The Golden Globes, Hollywood’s famously unpredictable awards show, is cranking up the volume for its 83rd ceremony by introducing a brand-new category: Best Podcast. For the first time in the event’s storied history, podcasts will stand alongside films and television, marking a seismic shift in how the entertainment industry recognizes storytelling and influence. The announcement, made in early October 2025, has already sent ripples across the media landscape, sparking debate, excitement, and more than a little controversy.
According to PopViewers.com, the Golden Globes’ expansion into audio is a direct acknowledgment of podcasting’s “depth, diversity, and creativity.” Helen Hoehne, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, described the inaugural lineup as proof that the medium has truly arrived. “By adding this category, we are recognizing that podcasts have become one of the most influential forms of media,” Hoehne said, underscoring the growing cultural power of audio content.
The inaugural Best Podcast award will debut at the 83rd Golden Globes ceremony, scheduled for January 11, 2026. Twenty-five shows are eligible for the new honor, a list that reads like a who’s who of the podcasting world. Heavy hitters such as The Joe Rogan Experience, Call Her Daddy, Dateline NBC, Crime Junkie, The Megyn Kelly Show, and The Tucker Carlson Show are all in contention, alongside genre-spanning offerings like Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, Stuff You Should Know, Pod Save America, and The Daily from The New York Times.
The full roster is as eclectic as it is impressive, featuring investigative journalism, comedy banter, motivational talks, and political commentary. The nominees include 20/20 (ABC News), 48 Hours (CBS News), Good Hang with Amy Poehler, Morbid, MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories, Pardon My Take, Rotten Mango, Shawn Ryan Show, SmartLess, The Ben Shapiro Show, The Bill Simmons Podcast, This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, and Up First (NPR). It’s a testament to the genre’s explosive growth and the diverse tastes of modern listeners.
But with recognition comes controversy. The announcement has already sparked heated debate within the podcasting community and beyond. As reported by PopViewers.com, some podcasters and fans see the new category as overdue validation for a medium that dominates daily listening habits. Others, however, argue that the selection process is skewed toward high-profile, celebrity-driven, or corporate-backed shows—leaving less space for independent creators who often push boundaries and innovate with smaller but fiercely loyal audiences.
The inclusion of polarizing personalities has only fueled the discussion. Joe Rogan, whose show is among the world’s most downloaded, brings undeniable influence but also regular criticism for his approach to controversial topics and misinformation. Megyn Kelly, with her sharp political commentary, draws both devoted followers and passionate detractors. Tucker Carlson, perhaps the most divisive figure in the lineup, guarantees attention—and plenty of questions about how the Globes will define “best” in such a varied and contentious field.
Transparency in the selection process has also come under scrutiny. According to PopViewers.com, the eligibility vetting was overseen by Luminate, a data firm connected to PMC, which owns several media outlets covering the Golden Globes. Some insiders have reportedly labeled the process “a racket,” raising concerns that business interests could influence which shows rise to the top. For many in the industry, the lack of clear criteria or insight into how the initial 25 were chosen leaves room for skepticism.
Despite the controversies, there’s no denying the significance of the moment. The Golden Globes have long been Hollywood’s most freewheeling party, where stars mingle, champagne flows, and surprises abound. By pulling podcasts onto the same stage as Oscar contenders and Emmy hopefuls, the Globes are sending a clear message: audio is no longer the scrappy underdog of entertainment. It’s front and center in Hollywood’s awards conversation, shaping public discourse and commanding massive audiences.
The road to the trophy, however, is just beginning. In December 2025, the field will narrow from 25 to six official nominees. The winner will be crowned at the January ceremony, in what promises to be a closely watched—and hotly debated—moment for the entire medium. Will the first Golden Globe for podcasts go to a stalwart of news and investigative reporting, a comedy juggernaut, or one of the polarizing political firebrands? The answer will say as much about the state of podcasting as it does about the evolving tastes of both listeners and the entertainment establishment.
Industry observers are watching closely to see whether the Globes’ move will inspire other major awards shows to follow suit. There’s speculation that the Emmys or even the Oscars could eventually carve out their own space for audio storytelling, especially as the lines between media formats continue to blur. For now, though, the Golden Globes have staked their claim as the first major Hollywood institution to give podcasts a seat at the table.
For independent creators, the moment is bittersweet. While the category’s existence is a win for the medium, the dominance of already-famous personalities and corporate brands raises questions about access and representation. “It’s great to see podcasts finally recognized, but I wish there were more room for voices outside the mainstream,” one industry insider told PopViewers.com. That sentiment echoes across social media, where fans and creators alike are celebrating the milestone while pushing for greater inclusivity in future years.
As the January 11 ceremony approaches, anticipation is building—not just for the red-carpet glamour, but for the chance to see which show will make history as the first-ever Golden Globe-winning podcast. One thing is certain: the medium has arrived, and it’s not going anywhere. Whether you’re tuning in for true crime, comedy, politics, or something in between, the world of podcasting just got a little louder—and a lot more glamorous.
When the envelope is finally opened, it won’t just be a win for one show. It will be a milestone for an entire industry, signaling that the age of audio has truly come of age in Hollywood.
