The Golden Globes’ Exciting New Addition: Best Podcast Category
The Golden Globes are breaking new ground this year with a fresh category that reflects modern media consumption: Best Podcast. In an era where many of us find ourselves tuning into podcasts more than chatting with actual humans, this is a much-anticipated move. Gone are the days when we only celebrated movies and television; now, it’s time to recognize the unique storytelling and engaging conversations found in the podcasting world.
And the First-Ever Nominees Are…
The inaugural nominees for the Best Podcast award bring forth a diverse mix of genres and themes:
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Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard – This podcast engages listeners with candid celebrity oversharing, diving into the emotional and often humorous aspects of personal stories.
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Call Her Daddy – A podcast that blends therapy with chaos, delivering insights and laughs through conversations centered on relationships and life experiences.
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Good Hang with Amy Poehler – Here, comedy queen Amy Poehler brings her infectious energy and humor, creating an engaging listening experience that fans adore.
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The Mel Robbins Podcast – Perfect for those battling anxiety, Mel Robbins offers pep talks wrapped in relatable discussions that motivate listeners to tackle their challenges head-on.
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SmartLess – Featuring funny famous personalities, this podcast promises laughter and fascinating insights, making it a favorite for those who enjoy celebrity culture with a humorous twist.
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Up First – This podcast presents the news in digestible bites, perfect for those who like to stay informed while pretending they already knew what was happening in the world.
This eclectic mix of star-studded shows promises an engaging experience, perfect for a backdrop during those mundane chores, like folding laundry or cleaning up around the house.
What’s Missing? 
While the nominees are certainly noteworthy, there’s a notable absence of some of the biggest podcasts out there. The Golden Globes opted for a more light-hearted approach, avoiding politically charged or divisive content. Some missing titans include:
- Joe Rogan
- Megyn Kelly
- Tucker Carlson
- Ben Shapiro
- Candace Owens
- Pod Save America
- Even popular true crime series like Morbid and Rotten Mango didn’t make the cut.
It seems that the Globes are steering clear of anything that might stir up controversy—basically, if a podcast can ignite heated debates over dinner, it’s not making the list.
As one media expert noted, the Globes desire a “non-controversial, feel-good show.” Good luck with that in today’s ever-connected online world.
The Podcast Rules You Didn’t Ask For
For a podcast to be eligible for a Golden Globe nomination, it must meet several specific criteria:
- Release 6 or more episodes between January 1 and September 30, 2025.
- Each episode must be a minimum of 30 minutes in length.
- Content has to be original, so sorry to creators reading Reddit posts aloud—this isn’t your moment!
Keeping these rules in mind, it’s clear that the Globes are aiming to celebrate genuine creativity and engaging storytelling in the podcast space.
The Awards Ceremony
The award for Best Podcast will be revealed on January 11, hosted by the fabulously funny Nikki Glaser. Expect her sharp wit to shine through as she navigates the evening, hopefully steering clear of any controversies that could lead to another round of public outrage.
The Golden Globes are trying to resonate with a younger, podcast-loving audience while simultaneously maintaining a curated, pleasant atmosphere—no easy task in our digital age.
In summary, the addition of a Best Podcast category represents a significant shift for the Golden Globes, signaling an acknowledgment of the cultural importance of podcasts today. While they attempt to balance the fun with a minimal amount of drama, it’s clear that the internet will always be buzzing with opinions—no matter how lighthearted the award show aims to be. So as we gear up for the ceremony, we’ll be eagerly tuning in, uncertain of what will unfold in this new chapter for the Globes.
