Dehumanization, authoritarian rule, environmental ruin, and the tightening grip of technology. Dystopian audio fiction holds up a mirror to the uncertainties of our time. Beyond the blockbuster hits of audio fiction lies a collection of hidden gems—lesser-known audio dramas that are every bit as captivating and thought-provoking. Each of the ten shows featured here has garnered fewer than 100 ratings on Apple Podcasts as of this writing, yet they offer rich, diverse narratives that traverse virtual realms, dystopian cities, and post-apocalyptic wastelands. This is the sound of collapse: where each story sketches a haunting—or hopeful—portrait of a world that has already slipped away.
All shows are free to listen to on Apollo Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app.
What Will Be Here?
By Tal Minear and others
What Will Be Here? is a 10-episode limited sci-fi audio drama that explores life, creation, and resilience on a doomed Earth, set 200 years into the future where large-scale crises are the norm. At its core, the show tells the story of five friends who launch a rocket into space carrying recordings that document the decline of their world and the stories they want future listeners to hear. Through a mix of journal-style entries and found audio, the series dives into their efforts to build something meaningful amid the chaos, all while reflecting on what will remain of Earth and humanity.
Though born out of the bleak backdrop of an apocalyptic future, What Will Be Here? centers on themes of hope, perseverance, and the drive to create art even in the face of abject loss and hopelessness. The show mirrors the cast and crew’s own experiences during the pandemic, imbuing the narrative with a deeply personal resonance. With its immersive sound design, richly developed characters, and a delicate balance of humor and humanity, What Will Be Here? presents a thought-provoking examination of how we live and build in times of uncertainty.
“Few can take the concept of “the end of the world as we know it” and leave audiences full of inspiration and motivation, but this show manages it easily! WWBH is full of heart, both warming and breaking in turn, and is beautifully written, acted, and designed from start to finish.”
Saucymincks via Apple Podcasts
The Fourth Ambit
By Dawson Nichols
The Fourth Ambit is a groundbreaking science fiction audio drama that takes listeners into a near-future virtual world known as the Ambit. This immersive virtual environment allows users to experience all manner of games and fantasies, but beneath its surface lies a dark web of conspiracy, murder, and artificial intelligence. The story follows Gilles, a university researcher who stumbles upon dangerous anomalies within the Ambit and is blackmailed into becoming an unwilling tracker, navigating the layered virtual worlds. As he delves deeper, he uncovers hidden realms like the Second, Third, and even the rumored Fourth Ambit, possibly controlled by rogue AIs.
With its cutting-edge storytelling, thought-provoking exploration of AI ethics, consciousness, and virtual reality, The Fourth Ambit combines sophisticated sound design, complex characters, and compelling performances—most notably by Dawson Nichols, who voices every character. This nine-part series originally released in the early 2000s remains a timeless, thought-provoking, and immersive piece of speculative fiction, beloved by fans of classic cyberpunk and praised for its ahead-of-its-time storytelling.
“If you like The Matrix, Ready Player One, Neuromancer, or Snowcrash, you will LOVE this podcast. Probably one of my favs of all time now. Crazy that its 21 years old?!”
Bad Ankles via Apple Podcasts
Everyone’s Happy
By GravyTree Media
https://gravytreemedia.com/everyones-happy
Everyone’s Happy is a dystopian science fiction audio drama that explores a future where Dome-covered cities are controlled by the Happiness Programme—a government-enforced drug that suppresses all negative emotions. However, some individuals are immune to the drug’s effects, and their discovery brings severe consequences. The story follows 17-year-old Parker, whose inheritance of a set of mysterious tapes leads her on a dangerous journey through the climate-ravaged wilderness beyond the Dome, where she must confront her identity, rebellion, and the search for truth. With thrilling twists, compelling characters, and rich world-building, Everyone’s Happy blends drama, suspense, and gripping storytelling that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.
The show has garnered high praise for its writing, strong performances, and immersive sound design. Listeners describe it as a marathon-worthy experience with unpredictable twists and a dark, moody atmosphere that leaves them eagerly awaiting the next episode.
“Brilliant writing, wonderful actors, and a captivating story. Can’t wait for the next episode to drop!”
SilverNW via Apple Podcasts
Compromised
By Amanda Roundtree
https://compromised.buzzsprout.com
Compromised is a cyberpunk audio drama set in a dystopian, futuristic version of Philadelphia. The story follows a crew as they navigate a world shaped by advanced technology, political intrigue, and societal control. In this gripping sci-fi narrative, human augmentation has become the norm, but these implants and upgrades allow for ever-increasing governmental oversight, raising questions of freedom and identity.
Amidst this backdrop, the characters face corporate conspiracies, underground resistance movements, and personal dilemmas as they fight to survive and uncover the truth about their world. With its immersive sound design, engaging character arcs, and intense storytelling, Compromised offers a compelling blend of action, drama, and political themes.
“Just listened to the first season in a single sitting. Great job to the team. Love the characters and premise. Very relevant to our times.”
calculated_discomfort via Apple Podcasts
Radiation World
By Saster&Saster Productions
Radiation World is a post-apocalyptic comedy audio drama set thousands of years after nuclear devastation has wiped out most of society. Humanity now lives underground, struggling to survive while the outside world has mutated beyond recognition. The series follows a quirky group of survivors as they embark on a wild adventure, facing both absurd dangers and hilarious situations.
Known for its sharp writing, eccentric characters, and clever humor, Radiation World blends elements of science fiction, satire, and adventure, drawing comparisons to shows like Futurama and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
With well-acted voice performances, top-notch sound design, and a ridiculous but engaging plot, the series is a lighthearted take on the apocalypse, offering a mix of wacky fun, witty dialogue, and laugh-out-loud moments. Fans love its ability to entertain while staying original, with many describing it as an underrated gem in the world of audio dramas.
“Every character in this podcast is so god damned dumb and I love them all so much”
Insomnia Told Me So via Apple Podcasts
Cybernautica
By Red Fathom Entertainment
https://redfathom.com/cybernautica
Cybernautica is a thrilling audio drama set in the cyberpunk-deco city of Neo-Atlantis in the year 2112. The series follows the intense, action-packed lives of the city’s inhabitants as they navigate a world filled with intrigue, danger, and mystery beneath the waves. Blending elements of cyberpunk and oceanic dystopia, the show has rich world-building, dynamic characters, and captivating storylines exploring themes of survival, power, and destiny.
With immersive sound design and high production quality, the show transports listeners into a futuristic world where technology and humanity collide. The series has been praised for its complex plotlines, character development, and evocative soundtrack.
“I love all the protagonists in this wild and action pact story. It is also very well made with beautiful sounds and music. A real testament to the indie production and what you can accomplish when deeply motivated!”
444&@ via Apple Podcasts
Null/Void
By Cole Burkhardt
https://nullandvoidpod.wixsite.com/nullandvoidpod
Null/Void is a science fiction audio drama that follows the journey of Piper Lee, a young woman whose life is saved by a mysterious voice named Adelaide, as she navigates a world dominated by a powerful tech monopoly, teaming up with friends and an unusual ally to unravel a dangerous plot. The show features a compelling blend of mystery, suspense, and a critique of capitalism, all set against a backdrop of futuristic soundscapes and high-stakes drama.
Praised for its unique storyline, excellent voice acting, and immersive sound design, Null/Void has captivated listeners with its intense action sequences and emotional character development, exploring themes of survival, trust, and resistance in a technologically advanced world. Whether you’re a fan of dystopian futures or found family dynamics, Null/Void offers a fresh take on sci-fi audio fiction.
“Found family caper mystery SciFi with capitalist critique — as a miniseries. Awesome theme music, nice atmospheric sound design (…) and a fantastic cast.”
~ Violet ~ via Apple Podcasts
The Book of Constellations
By W. Keith Tims
https://bookofconstellations.com
The Book of Constellations is a heartfelt science fiction podcast that follows the story of Rael, the last known survivor of an alien race. Rael embarks on a road trip across America with his companion, Simon, in a quest to save humanity from a dark force that destroyed his own world. Along the way, Rael gathers allies from society’s forgotten corners, driven by his extraordinary empathy and mission to confront a political leader harboring the same malevolent threat. This captivating show blends action, emotional depth, and philosophical themes, touching on humanity, compassion, and survival.
While the show has dystopian elements it doesn’t fit neatly into the typical dystopian future genre. The podcast focuses more on themes of hope, empathy, and human connection, and, while the world presented is dark and troubled, the story emphasizes optimism, compassion, and finding allies in unexpected places. Rather than being a straightforward dystopia, it blends sci-fi and road trip elements with a deep, reflective exploration of humanity’s potential.
“It feels like this show made a little nest in my heart. A comfort story with a full, colorful cast (most played by one versatile actor!), it’s also moving and challenging. Yes, it has political themes, but the writer addresses them through a lens of humanity, survival, and spirituality.”
DragonShantyPod via Apple Podcasts
Safe Society
By Chris Shimojima | One Ocean
Safe Society is an 11-part audio drama that blends satire, horror, and thriller elements to explore mass psychosis in a world that feels unsettlingly familiar. The series follows an influential entrepreneur who develops an irrational obsession with cleanliness, making him vulnerable to manipulation by a fearmongering lobbying group. As his paranoia spirals, he unwittingly drives society to terrifying policy extremes, endangering those around him, including his own children.
Described as “1984 meets Black Mirror with a splash of satire,” Safe Society explores how societal pressures can push people to absurd and dangerous limits. Listeners are kept on edge by unsettling voices, sudden sound effects, and darkly satirical commentary on contemporary issues. For fans of dystopian fiction with a humorous twist, Safe Society offers a thought-provoking and entertaining listening experience.
“Chris Shimojima brings listeners an engaging, provocative, and well-produced audio drama that is equal parts humorous, topical, and tragic. Great writing and a talented cast of voice actors give the piece its color and life.”
Bodacious BAF via Apple Podcasts
After the Apocalypse
By Christopher Russel
https://shows.acast.com/after-the-apocalypse
After the Apocalypse tells the story of survival in a world devastated by a catastrophic 21st-century plague. With 90% of humanity wiped out, the few survivors must navigate a harsh new reality, facing not only the collapse of modern society but also their own inner struggles. From suspenseful chases to thought-provoking moral dilemmas, the podcast delves into themes of survival, human resilience, and the remnants of civilization. The series explores whether humanity can rebuild or if it will succumb to chaos and darkness.
“I binged all the way through in a few days. I am invested in the characters which are well fleshed out. It is enjoyable to have the male character not be young and military-minded as in soo many post op stories. Can’t wait for more!”
Fernfrommaine via Apple Podcasts
