The DC Universe is an exciting place, filled with adventures in comics, television, movies, toys…and narrative podcasts. Yes, in the past few years, DC has expanded their universe into the world of audio, introducing some bold new takes on their characters and telling stories that wouldn’t have been possible—or at least, would be markedly different—if told through other mediums.
Of course, the best part about podcasts is that you can listen to them almost anywhere. Are you going for a long run? Take the Dark Knight with you. Are you stuck in traffic? Harley Quinn will make rush hour seem like a breeze.
DC currently has five narrative podcasts available, with more on the way. But if you’re not sure which one to sample first, don’t worry. We’ve broken down DC’s still-growing family of podcasts to help you decide where to dive in.
Batman: The Audio Adventures
The Story: Despite what its title may suggest, Batman: The Audio Adventures doesn’t focus on one character, but all the citizens of Gotham, from the Dark Knight himself to the most random of civilians. Collectively, it tells the story of a city that’s every bit as alive and strange as its most famous residents. We hear the Dark Knight trying to redeem his friend-turned-enemy Harvey Dent. We witness the new-and-unusual partnership between Catwoman and Vicki Vale. We also get plenty of fun slice of life bits from random Gothamites…and some truly chilling moments with the Joker.
The Cast: A stunning all-star cast! Jeffrey Wright as Batman, Brett Spiner as the Joker, Rosario Dawson as Catwoman, Ike Barinholtz as Two-Face, John Leguizamo as the Riddler…and many, many, MANY more! If you’re looking for a star-studded production, this is the podcast for you.
Where You Can Find It: Spotify, Max, iHeart, YouTube and Apple Podcasts
For Fans Of: If you love Batman: The Animated Series, this podcast has a similar vibe. From Batman’s characterization, to the energy of his rogues gallery, to the feel of Gotham itself. This is also the most substantial of DC’s podcasts, at least so far, with two seasons comprising a total of twenty episodes. So, if you’re looking for something you can really spend some time with, start here.
You Will Love: Blabbo the Birthday Clown is one of the greatest surprises of the podcast. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a birthday clown in a city that’s regularly terrorized by the Joker? Blabbo’s story will touch your heart, and his commercial jingle will stay in your head for weeks.
Batman Unburied
The Story: Bruce Wayne is a forensic pathologist who becomes obsessed with uncovering the identity of a serial killer known as the Harvester. His parents—yes, they’re still alive—are concerned about his obsession, but he finds an eager assistant in a young medical student named Kell. As you can see, this version of Gotham isn’t quite like the one we know. However, there may be far more to Bruce and his situation than meets the eye.
The Cast: Winston Duke as Bruce Wayne, Hasan Minhaj as the Riddler, Gina Rodriguez as Barbara Gordon and the late, great Lance Reddick as Thomas Wayne.
Where You Can Find It: Spotify
For Fans Of: Are you someone who binges true crime documentaries? If so, Batman Unburied is for you. The David S. Goyer-scripted story isn’t afraid to get brutal, and the series spends a lot of time leaning into the psychology behind serial killers.
You Will Love: I don’t want to give away too much, but I will tease that Barbara Gordon teams up with the Riddler and their interactions are beyond entertaining.
Harley Quinn and the Joker: Sound Mind
The Story: Dr. Harleen Quinzel has begun treating patients at Arkham Asylum, including the mysterious “Patient J.” As their sessions continue, it appears that Harleen might be breaking some ethics rules…with truly twisted results. This story takes heavy inspiration from Harley’s comic book origin Mad Love, while bringing a new spin to the familiar tale.
The Cast: Christina Ricci as Dr. Harleen Quinzel, Billy Magnussen as the Joker, Justin Hartley as Bruce Wayne and Amy Sedaris as Aunt Rose.
Where You Can Find It: Spotify
For Fans Of: If you’re a fan of Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn or Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker, Harley Quinn and the Joker: Sound Mind has a similar vibe. It deconstructs both characters, while staying true to their roots and presenting them in a more adult-oriented story written by Eli Horowitz, the cowriter of the acclaimed podcast Homecoming.
You Will Love: Christina Ricci might not seem like an obvious choice for Harley Quinn, but she proves to be an excellent one. Her performance goes in a different direction than what we’re used to from Arleen Sorkin, Tara Strong and Kaley Cuoco, but it’s no less entertaining. Ricci gives Harleen an intensity that that will send chills down your spine.
The Flash: Escape the Midnight Circus
The Story: When Iris and Barry’s relationship falls apart, the Scarlet Speedster decides to go back in time to patch things up. Of course, this never goes right for the Flash, and this time is no exception. Barry winds up powerless, stuck in an alternate dimension alongside one of his biggest enemies and forced to participate in a mysterious tournament called the Midnight Circus.
Where You Can Find It: Spotify and Apple Podcasts
For Fans Of: If you love life-or-death tournament stories like Squid Game or The Hunger Games, this podcast will scratch your itch. The Flash: Escape the Midnight Circus combines all the drama and suspense of deathmatch competitions with blockbuster superhero action.
You Will Love: The stakes in the Midnight Circus may be life or death, but the tone of this relatively brief podcast is surprisingly lighthearted. The banter is great, the dialogue is snappy and it’s hard not to smile as you listen to Barry fall into one predicament after another.
The Riddler: Secrets in the Dark
The Story: A new serial killer is terrorizing Gotham’s super-villains and Edward Nygma is determined to solve the mystery in DC’s newest narrative podcast. The Riddler soon finds himself working with an unlikely partner—Batman, who must team up with his frequent adversary to clear his name of the killings.
The Cast: Hasan Minhaj as the Riddler, Colman Domingo as Batman, Gina Rodriguez as Barbara Gordon and Jason Isaacs as Alfred Pennyworth.
Where You Can Find It: Spotify
For Fans Of: If you’re a lover of crime noir stories or gritty mysteries, give this podcast a spin. The Riddler: Secrets in the Dark is a true psychological thriller that will disturb you in all the right ways.
You Will Love: This is a sequel of sorts to Batman Unburied, and it successfully recaptures the winning formula of that series. Hasan Minhaj’s Riddler was a standout in Unburied, and now as the central character, he really gets to expand the role, finding new pathos within the tormented villain.
Joshua Lapin-Bertone writes about TV, movies and comics for DC.com, is a regular contributor to the Couch Club and writes our monthly Batman column, "Gotham Gazette." Follow him on Twitter at @TBUJosh.
NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in this feature are solely those of Joshua Lapin-Bertone and do not necessarily reflect those of DC Entertainment or Warner Bros., nor should they be read as confirmation or denial of future DC plans.
