As 2017 drew to a close, podcasts continued to dominate audio entertainment, offering everything from daily news deep dives to gripping true crime sagas and innovative storytelling. Drawing from years of reviewing hundreds of episodes, we've curated 12 standout shows that exemplify the medium's best. These selections span genres, perfect for expanding your collection without overwhelm—pair them with proven management tools like those in our guide to 7 Easy Ways to Manage Your Podcast Collection.
Produced by The New York Times, The Daily delivers concise yet profound explorations of 2-3 major stories daily, zeroing in on one with in-depth journalism. Hosted by Michael Barbaro, it features conversations with Times reporters and experts, emphasizing U.S. news. At 20 minutes per episode, five days a week, it's ideal for commutes—follow with NPR's Up First for longer drives. Explore more in our list of 12 Podcasts to Ease Your Commute.
This Los Angeles Times production, hosted by Christopher Goffard, chronicles the true story of Debra Newell’s whirlwind romance with John Meehan, met online. Her family suspects dark secrets from his past. With just six binge-worthy episodes, its masterful narrative will keep you hooked until the end.
From the makers of Serial and This American Life, S-Town starts as a potential true crime tale in small-town Alabama but evolves into something far more complex. Host Brian Reed investigates a tip from local John about a murder cover-up. Twists challenge listeners' expectations and journalistic ethics—listen to form your own verdict.
Imagine connecting John Lennon's 1980 assassination to the Russian Revolution in six episodes. This conceptual podcast traces historical threads: Would Mark David Chapman have killed Lennon without J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye? A clever exercise for history and literature enthusiasts.
NPR's Rough Translation, hosted by Gregory Warner, recontextualizes universal stories in unfamiliar settings—like online dating from a Syrian refugee's view in Berlin or surrogacy between a U.S. woman and Chinese parents. It underscores our shared humanity across cultures.
Gimlet's standout newcomer, hosted by Brittany Luse and Eric Eddings, dives into Black experiences in America—from grape-flavored drinks' cultural significance to 1970s Black fashion's Paris influence. Gimlet's signature polish makes it unmissable amid their strong 2017 lineup.
PBS's Frontline brings its documentary rigor to audio, covering under-the-radar U.S. issues like Oklahoma earthquakes from fracking or Yemen's war with human focus. Fans of their TV work will appreciate this detailed, on-the-ground reporting—also available as podcast episodes.
A TED-Audible collaboration, this anonymous confessional series shares raw stories—a doctor's regret over a patient's choice, a Silicon Valley exec's depression battle. Intimate whispers feel like secrets shared just with you.
Beloved from PBS's Reading Rainbow, LeVar Burton now narrates adult fiction by authors like Haruki Murakami and Neil Gaiman. A soothing escape from news and true crime headlines.
Revived in 2017, season 2 explores Lucie’s return after five years in prison for her husband Gerry's murder—which she can't recall, like missing a movie's middle. Hear from Lucie, family, lawyers, and reporters in this haunting true crime narrative.
Produced inside San Quentin by inmates Earlonne Woods, Antwan Williams, and Nigel Poor, Ear Hustle (prison slang for eavesdropping) shares unfiltered life behind bars—cell-sharing, married inmates' struggles. Season 2 returned in 2018. Unique insider perspective.
From Limetown's producers, this musical fiction stars Jonathan Groff and Jessie Shelton as a couple saving their marriage via the New York Times' 36 Questions. Three hour-long episodes masterfully blend song and story—even musical skeptics will enjoy.
For last year's picks, see our 12 Best Podcasts of 2016. Which 2017 podcasts did we miss? Share your favorites in the comments!
