivid surgical scenes and strong performances. It’s a standout true-crime series, though the podcast’s detailed reporting adds extra depth.
2. Dirty John (2018-2020)
Wondery’s true-crime podcast about conman John Meehan became a Bravo anthology series. Connie Britton and Eric Bana star in the first season, a twisted tale of love and deceit. The show’s moody visuals and strong acting make it more gripping than most crime dramas.
Across two seasons, the series captures the podcast’s suspense while adding cinematic flair. It’s a thrilling adaptation, though the podcast’s raw interviews feel more chilling.
1. Homecoming (2018-2020)
Gimlet’s fictional podcast about a shady veteran rehab facility became an Amazon thriller. Julia Roberts stars in Season 1 as Heidi Bergman, uncovering dark secrets. The show’s tight pacing and eerie tone make it a top-tier psychological drama across two seasons.
The series, created by Sam Esmail, enhances the podcast’s suspense with sleek visuals and a stellar cast, including Janelle Monáe in Season 2. It’s a near-perfect adaptation, though the podcast’s audio immersion is uniquely intense.
Which podcast-turned-TV-show is your favorite, or is there another adaptation I should’ve included? Drop your thoughts in the comments!