Networks, streaming services, and actors are taking advantage of the popularity of podcasts in a big way. The unique ability of a podcast to take fans behind the scenes of their favorite TV show and share intimate insights seems to be highly valued by forward-thinking network execs, and with good reason. Those who understand the important role of the podcasting medium are using it to help audiences deepen their emotional connection to TV shows and their characters.
It’s possible that the podcasters, ranging from journalists to fans, who have found success with their weekly analyses of popular TV shows caught the attention of the networks and sparked some “aha” moments. Whatever the genesis of ideas may have been, fans can now find out fun tidbits about what takes place during filming and get exclusive details from the stars and members of the production team.
And what could be better than getting a deeper dive into the stories and the making of the show between episodes?
The Crown: The Official Podcast 
Consider it an extension of the Netflix Original Series, The Crown. Hosted by Edith Bowman, the podcast gives listeners the opportunity to hear from special guests such as the showrunner, writer, and creator Peter Morgan and cast members Olivia Colman, Gillian Anderson, and Helena Bonham Carter.
The Official Gilded Age Podcast 
When a TV drama reflects a real-life period of transformation, it’s natural for fans to be curious about the historical figures, places, and events that served as inspiration. As HBO discovered, discussions following each episode of a TV show can prove popular.
TCM’s Alicia Malone and Tom Meyers from The Bowery Boys host this one, where cast and crew members join them every week to share insights, experiences, and fascinating bits of history.
Bachelor Happy Hour podcast 
The sense of intrigue fans may get from watching certain TV shows often extends to unanswered questions about all the stuff we don’t see between tapings of reality shows like The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. Hosted by Becca Kufrin, who has both presented and received roses at Bachelor Mansion, this show allows listeners to fully immerse in Bachelor Nation.
Each week, Becca and a guest co-host unpack their experiences and chat with current and past cast members who share exclusive inside information. Listeners may even get some relationship advice along the way.
The Good Place: The Podcast
Sometimes, fans just don’t want the fun to end. If audiences want to hear more amusing anecdotes and euphemisms like “motherforking” and “shirtballs” (stand-ins for swear words on The Good Place), then NBC has them covered with this podcast.
Marc Evan Jackson, who plays Shawn on the TV show, chats with a variety of co-hosts and special guests, including actors, writers, and producers. They dig into some of the most unforgettable on-screen and off-screen moments, keeping fans just as entertained as they are when they watch the series.
Welcome To Our Show 
TV shows that are currently airing aren’t the only ones capitalizing on the reach of podcasts. Actors, too, have recognized that it’s worth the effort to create podcasts that get into the ears and psyche of fans, even if the focus is on a TV show that’s no longer on air. This show, from iHeartPodcasts, is a well-loved example.
Three stars of the Emmy-nominated series, New Girl, who are friends in real life, reveal the fun-filled exploits that viewers never knew were taking place behind the scenes. Zooey Deschanel, Hannah Simone, and Lamorne Morris virtually take nostalgic fans back to Apartment 4D, which had been their fictional loft for seven seasons. Guest stars, writers, and directors also pop in to revisit the good times they had both off-screen and on camera.
Whether a podcast serves to keep actors from a canceled series alive in the hearts and minds of audiences or delves into the world that is reflected on screen, TV networks, streaming platforms, and actors are tuning into the important opportunity this medium offers. At a time when a means of escape is sorely needed, audiences are welcoming a chance to hear about the behind-the-scenes experiences and adventures of various TV shows’ cast and crew. The impact on building fan loyalty around the world is likely to be significant.
May 2022 Issue
