Adapt to survive 📺
Five podcast-to-TV retellings that actually worked
Often when we’re thinking about pitching a podcast or starting work on a new audio project, we spend time with the question: why should this exist in audio? What is it about this story that makes it especially suited to this medium?
But then … there’s the allure of the silver screen. Television retellings of podcasts present a big opportunity for audio makers and production shops. And while some stories probably should have stayed as podcasts only, some adaptations have shown creativity and imagination. Here are a handful that I thought worked particularly well…
Dirty JohnÂ
I enjoyed this perfectly watchable adaptation of the LA Times podcast — great acting from Connie Britton and Eric Bana.
HomecomingÂ
Star power and a singular visual style made this adaptation really come alive, but I still preferred the podcast from Gimlet, which remains one of the few nonfiction shows that really grabbed me.
The Ricky Gervais Show
Okay, I’m going waaay back in time for this one. The animation brought this early talk show from Ricky Gervais to life — I’d love to see more animated podcasts.
Modern Love
This adaptation of the long-running New York Times show was a bit hit and miss, but the great episodes made up for the duds. Particularly liked the ones starring Anne Hathaway and Minnie Driver.
The Shrink Next Door
Excellent acting and a quirky feel carry this adaptation of the Wondry podcast.
What podcast-to-TV adaptations do you think worked? And what missed the mark? Let me know in the comments.
Events and trainingÂ
🌻 The Arts Hour on tour from the BBC World Service ~ New York on 9 March; Seattle on 12 March; and Los Angeles on 15 MarchÂ
🌻 Acast Amplifier ~ podcast incubator programme for UK-based applicants ~ deadline 14 MarchÂ
🌻 Storytelling for Podcasts ~ Montana Media Lab workshop with Lacy Roberts ~ begins 15 MarchÂ
🌻IFC AudioDocs ~ 22-26 May ~ Cardiff, Wales
JobsÂ
😻 Producer ~ Transmitter ~ New York
😻 News Reporter ~ KYUK ~ Bethel, AKÂ
😻 Climate Reporter ~ Maine Public ~ Portland, ME
😻 Digital Reporter ~ WBEZ ~ Chicago, ILÂ
What I’m listening to
I treasure the voice notes my friends send me — so it was a delight to discover that eavesdropping on someone else’s could be just as special. And eavesdropping really is what this episode of The 11th feels like — you’re invited into one couple’s love story as they navigate an unconventional relationship, parenting, and what it means to exist in a Black body. The blend of voice memos, love letters, VO and gentle scoring is really a beautiful thing. It’s also encouraging to me that stuff like this is getting made – stuff that can’t be elevator-pitched… is beyond easy categorisation.
The second season of Blind Landing, the documentary podcast about elite sports, was released recently, and delves into the world of figure skating. Next issue I’ll be featuring an interview with Blind Landing creator and editor Ari Saperstein — so check out the show if you haven’t already!
Thanks for reading folks. If you enjoyed the newsletter, share with a friend or colleague — it’s how I get the word out 💌