10 Podcasts That Are Addictively Funny
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As we await the follow-up to Serial's game-changing first season (your move, Koenig), we've been getting into podcasts with a considerably lighter vibe. Existing somewhere between the classic standbys — think Fresh Air — and emotionally charged storytelling — think This American Life — comedic podcasts are essentially the anti-Serial. They don't indulge in the grim rehashing of tragedy and instead speak to the very human desire to laugh.
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Another Round
Another Round is the recent side-splitting brainchild of BuzzFeed writers Heben Nigatu and Tracy Clayton. Each episode, the two seamlessly engage with their guests on everything from microaggressions in the workplace to their unwavering disdain for squirrels. Recurring segments include "Drunken Debates" and “Is This the Name of a White Dude in Public Radio or Just Some Syllables I Mashed Together?”
Recommended episode: "A Dude Named Hot Sauce."
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Gilmore Guys
Last year brought us both the addition of the beloved Gilmore Girls to Netflix and the ingenious creation of Gilmore Guys. In it, Kevin Porter, a longtime fan of the show, and newbie Demi Adejuyigbe meticulously discuss every episode from the pilot onwards. The guys rate each episode, partake in recurring discussions about Lorelai and Rory's fashion choices and, most importantly, transport us back to Stars Hollow.
Recommended episode: "Raincoats and Recipes"
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The Read
On The Read, hosts Kid Fury and Crissle West unabashedly takedown mainstream moguls — Beyoncé being the exception, naturally — and illuminate the overall absurdity of our current pop culture landscape. The podcast's namesake comes from each episode's final segment, wherein the two "read" (i.e. chastise) offenders of the previous week, like anyone from Rachel Dolezal to surly Best Buy employees.
Recommended episode: "Drunk for Drake"
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How Did This Get Made?
Have you ever been watching a movie so unfathomably bad you are practically forced to ask yourself, "How did this even get made?" In their podcast, Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas unpack that precise question. Every episode, the three comedians look at a uniquely bad movie and gleefully hone in on all the specific dialogues, scenes, and edits that make it so.
Recommended episode: "Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 2"
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WTF With Marc Maron
Started in 2009, comedian Marc Maron's podcast relies upon his real and approachable take on the traditional interview format. Albeit obvious, Maron is at his best when speaking with fellow comedic performers and writers. His interview with President Obama is also worth a listen.
Recommended episode: "Judd Apatow"
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Doug Loves Movies
Taped in front of a live audience at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in Los Angeles, Doug Loves Movies allows comedian Doug Benson to discuss famous flicks with other outspoken comics who may or may not share his same opinions. Recurring segments include "How Much Did This Sh*t Make?" and the cleverly titled "Now Buscemi Now You Don't."
Recommended episode: "Tig Notaro, Sarah Silverman, Nikki Glaser and Amy Schumer"
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Stuff You Should Know
Started in 2008, Stuff You Should Know is an offshoot of the HowStuffWorks site, and shares the site's similar goal of breaking down simple concepts for an adult audience. Hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant add to the straightforward format with their witty, pun-ridden banter.
Recommended episode: "Mosquitos: The Worst"
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Comedy Bang! Bang!
Hosted by comedic multihyphenate Scott Aukerman, Comedy Bang! Bang! is like a talk show gone wrong. Aukerman's celebrity guests are frequently asked to freestyle rap, solve riddles, and play word association games. The podcast's success has even led to a television spinoff on IFC.
Recommended episode: "The Pepper Men"
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By the Way, in Conversation With Jeff Garlin
You probably know Jeff Garlin from his Emmy award-winning role as Jeff Greene, Larry David's affable sidekick on Curb Your Enthusiasm. In his podcast, Garlin invites his celebrity guests to partake in wandering, informal conversations which inevitably lead to unexpected and hilarious anecdotes. While his episode featuring Lena Dunham is great, nothing beats the palpable chemistry between Garlin and Larry David in the podcast's debut episode.
Recommended episode: "Larry David"
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Pop Culture Happy Hour
From NPR regular Linda Holmes, Pop Culture Happy Hour is a roundtable discussion about recent films, shows, music, and anything else circulating the public consciousness. Each week, Holmes and her crew of cohosts navigate through pop culture in a sharp, savvy, and ultimately fun way.
Recommended episode: "Gone Girl and Things We've Learned From Pop Culture"