Podcast and Chill: How Podcasts Are Becoming Central in TV Shows and Movies

Podcast and Chill: How Podcasts Are Becoming Central in TV Shows and Movies

Podcasts have transformed from a niche hobby to a cultural phenomenon in just a few years. What started as an underground movement, dominated by DIY creators and passionate storytellers, has now gone mainstream, with millions of shows covering every imaginable topic. Major platforms like Spotify, SiriusXM, and Amazon are investing heavily in exclusive podcast content, while creators have built loyal fanbases across the world.

It’s no surprise that Hollywood and streaming platforms have taken notice, with podcasts now playing a central role in major TV shows and movies. In fact, the trend first garnered attention back in 2020 according to Deadline. . Netflix’s newest show "Nobody Wants This", featuring Kristen Bell as a podcaster on the verge of being acquired by Spotify, is just the latest example of this growing trend. But how did podcasts move from the earbuds of listeners to the screens of millions?

---

The Plot of Nobody Wants This: A Podcast at the Heart of the Drama

In Netflix's Nobody Wants This, Kristen Bell plays a thriving podcast who hosts a show with her sister where they discuss their every day lives, mostly on the topic of relationships and sex. Their show has attracted the attention of Spotify for a major acquisition deal.

It's probably no coincidence that Kristin's real life husband, Dax Shepard, already has a podcast that was scooped up by Spotify. Although it has since signed an advertising and distribution deal with Amazon's Wondery in 2024.

The nice part about this show, is that Kristin's character's work on the podcast isn't seen as some sort of punchline, but serious business that provides for the character, her sister, their producer, and what seems like a fairly lavish lifestyle in the show. It's refreshing how seriously the writers have taken it as opposed to many others who just like to joke about too many people having podcasts.

By focusing on a podcaster at the height of her career, the show shines a spotlight on the podcasting world in a way we haven’t seen before. It also offers a glimpse into the high-stakes environment of content creation and platform exclusivity—something many real-life creators can relate to.

---

Podcasts Becoming Plot Devices in TV Shows and Movies

  • Nobody Wants This isn't an isolated example of podcasts playing a key role in entertainment. As podcasting continues to rise in popularity, more shows and movies are incorporating podcasters and the culture around podcasting into their stories. Here are a few notable examples:

  • Only Murders in the Building: One of the most popular examples, Only Murders in the Building on Hulu stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez as three true crime-obsessed neighbors who launch their own podcast to investigate a murder in their apartment building. The podcast becomes a key element of the plot, driving the trio’s amateur detective work and adding a meta layer to the show’s murder-mystery structure.

  • Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery: In Glass Onion, the character of Whiskey, played by Madelyn Cline, is a social media influencer and podcaster who provides a window into the world of modern celebrity. Though podcasting isn't the primary focus, its presence in a blockbuster movie underscores the medium’s relevance in pop culture.

  • A Good Person: Zach Braff’s A Good Person introduces a character who hosts a podcast as part of their storyline, underscoring how podcasts are increasingly becoming a natural and relatable part of fictional characters’ lives. This show was supposed to be loosely based on the life of Startup Podcast original host, Alex Blumberg.

  • Homecoming and Dirty John: These two successful TV shows are direct adaptations of popular podcasts, showing how audio storytelling has become so compelling that it’s now fueling some of the most talked-about series in recent years.

     

That's just a short sample. Much has been written about podcasts being adapted to the screen. Popular media publication ScreenRant, published their list of the 10 best shows based on podcasts last year.

---

Why Are Podcasts So Appealing to Hollywood?

The growing presence of podcasts in TV shows and films isn’t just a passing trend—it speaks to something deeper about how people consume and create media today.

1. Authentic Storytelling:

At their core, podcasts represent a raw, authentic form of storytelling. Unlike highly produced TV shows or movies, podcasts often feature unfiltered conversations, personal reflections, and unscripted moments that feel real. This authenticity resonates with audiences and is something Hollywood is eager to tap into.

2. The Power of the Creator Economy:

The rise of podcasting mirrors the larger creator economy, where individual voices and small teams are able to produce and distribute content on a massive scale. Podcasters build loyal communities, much like influencers or YouTubers, making them appealing characters for modern TV shows and films. Hollywood recognizes this, using podcasting as a way to explore stories of creativity, entrepreneurship, and the challenges of content creation.

3. Podcasting as a Cultural Touchstone:

Podcasts have become cultural touchpoints for many different communities. True crime, comedy, tech, and personal development are just a few of the podcast genres that have exploded in popularity. As a result, they offer endless opportunities for TV writers and filmmakers to tap into a medium that millions of people already know and love.

---

How Podcasts are Shaping the Future of Entertainment

The intertwining of podcasts and mainstream media signals an exciting shift in how content is consumed and created. Just as books, comics, and video games have inspired major movies and shows, podcasts are now becoming rich sources for adaptation. We can expect more shows and films to either feature podcasters as central characters or use podcasts as a platform to launch new franchises.

Beyond serving as inspiration for TV and movies, podcasts also offer unique opportunities for cross-promotion. A growing trend is for shows to launch their own companion podcasts, offering behind-the-scenes insights, interviews, and extended content for superfans. This deepens the audience's connection to a show and expands its universe beyond the screen.

---

The Opportunity for Aspiring Podcasters

For those looking to break into the podcasting space, this convergence of media is a golden opportunity. Podcasts are no longer just a hobby—they are a legitimate pathway to creative success and mainstream recognition. Whether you're aiming to land a deal with a major platform or simply grow your listener base, now is the time to start building your brand.

The rise of podcasts in mainstream media is just the beginning. As creators continue to push the boundaries of what podcasts can do, and as Hollywood draws more inspiration from this vibrant medium, we’ll see even more creative, hybrid storytelling unfold.

Whether you’re a listener, a creator, or an aspiring podcaster, there’s never been a more exciting time to be part of the podcasting revolution. So, what’s stopping you? Start your podcast journey today—and who knows, maybe your story will be the next one adapted for the big screen!

Back to blog