In a world where books become movies [1] and TV shows left and right, it was only a matter of time before podcasts caught the attention of producers and started making their way to the small screen. No complaints here; the best and brightest podcasts absolutely deserve the spotlight.
If you love to download a series for your morning commute [2] or a long run [3], these picks will give you even more listening motivation. Listen first, watch later! Keep reading to see the podcasts that will get (or have already got) the TV treatment, including series featuring stars like Connie Britton and Julia Roberts [4].
2 Dope Queens
What it's about: Jessica Williams and Phoebe Robinson host 2 Dope Queens, a podcast featuring three guest comedians per episode; they discuss issues related to sex, race, and gender.
Where you can watch it: The podcast got a four-episode special [5] in February and March.
Dirty John
What it's about: Dirty John investigates the tumultuous relationship between Debra Newell and John Meehan [6], a man who is not as he appears. Their romance is one of passion, danger, and deception that ultimately impacts more than just the two of them.
Where you can watch it: The podcast will be getting its small-screen debut [7] with Connie Britton playing Debra and Eric Bana [8] as Dirty John. No word yet on when the series will premiere.
Lore
What it's about: This award-winning podcast explores the terrifyingly real stories behind creatures, places, and things you may be familiar with — but these are not your regular campfire stories.
Where you can watch it: Lore's TV adaptation appropriately premiered on Amazon on Friday, October 13, 2017 [9].
Serial
What it's about: This podcast reexamines the murder of Hae Min Lee, a closed case, for which her ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed, was sentenced to life in prison.
Where you can watch it: The anticipated docuseries will be produced by HBO [10], but there's no official word on a premiere date.
Crimetown
What it's about: The creators of HBO's hit show The Jinx are behind this podcast, which examines crime in different cities across the United States.
Where you can watch it: Currently in production at FX, the first season will focus on crime and corruption in Providence, Rhode Island.
Homecoming
What it's about: Gimlet's unique podcast Homecoming is actually a scripted series, originally voiced by stars David Schwimmer, Oscar Isaac, Catherine Keener, and Amy Sedaris. The podcast follows Heidi, a caseworker at a government facility, and Walter, a young military veteran.
Where you can watch it: The series will premiere on Amazon, and filming was recently scheduled to begin. Julia Roberts [11] will lead the series as Heidi, with Stephan James acting opposite her as Walter.
Welcome to Night Vale
What it's about: Another fictional narrative, this podcast is narrated by Cecil, the anchor at Night Vale's radio station. Cecil communicates strange events to the community, although none of it seems out of the ordinary for Night Vale.
Where you can watch it: While there aren't many details available about the upcoming series yet, FX teamed up with Sony Pictures to bring the fictional town of Night Vale to your TV screens.