Game of Thrones is by far the most popular TV show on the planet with the final season probably being on the short-list of most anticipated TV shows in history. It should come as no surprise Game of Thrones podcasts have skyrocketed in popularity with the show. Between the quality of the TV show, and the world George RR Martin built with the A Song of Ice and Fire (for real, George, how long until The Winds of Winter?) series, there’s tremendous depth and analysis to be done.
And how can I forget all the Game of Thrones theories?! Not since Lost — and probably not ever, really — has a universe been so expansive and complex that has the ability to lend itself to such scrutinization and theorizing.
This is the area Game of Thrones podcasts thrive. Any specific TV show podcast can summarize and review the latest episode, only Game of Thrones podcasts can discuss frame by frame analysis and debate the potential meaning of a random object or sentence. Since our beloved show is wrapping up and likely to become more conversation-worthy and dense, I thought there’s no better time than to take a look at the Game of Thrones podcast landscape.
Related reading: Binge Mode: The most audacious Game of Thrones podcast
Binge Mode is an absolutely fantastic Game of Thrones podcast chronicling and deep-diving every episode. It was launched after the original creation of this list but is definitely worth including with the update. I originally wrote I wasn’t sure how the format could succeed, it seemed like too much content in too little time. However, for my money hosts Mallory and Jason might have the perfect blend of Game of Thrones / A Song of Ice and Fire knowledge combined with the the entertainment and articulation that you need when it comes to breaking down complex theories and motivations.
I also got the chance to speak with the then-producer of Binge Mode, Zach Mack, about their grueling recording schedule and the massive undertaking it took to create a podcast episode for every Game of Thrones episode and release them in six weeks.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher
As I was developing this list, it was a no-brainer who should be near the top. The Game of Owns hosts produce an excellent podcast and provide some amazing analysis on both the books and the TV show. When the show is not in season they keep their listeners up to date on the current news and make sure to give adequate spoiler warnings — an important thing in this community.
They also slow burn through the books and analyze chapters and hidden meaning for you book readers.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher
You know those friends or coworkers who just know EVERYTHING about Game of Thrones? That’s Not A Podcast co-host Jeff, better known around the internet as BryndenBFish. BryndenBFish knows so much about GoT and ASOIAF there was speculation that he actually was George RR Martin. Jeff is joined by co-host, Emmett, who is also better known as PoorQuentyn. Together, they are a formidable duo who likely know more about the greater ASOIAF world than any other pair.
Not A Podcast goes chapter by chapter sifting through the dense material to discuss the plot, characters, foreshadowing, and more.
If you’re interested in the motivations, allegiances, and history among the characters in Game of Thrones that cause them to act the way they do, this is a podcast for you.
Listen: Apple Podcasts
Radio Westeros is one of those excellent Game of Thrones podcasts that does deep-dive analysis on a specific topic or person. So if you’re interested in the origins of Petyr Baelish and why he acts in the slimy manner he does, this is a podcast you should add to your queue.
A definite fan favorite among the Reddit and Twitter communities, Radio Westeros is a great addition if you just can’t get enough.
Listen: Apple Podcasts
A Cast of Kings is the first podcast on this list specifically dedicated to the show universe rather than adding in some book context. So if you’re a show-only person, take notice. A relative newcomer to the Game of Thrones podcasts scene, A Cast of Kings analyzes individual episodes on their merit and theorize what’s to come.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher
Like Game of Thrones so much you have no issues with potential spoilers and speculation? Storm of Spoilers is for you. When the show is in season, the hosts take their collective book knowledge and speculate on the future of certain characters or plot lines.
When Game of Thrones isn’t in season, however, Storm of Spoilers talks about other shows and movies in the nerdom including American Gods, the Alien franchise, and more.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher
You know how some readers can be a bit pretentious and close their eyes as they say “well, the book was better”? Game of Thrones isn’t quite that but it does feature a book reader and show-only watcher discussing their thoughts on Game of Thrones.
The two different views do provide an interesting perspective as they undoubtedly develop different opinions on certain characters and events after first experiencing them through different mediums and with more (or less) context.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher
Self-described as “the third greatest Game of Thrones podcast”, I feel bad putting them seventh on my list. Boars, Gore, and Swords hosts Ivan and Red might have the best chemistry of any hosting pair on this list and if the podcast name gives any indication, they inject a specific brand of comedy into their episodes.
Like others on this list, when Game of Thrones isn’t in season they talk about other TV shows you might be interested in like Westworld and American Gods.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher
Another podcast dedicated specifically to the TV show, Game of Thrones: The Podcast only produces podcasts while the show is in session. When it is in season, however, this podcast provides excellent analysis and is quite funny.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher
Davos Fingers is decidedly book oriented. Each episode hosts Matt, Scaddy, and Brooke discuss a few chapters of ASOIAF. They describe their podcast as “nerding out about [the chapters] on pop-culture-infused, irreverent, relaxed-yet-hopefully-insightful podcast.”
If this sounds like your type of podcast, give them a listen!
Listen: Apple Podcasts
Heralded as the “longest running podcast” about Game of Thrones and A Song of Ice and Fire, A Podcast of Ice and Fire was started in 2008 because the hosts couldn’t wait until the next book (editor note: sigh). Part comedy, part analysis, hosts Mimi, Ashley, Amin, and Kyle created an excellently-produced podcast for show watchers and book readers alike.
Listen: Apple Podcasts
Maester Monthly was a new podcast entry for season seven of Game of Thrones. Though it’s relatively new, it doesn’t lack any nerdy star power — it’s brought to you by the moderators of the A Song of Ice and Fire sub-Reddit. These are some of the most knowledgeable people when it comes to understanding the vast universe George RR Martin has created.
Listen: Apple Podcasts
History of Westeros was one I mistakenly left off the first rendition of this list and was (rightfully) called out for its omission. As I’ve mentioned, and you’ve undoubtedly noticed yourself, A Song of Ice and Fire author George RR Martin has created an impressively large universe complete with its own history. The History of Westeros podcast approaches the Game of Thrones podcast landscape with a unique angle — becoming the History Channel version of GoT.
If you’re looking for more than just a recap or analysis of the latest episode, and would prefer to understand the historical precedent of actions, characters, places, etc, this is the podcast for you.
Listen: Apple Podcasts
The Coffee Klatch Crew reviews several popular TV shows, they’re not specific to Game of Thrones. That said, their GoT podcast does provide some interesting insight that you might not find elsewhere. They’ll give you a sneak peak behind the scenes, uncover alternate storylines, and even get some of the cast and crew as coveted interviews.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher
Oysters, Clams, & Cockles is another relative newcomer to the Game of Thrones podcast arena. They started recording for season six and host a weekly recap for every episode. They also take listener phone calls and emails to crowdsource peoples opinions, theories, and predictions.
Listen: Apple Podcasts
Game of Microphones, Take the Black, Brotherhood Without Manners, A Pod of Casts, Behind the Iron Throne, Bend the Knee, Shat on TV, Hardcore Game of Thrones, and Podcast Winterfell.
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