Reviews

Fantastic, gut-wrenching podcast about love, grief, and building a better future. Finished it 26/01/2025

such a sweet show! a slice-of-life, absurd & surreal comedy-drama about an alternative reality Boston. lots of fun characters, though the sheer number of them can get a little confusing sometimes, especially later in the show. it's about how they all relate, the selves they used to be/are/want to be, how good intentions balance with help and harm. it's got a lot of great queer rep, the writing is really good, the sound design and music are great, it's quite funny, voice actors are wonderful, just a lot of heart in it. I really enjoy how they peppered the lil snippets from interviews with actual Boston residents throughout, usually in ways that were related to the themes of what was goin on in the episode. the only thing that kept me from absolutely loving it (would rate 4.5 if i could), is that it often seems a little lost. It meanders a fair bit, and toward the 4th season they start experimenting with some trippier elements, usually involving lots of voices and space/time jumps, where often the sound design was just kinda confusing and broke immersion for me. And the sheer number of characters they tried to jam in towards the ending... would've work better for me if they focused in more deeply on some of the main ones instead of what felt like spreading things a little thin across the cast. definitely recommend if you wanna listen to something light and full of heart that will put a smile on your face! i love Guy and Marlowww <3

This podcast hits all of the marks: writing, imaginative story lines, acting, production, and it makes me homesick for a town I once called home.

Novelistic. Conisdered. Smart. Greater Boston is a great joy to listen to; it has an easy, deliberate pace, a magic realist tone, and an arch, wry wittiness that projects a wounded but warm heart. I'm excited to see where this show goes next.

Surreal and lovely and sort of impossible to describe.

Go listen to Episode 1 and tell me you're not all mad at them for making something this good. Seriously, f*ck these people for being so talented, and also for not including me on their "What People are Saying" section of their website. Greater Boston is what I always wished Prairie Home Companion could have been.

But I seriously cannot stand the lip smacking that Leon’s sister does when she monologues. I’m trying to get thru it lol. But oh lord. Smack smack smack. Really wish stuff like that didn’t irritate me so much! But other than that, it’s a great podcast. Thanks for making it! And Leon’s sister: you’re great- the problem is me, not you. Your acting is 🏆. ❤️

This podcast is severely underrated. It is in the ranks of Wolf 359 in terms of acting, storytelling, weaving details beautifully throughout the series, and turning an absurd concept into something truly emotional and moving. This will go on my roster to regularly relisten. Truly a beautiful story.

One of few stories to ever make me fear the death of a character

Absurd in the best ways possible, this show is mostly about community and the effects, knowingly and unknowingly, people have on each other's lives. Some great and fun stylistic storytelling, including: letters, recordings, Google calendars, monologues, narration, and real-world interviews. Weaves together the storylines of several distinct characters and makes them and their dynamics interesting and memorable. Not exclusively a comedy, but one of the funniest podcasts I've listened to. Balances humor (ex. a kidnapping scene in which the kidnappers, victim, and a ghost argue over how to pluralize 'hippopotamus') and emotional storylines (dealing with grief and systemic racism).

This is a full-cast comedy/drama about community and interpersonal connection, how someone's actions, however small or seemingly inconsequential, influence other's lives. In the first episode, this is illustrated by two Sasquatch hunters mistaking the other person for a Sasquatch and is also exemplified through the line, "Hell is a city without her citizens." A series of events following one man's death leads to a train line becoming a city. This story also explores grief, how corporations gain control through political interference, and recovery. Blends stylistic storytelling, including: letters, recordings, Google calendars, monologues, narration, and real-world interviews. Weaves together the storylines of several distinct characters and makes them and their dynamics interesting and memorable.

Best quirkiness in a storyline, supreme overall voice acting, perfect sound design (ex:the vacuum tube and stress squeezies), writing wizardry. AND new season coming soon!!! Take the time to catch up now!

It's a fun podcast with a surreal and deeply engaging plot.

Gorgeously written, thought provoking, poignant without ever being heavy-handed. Even within such a busy universe as that upon the red-line, this podcast always pauses to dwell on the mundanity of humanity and I just really love that. Really well rounded characters that are allowed to be messy (but are still loved) and a satisfying story that never holds back. So excited for more!

The masterful use of language really serves the world building. It makes you want to learn more about the characters and environment. Highly engaging.

The spirit of Lemony Snicket is alive and well in this show with its colorful characters, crazy misadventures, and interesting locations. I cannot recommend it enough.

Greater Boston has made me laugh. It's made me cry (like really cry on the MBTA in front of strangers). This show has some of the most gorgeous writing and stunning storytelling. It's a masterclass in character development and careful plotting. I cannot recommend it enough.

I came across this podcast, not knowing what to expect. Unique storytelling. It’s a treat!

I can’t express the amount of emotions Greater Boston makes me feel as I listen. The comedy is amazing and hits you like a Red Line so you can’t stop yourself from letting out a loud chuckle. The dripping emotion that can bring tears to my eyes and make me relate to the characters. The story is equally chaotic and interesting, but it gives Greater Boston its charm. Thank you for this phenomenal podcast!

Greater Boston is a really wonderful, immersive and emotionally engaging show. The Watch Factory is one of the most brilliant pieces of audio drama I can think of!

The production value of this show is insane. Some of the best acting in the game, high on the list of the many audio dramas I’ve heard. Consistently thoughtful at every step, the definition of detailed writing. Criminally underrated.

I have been beyond sad and scared for this country and the direction it has been seeming to drive relentlessly toward- the exact opposite of all that our forefathers prayed we would rise to. Listening to this has given me hope, that we must persevere even when it seems that the cards are forever stacked against us. This is not just a story for me. Thank you and please keep up this wonderful work.

I started listening three weeks ago and am already caught up! I didn't realize how engrossing this would be. What a fun and weirdly hyperlocal story. I think the themes are universal enough you don't need to be from Boston or Metrowest to enjoy it

I had this recommended to me a ton before I picked it up, and while I’m now a subscriber, I do think it has its issues. I love many of the stories and characters, but I feel like absurdism of the plot elements sometimes distracts from my ability to invest emotionally. If you’re down for something a little weirder, I would definitely try Greater Boston out, but you definitely need to give it room to be what it is, for which reason it’s not always my precise cup of tea.