We’ve handpicked a collection of underrated—but very funny—audio series that have somehow flown under the proverbial radar. These are the laughs less traveled, each podcast having fewer than 100 reviews on Apple Podcasts at the time of writing. They might not be topping the charts (yet), but they deliver.
All shows are free to listen to on Apollo Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app.
The Hunt?
By Eric Wong
Comedy, Crime or Mystery, Adventure; Full Cast, Cinematic
The Hunt? is a unique blend of true crime, comedy, and fiction that follows the story of a young podcaster on a mission to validate her late mother’s wild conspiracy theories. She enlists the help of a poorly-reviewed private investigator and the pair soon find themselves entangled in a far-fetched investigation involving urban legends and small-town murder, which rapidly spirals into a media frenzy.
Set against the backdrop of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the series explores themes of sensationalism, hot-take culture, and the dark yet absurd obsession with crime in modern America.
Created, written, and directed by Eric Wong, with an ensemble of talented voice actors supported by well-crafted sound design and an original score, each episode combines real suspense with humor, making it both a thrilling and amusing ride for listeners.
“I’m so impressed — this podcast is a witty, smartly-written, impeccably edited, and superbly composed reinterpretation of a genre that’s become overly saturated. Can’t wait for the next episode!!”
GMcColor via Apple Podcasts
The World To Come
By David Treatman Creative
Comedy, Thriller, Musical; Narrator, Full Cast, Cinematic; Dystopian Future, Award-Winning, Musical
https://theworldtocomemusical.com
The World to Come is a Webby Award-honoree musical fiction podcast set in a post-apocalyptic world where five factions battle for control over the city-state of Fiveboro. In this world, there is no internet or electricity, and each tribe reveres the pop culture of a bygone era, although they have never actually experienced it. Each faction represents a different genre of film and television and the story follows the leaders of these groups as they are summoned by a mysterious figure, whose revelation threatens to unravel the delicate peace that has held Fiveboro together.
Produced by David Treatman Creative and Iconoclast Theatre Collective, “The World to Come” is a musical saga featuring an extensive cast of talented voice actors and musicians. The show blends elements of science fiction, fantasy, and comedy, providing listeners with an epic and satirical journey through a future that feels both distant and eerily familiar.
“Y’all. Y’all. I’m 4 eps in. It’s more than amazing. It’s perfection. It’s like sci-fi and dystopian end of the world fiction and musicals and comedy had a REALLY talented and well produced baby.
Juliatbwa via Apple Podcasts
The One Stars
By Good Pointe
Sci-Fi, Comedy; Full Cast, Cinematic; Space, Award-Winning
https://goodpointepodcasts.com
The One Stars is an award-winning comedy fiction podcast created by Jeremy Ellett. From lackluster Moon vacations and haunted electronics to cat beds that don’t come in human sizes, it presents humorous one-star reviews from across the multiverse, blending absurdity with sharp wit. Each episode features different quirky, multiverse-spanning products and experiences, making it a comedic exploration of strange and imaginative worlds.
“An extremely well-written podcast that mixes our favorite genre – “what were you even expecting out of your experience” one-star Yelp or Amazon reviews – with bizarre and comedic sci-fi twists. Episodes are short, sweet, and to the point…”
MoonAndFlowers via Apple Podcasts
PodCube™
By Powered by PodCube™
Sci-Fi, Comedy, Slice of Life; Full Cast, Anthology, Cinematic; Improvised, Sketch Comedy, Absurdist
PodCube is a short-format, absurdist comedy podcast known for its quick, punchy episodes, usually around 6 minutes in length. Set approximately 20 years in the future, the show transmits hilarious, random snippets of life through an imaginative sci-fi lens. With a strong improvisational style, PodCube delivers a mix of quirky, fast-paced humor, and sharp writing, often compared to shows like Robot Chicken and I Think You Should Leave.
The episodes, though short, feature diverse setups ranging from bizarre to surreal, keeping listeners engaged with tight, witty performances and clever, detailed sound design. PodCube is perfect for both quick, bite-sized listens and longer binge sessions, offering comedy that can make listeners laugh out loud unexpectedly, sometimes to the point of needing to “pull over their car” or “accidentally breathing in a piece of your muffin.” Eat first, listen later.
“This is the only podcast that has forced me to pull my car over because I was laughing so hard! Absolutely great!”
SuckSomeDak via Apple Podcasts
Frequency Earth
By Rob Schultz and Russell Anderson
Sci-Fi, Adventure, Comedy; Full Cast, Cinematic; Comedic, Space, Sketch Comedy
Frequency Earth is a scripted sci-fi sketch comedy podcast set in the distant future, following archeo-astronomer Jeffrey Lutz, who travels through space collecting old broadcasts from Earth. Each episode blends elements of sitcom-style storytelling, focusing on Lutz’s space adventures, and a series of comedic sketches inspired by the transmissions he intercepts.
Perfect for fans of sci-fi, sketch comedy, and unique, offbeat storytelling, the series has been praised for its clever writing, production quality, and humor that improves with each episode. The show offers a unique mix of absurd humor, not unlike Monty Python and Kids in the Hall. The cast features a talented ensemble of voice actors delivering well-produced and sharply written sketches that vary from quirky space adventures to parodies of everyday situations.
“There’s a real joy listening to well produced and funny sketches. I absolutely live in the ship. Max and Rob make a fantastic comedy duo.”
The Hump via Apple Podcasts
A Happy Bureaucracy
By M.P. Fitzgerald
Sci-Fi, Adventure, Comedy; Narrator, Single Voice, Audiobook; Dystopian Future
A Happy Bureaucracy is a darkly comedic, post-apocalyptic fiction podcast written by M.P. Fitzgerald. The story follows a tax agent navigating a dystopian world where the IRS somehow continues to operate amid a chaotic wasteland. Featuring sharp wit and biting satire, the show blends dark humor, action, and suspense as its characters try to survive the bizarre challenges of a nuclear fallout.
Listeners have praised the series for the absurdity of the premise, and the show keeps listeners entertained with a balance of lighthearted fun and high-stakes scenarios.
“This gem is outstanding. It’s hilarious, kind of tension building, and totally unique. Its absurdity reminds me a bit of Confederacy of Dunces. I love that its read and not acted out by voice actors. It completely adds to its charm.”
ALCoolG74 via Apple Podcasts
Muckey Landing
By Mucked Up Productions
Slice of Life, Comedy; Full Cast; Award-Winning, Americana
Muckey Landing is a comedy fiction podcast set in a small, sleepy Delaware town that’s anything but boring. The show centers around the quirky co-owners of the Muckey Landing Market, Diner, and Hardware Emporium. Through their adventures, listeners are treated to unique local characters and offbeat plotlines—ranging from adopting the world’s ugliest dog to conspiracy theories about chicken nugget plants. With its blend of small-town charm and irreverent wit, the show has drawn comparisons to classics like A Prairie Home Companion and The Jack Benny Show, but with modern twists, including profanity, weed growers, and chaotic hijinks.
Award-winning and critically acclaimed, Muckey Landing taps into regional humor and peculiarities only a true Delawarean would recognize, but its universal comedy appeals to listeners far and wide. Praised for its strong writing, dedicated voice actors, and laugh-out-loud scenarios, the show brings to life a delightfully dysfunctional community.
“The cheerful, goofy, and overzealous characters in this audio drama had me laughing and shaking my head. It’s a fun story that centers around an incredibly small, sleepy town. I liked the premise and the writing very much. It made me want to hear more.”
Potato Lady Bex via Apple Podcasts
Dear Bastard!
By Dear Bastard!
Slice of Life, Comedy; Narrator, Anthology; British
Dear Bastard! is an award-winning scripted narrative comedy that follows the absurdly relatable misadventures of the residents of 17 Chekhov Gardens. Trapped in a never-ending email chain, these five apartments house six very different personalities, each navigating the petty grievances, passive-aggressive exchanges, and bizarre conflicts that arise from communal living.
Praised for its sharp writing, vivid characters, and witty British humor, each episode offers a comedic escape into the joys and horrors of shared space living. Featured on the BBC, “Dear Bastard!” promises laugh-out-loud moments with every listen, making it a must-hear for fans of clever, character-driven comedy.
“Perfectly captures the joys and horrors of neighbourly dynamics and dreaded email chains. So hilarious as a fly on the wall (and so awful when you’re actively involved!) I eagerly await each new episode!”
purpletigeronaswing via Apple Podcasts
Saffron and Peri
By Jenan Al-Dayyen, Sara J. Nelson, and the Rest of Our Wonderful Cast
Fantasy, Comedy, Slice of Life; Cinematic; Fairy Tales
Saffron and Peri is a whimsical fantasy comedy podcast that blends the charm of classic fairy tales with modern-day settings. The series follows the adventures of Saffron, a vivacious fairy godmother, and her best friend Peri, a djinnia who runs the Magic Support Department. Together, they navigate an array of hilarious and unexpected scenarios, from space-faring escapades to quests involving goblins, mermaids, and dragon eggs.
Joined by Tristan, an aspiring godparent, the trio encounters a vibrant cast of characters as they face magical mishaps, academic hijinks, and dangerous yet humorous adventures. With a dynamic, witty script and a lighthearted tone, Saffron and Peri is a fun audio drama packed with humor, mystery, and fantasy. Featuring female leads and an imaginative plot, it’s perfect for listeners of all ages who enjoy a unique mix of office comedy, academia, and magical fantasy.
“Saffron and Peri channels something like The Phantom Tollbooth. It feels modern, but also fantastic and magical. There’s this constant sense of whimsy and fun that sets it apart from a lot of audio dramas out there. Definitely worth a listen, and in the “great for all ages” category!”
CTFlick via Apple Podcasts
The Candyman
By Big Big Big
Crime or Mystery, Classics, Comedy; Full Cast, Cinematic, Spoof/Parody
The Candyman is a darkly comedic, scripted podcast series by Big Big Big that reimagines the classic tale of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Set in 1971, the show investigates the mysterious and unsettling events surrounding a tour of a chocolate factory in Munich, where five children entered but only four left—maimed—and one never emerged. Across six episodes, the show’s three hosts delve into conspiracy theories, interrogate key figures, and reveal the sinister side of Willy Wonka. With inventive sound design, absurdist humor, and surreal twists, The Candyman balances parody with mock true-crime suspense, delivering a unique blend of nostalgia, dark humor, and satire.
“I never knew just how much horror was behind the this absolutely true tale of Charlie, Wonka and that horrific chocolate factory,” says one traumatized listener. Another listener adds that the show “confirms my husband’s theory that something was truly wrong in that factory.”
Prepare for a bizarre and laugh-out-loud investigation into one of childhood’s most beloved stories, with plenty of twists and absurd surprises along the way.
“If you’re reading reviews to see if you should listen….you should listen…stop reading go listen.”
Adam…? via Apple Podcasts
