10 Shocking Podcasts That Inspired Hit TV Shows

This captivating narrative follows Debra Newell, a successful interior designer who falls for the charming John Meehan. Their whirlwind romance spirals into a complex web of deception, manipulation, and family discord. Reported and hosted by Christopher Goffard from the L.A. Times, "Dirty John" is a chilling exploration of trust gone awry. With an average rating of 4.5, this podcast gripped listeners before spinning off into a dramatic series adaptation.

A blend of horror and deep psychological intrigue, "Archive 81" is a fiction podcast that delves into the darker aspects of urban life and the subconscious. With new episodes released every other Wednesday, it captures the listener's imagination and has received a strong average rating of 4.4. The podcast's eerie themes and compelling storytelling naturally lend themselves to a visual format, making it a popular choice for adaptation.

Exploring issues of power and control, veteran journalist Joe Nocera recounts his unusual relationship with his neighbor, Ike, a therapist with a seemingly idyllic life filled with celebrity clientele. This unsettling narrative culminates in a shocking twist that redefines Nocera’s understanding of his neighbor and leads to a hit Apple TV+ series featuring Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd. With an average rating of 4.5, it captures a whirlwind of emotions in its storytelling.

Delving into the shadowy world of military psychology and the potential consequences of experimental programs, "Homecoming" weaves a narrative that blurs the lines between recovery and manipulation. With an impressive average rating of 4.5, this podcast has enthralled audiences, leading to its adaptation into a well-received television series.

Hosted by Laura Beil, "Dr. Death" exposes the horrifying reality of medical malpractice through the chilling tales of a charismatic yet deadly surgeon. With multiple seasons exploring various cases, this podcast's gripping narrative has earned it a consistent average rating of 4.5. It raises crucial questions about trust in the medical field and inspired an intense television adaptation that holds viewers captive.

A captivating exploration of dark historical tales, "Lore" blends myth and real-life events, revealing the eerie corners of history that are often overlooked. With an average rating of 4.5, it has won numerous accolades, including adaptations into both a television series and a book, validating the podcast's immense storytelling prowess.

In a gripping narrative, "Limetown" revisits a mystery that has haunted a small Tennessee town for years—the disappearance of over three hundred residents. This compelling podcast, with an average rating of 4.5, combines investigative reporting and suspenseful storytelling, leading to an enthralling series adaptation that captures the essence of intrigue and abandonment.

Payne Lindsey leads listeners through chilling cold cases in "Up and Vanished," exploring the mysterious disappearances that baffle investigators. This podcast covers multiple seasons, each uncovering layers of mystery that resonate deeply with true crime enthusiasts. Maintaining an average rating of 4.5, its gripping accounts have found a natural fit on television.

The saga of Elizabeth Holmes and her fraudulent company Theranos is both astonishing and cautionary. "The Dropout" dissects the rise and fall of Holmes, from her initial ambitions to her criminal charges, delivering an in-depth look at a narrative filled with intrigue and deception. With an average rating of 4.5, this podcast became a powerful source for a captivating television series that explores ambition's darker sides.

"WeCrashed" chronicles the meteoric rise and subsequent fall of WeWork, a company that was once valued at $47 billion. Through the charismatic yet controversial leadership of Adam Neumann, this podcast analyzes how ambition can lead to both innovation and ruin. Rising to an average rating of 4.4, it successfully transitioned into a series that remarkably portrays the highs and lows of startup culture.