Citation: Fink, J. & Cranor, J. [Writers]. (2012—present). Welcome to Night Vale [Audio podcasts]. Night Vale Presents. https://open.spotify.com/show/0s6Wc5qf8SIvCtKZNC6N7s
Content Warning: Unreality, death, violence. Warning varies by episode, but unreality is consistent.
Enter the desert town of Night Vale with the gentle voice of radio host Cecil Palmer, as he updates you on the strange goings on of Night Vale. Get the latest updates on the dog park, Old Lady Josie and her angels, the Sheriff’s secret police, and the weather.
As a foundational fiction podcast, Welcome to Night Vale (WTNV) is hard not to recommend. Though there are overarching plot lines and recurring characters, it being based on a radio show means that it is designed for sporadic listening. The idiosyncrasies of Night Vale, Cecil, and all the other characters may have a steep learning curve, especially given the podcast starts in medias reas upon Carlos’s arrival in town, but its balance of absurd comedy and abject horror keep listeners coming back for more.
Check out our other review of Welcome to Night Vale.
WTNV also has novels based within the universe of Night Vale: Welcome to Night Vale (2017), It Devours! (2019), and The Faceless Old Woman Who Secretly Lives in Your Home (2020).
Due to its length, new listeners may prefer the starter guide before embracing the 200+ episodes. Transcripts are available on the Night Vale Presents site.