It’s not every day you come across a podcast that has been captivating audiences for 14 years, especially within the realm of fiction. Welcome to Night Vale stands out as possibly the longest-running fiction podcast in existence. Although some might argue that We’re Alive holds that title, it’s worth noting that it has experienced several lengthy breaks between its seasons. The intriguing world of Night Vale, a mysterious desert town, unfolds over 12 seasons with more than 280 episodes, complemented by three novels and a series of over 10 live standalone performances. While investing hundreds of hours to catch up might seem daunting, listeners often find themselves enthralled once they start.

The creative minds behind the show, Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor, draw significant inspiration from the eerie works of H.P. Lovecraft. Each season follows its own storyline, but the overarching narrative revolves around a town residing in an alternate version of Earth. In this bizarre town, angels exist but discussing them is a crime, librarians are monstrous beings with “thousands of spiny legs” and “pincers,” and a Faceless Old Woman secretly resides in your home.

Although these concepts might sound eerie at first glance, Fink and Cranor embrace the inherent absurdity of cosmic horror without taking themselves too seriously. They skillfully twist the bigoted themes of their inspiration, using Lovecraftian elements to craft stories that celebrate LGBTQ+ characters.

While gripping scripts and an engaging storyline are crucial, what truly elevates Welcome to Night Vale is its remarkable cast, particularly narrator Cecil Baldwin. As the voice behind radio host Cecil Palmer, Baldwin brings a depth of gravitas to tales of clandestine government operations and ancient deities. His dynamic range also allows him to engage in playful conversations with a sentient mist named Deb, for those curious.

Cecil Baldwin’s charisma is such that he can transform even the mundane reading of a toaster repair manual into something captivating. His talent shines through as he seamlessly shifts from eerie to humorous to soothing, often within a single episode. (As a side note, listening to Night Vale at night might lead to unexpected dreams, as Baldwin’s soothing tones have lulled listeners to sleep before plunging them into unsettling dreamscapes.)

Each episode also treats listeners to a musical segment known as “The Weather,” showcasing a variety of artists. While it often highlights lesser-known talents, past guests have included such names as Jason Isbell, The Mountain Goats, Waxahatchee, Angel Olsen, Open Mike Eagle, and Sylvan Esso.

Welcome to Night Vale is also a great way to introduce younger listeners to horror. I would never suggest my eight-year-old read H.P. Lovecraft. Partly because the man’s unrepentant racism is baked into the very fabric of his stories, but also because the violence is often too much for children. Night Vale, on the other hand, takes those horrors and exposes them for what they are: entertainment. I can put the podcast on, bond with my kid over their burgeoning love of all things creepy and weird, and trust that they’ll walk away with a good message.

Welcome to Night Vale is available on most podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Pocketcasts, YouTube, and Spotify.