Golden Globes 2026 Introduces First-Ever “Best Podcast of the Year” Award | Full List of Eligible Shows
The Golden Globes are stepping boldly into the future of entertainment — and this time, the red carpet leads straight into the world of sound. For the first time in its illustrious history, the Golden Globe Awards will honor the Best Podcast of the Year, recognizing excellence in one of today’s fastest-growing storytelling mediums.
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s iconic celebration of film and television is now embracing a medium that defines modern content consumption: podcasting. With the explosion of global listenership and the influence of creators behind the mic, the addition of this category signals a cultural shift — one that acknowledges podcasts as a cornerstone of the entertainment industry.
🎙️ Golden Globes Expand Their Universe: The Rise of Podcast Storytelling
For decades, the Golden Globes have celebrated cinematic excellence — from blockbuster films to prestige television. Now, they’re recognizing what millions already know: podcasts aren’t just background noise. They’re powerful vehicles for journalism, creativity, and storytelling that rival any film or series.
From true crime thrillers to celebrity conversations, podcasts now shape conversations, influence trends, and define cultural moments. The decision to include a “Best Podcast of the Year” award reflects the growing artistic and economic importance of this medium.
🏆 The 25 Eligible Podcasts Competing for the Golden Globe
According to Dick Clark Productions — the powerhouse behind the Golden Globes — the list of 25 eligible podcasts was curated in collaboration with Luminate, the data analytics partner that tracks entertainment trends across music, film, and digital content.
Each of these podcasts will now submit their content for review by October 31, ahead of the final six nominees to be revealed on December 8, 2025.
Here’s the complete list of shows vying for the inaugural honor:
20/20 – ABC News
48 Hours – CBS News
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Call Her Daddy
Candace
Crime Junkie
Dateline NBC
Good Hang with Amy Poehler
Morbid
MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
Pardon My Take
Pod Save America
Rotten Mango
Shawn Ryan Show
SmartLess
Stuff You Should Know
The Ben Shapiro Show
The Bill Simmons Podcast
The Daily – The New York Times
The Joe Rogan Experience
The Megyn Kelly Show
The Mel Robbins Podcast
The Tucker Carlson Show
This Past Weekend with Theo Von
Up First – NPR
💬 Golden Globes President Helen Hoehne on the New Category
In announcing the groundbreaking addition, Helen Hoehne, President of the Golden Globes, praised the incredible variety represented in this year’s contenders.
“This year’s inaugural list of eligible programs for the new Best Podcast category reflects the incredible depth, diversity, and creativity thriving in the podcasting world today,” Hoehne said.
“From groundbreaking investigative series to deeply personal storytelling and innovative audio formats, this list showcases the power of podcasting to inform, entertain, and inspire audiences around the globe.”
Hoehne’s statement underscores the Globes’ recognition that the art of storytelling has evolved. Podcasts today rival traditional media in influence — from The Daily’s sharp news analysis to Crime Junkie’s gripping true-crime narratives.
🌍 The U.S.-Only Controversy: Global Creators Push Back
While the announcement was met with enthusiasm across the U.S. entertainment industry, the decision has stirred controversy overseas. The eligible list currently includes only U.S.-based podcasts and publishers, excluding international creators from consideration.
UK Industry Voices Concern
Andy Neilson, co-founder of Goalhanger (the production house behind popular UK shows like The Rest Is Politics) and a member of the AudioUK board, expressed disappointment:
“As the industry matures, there’s a real opportunity — and responsibility — for major awards to reflect the full breadth of global podcasting. To truly capture what’s happening in the medium, we need to celebrate creators from everywhere — not just one market.”
Neilson’s remarks, shared widely on social media, have sparked debate among podcasters worldwide. Many argue that if the Golden Globes want to honor “global creativity,” international podcasts — from Asia to Europe to Africa — should also be recognized.
📈 Podcasting by the Numbers: A Cultural Revolution
Podcasting is no longer a niche industry. According to Luminate’s 2025 Global Audio Report:
Over 504 million people listen to podcasts monthly worldwide.
The average listener spends 8+ hours a week on podcast content.
True crime, comedy, and self-improvement remain the top genres.
Women and Gen Z listeners represent the fastest-growing demographics.
The format has evolved from independent voices recording in spare bedrooms to highly produced audio documentaries rivaling television’s production quality.
🎧 Spotlight on Top Contenders
Let’s explore some of the front-runners among the 25 eligible podcasts and what makes them stand out.
1. The Daily (The New York Times)
A pillar of modern journalism, The Daily brings news to millions each morning, blending reportage and storytelling that redefines daily news consumption.
2. Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Known for intimate, unfiltered celebrity conversations, this podcast has become synonymous with empathy and honesty.
3. Crime Junkie
A true-crime titan, Crime Junkie commands a massive following for its compelling storytelling and advocacy for victims.
4. SmartLess
Hosted by Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes, SmartLess mixes celebrity banter with insight and humor — a perfect example of Hollywood meets podcasting.
5. MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
Blurring the line between mystery and horror, MrBallen’s podcast brings cinematic tension to audio storytelling.
6. Up First (NPR)
For news lovers, Up First distills the day’s biggest stories into digestible, fact-driven narratives, solidifying NPR’s authority in the digital space.
🧠 Why Podcasts Deserve the Golden Globe Spotlight
The inclusion of podcasts at the Golden Globes isn’t just symbolic — it’s transformative. Podcasts are now launchpads for TV adaptations, book deals, and documentaries. Series like Serial and Dirty John have already proven how audio storytelling can evolve into award-winning screen narratives.
The new category validates years of work by independent producers and corporate studios alike, marking podcasting’s official arrival at Hollywood’s top table.
🎬 From Silver Screen to Sound Waves: The Golden Globes’ Digital Evolution
This move aligns with the Golden Globes’ recent modernization efforts, including expanding eligibility criteria for streaming-first films and series. With platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts now dominating global entertainment, the Globes are embracing a cross-media future — one where creativity is medium-agnostic.
By recognizing podcasts, the Globes are not just keeping up with the times — they’re reshaping the definition of “entertainment excellence.”
💡 Expert Insights: What This Means for the Industry
Industry analysts see this as a turning point. Dr. Laura Mendes, a media studies professor at UCLA, explains:
“Podcasting is the new frontier of storytelling. This recognition will push major studios to invest even more in original audio content — not just as marketing tools but as creative works in their own right.”
Advertising executives echo that sentiment. Global podcast ad revenue is projected to surpass $6 billion by 2026, and awards like the Golden Globe can amplify brand visibility for nominated creators.
🗓️ Key Dates for the Golden Globe Podcast Race
October 31, 2025 – Deadline for podcast content submission
December 8, 2025 – Announcement of the final six nominees
January 11, 2026 – Golden Globe Awards Ceremony
The ceremony will air globally, with millions tuning in to see which podcast takes home the very first Golden Globe for Best Podcast of the Year.
🌐 Global Fans React: Twitter and Podcasting Communities Buzz
Podcast fans and creators have taken to X (formerly Twitter) and Threads to share their reactions. Many celebrated the recognition of their favorite shows, while others criticized the lack of international representation. Memes, predictions, and heated debates continue to trend under hashtags like #GoldenGlobesPodcastAward and #BestPodcast2026.
🚀 What’s Next for Podcasting?
The Golden Globes’ move could inspire other major awards — like the Emmys or BAFTAs — to create similar categories. The result? A new era where audio storytelling is treated with the same prestige as cinema and television.
As streaming and podcasting increasingly converge, expect collaborations between Hollywood studios and top podcast producers. Exclusive audio dramas, celebrity-hosted documentaries, and interactive series could soon dominate the entertainment landscape.
🎤 Final Thoughts: A Golden Moment for Audio Creators
The introduction of the Best Podcast of the Year category marks a defining cultural moment. It acknowledges the immense creativity, innovation, and emotional power of a format once considered fringe.
Podcasts have become a mirror of our society — capturing laughter, pain, truth, and imagination. By honoring them on one of Hollywood’s biggest stages, the Golden Globes are affirming what millions of listeners already know:
The future of storytelling isn’t just seen — it’s heard.
