Reviews
Rate ShowReally great audio drama
Whether you live in Boston or have never seen it in person, this podcast is a joy. The characters are quirky in all the best ways, and the plots of the episodes are always clever. As a long-time resident of Boston (but not a native Bostonian), I appreciate the cultural references to various sites around town (including all the T stations), but it's not a requirement to enjoy the show.
- JenLovesBugs
- March 13, 2018
Humanity
Greater Boston does such a fantastic job of giving a voice to the everyday people of Greater Boston and does it in such a way that we all feel like we could be from there!
- Gabriel.Re
- Feb. 8, 2018
Unique
The world of audio drama is filled with the unique, but with Greater Boston the name fits the bill. From the first episode, it weaves perfectly between comedy, drama, adventure, political intrigue, and, oddly enough, the supernatural. Great storytelling and great voice acting.
- Mr_Nobody137
- Jan. 22, 2018
Mandatory audio drama listening
Greater Boston is a landmark in audio drama writing and production. The show dares to be strange, nonlinear, and whimsical. The production is beautiful and doesn't rely too much on dialogue to set the scene. This podcast balances humor and drama perfectly with topical themes but a good dose of silliness. When I think of podcasts I could recommend to just about anyone, Greater Boston is always near the top of the list.
- Wil | Podcast Problems
- Dec. 23, 2017
Unusual, refreshing texture
This show has such a strong voice. There's nothing else in my queue that sounds like it. I love it!
- Sassquachcomics
- Dec. 23, 2017
Great, different podcast that takes advantage of the medium
Greater Boston didn't start off as my favorite audio drama. The pilot is three seemingly separate (but interesting) monologues, but with each episode characters intertwine, and monologues become dialogues, weaving a tapestry of interconnected people in a semi-fantastical Boston. Writing and acting are top notch, and they're the best I know at painting pictures that evoke a feeling. A lot of audio dramas seem like TV show wannabes, but you can't imagine Greater Boston as anything but a great podcast.
- Great discussions about film
- Dec. 22, 2017
Hilarious!
I love this show. So much. It's so wacky and zany, but at the same time, seems so natural and real to me. The writing is absolutely beautiful, and as the show progresses it explores themes related to current events in a very digestible and sensitive way. I blasted through 22 episodes in a few days, and enjoyed every second of it.
- Jikker-jack
- Dec. 12, 2017
Indiscribable and amazing
There's no way to describe this podcast to other people in a way that makes sense. The best I've come up with is that it's about a dead guy, an astrology magazine, and a city on a train. While this is technically correct, this doesn't begin to encompass the rich interlocking stories of the characters who live in Greater Boston and try to live their everyday lives while making complex moral decisions, navigating interpersonal conflicts, and getting swept up in the madness that is the City of Red Line. Greater Boston has created in me a strong desire to visit the actual city of Boston, but I know that the reality of the city can never match the fantastic sense of atmosphere and community that's omnipresent in this podcast. Greater Boston has so much character, and it's a joy to listen to.
- Hydrangea72
- Dec. 3, 2017
My kind of weird.
I put off listening for a long time because I had NO idea what to expect. I still didn't after the first couple of episodes. Then I listented to a bunch in one day and the characters quirks, the city's character, the passion, it all came together to be the podcast that I didnt even know I needed!
- Desdymona
- Dec. 1, 2017
What a fun show
The best! I love how so many different plots tie together and make a tapestry of miscommunication and confusion, while capturing the atmosphere of Boston and of people just trying to accomplish things in life. Truly excellent
- OswinTheHuman
- Nov. 27, 2017
Delightfully weird
I have no idea how to describe Greater Boston, but it's certainly drawn me in. The writing is extremely tight with new connections constantly surfacing between the characters, and the voice acting performances are strong across the board. As for the plot, it is strange even for an audio drama. But they make it work.
- Nacomstock
- Nov. 4, 2017
- Mcsween1288
- Sept. 25, 2017
In a class of its own
How did they come up with this? Greater Boston stands out among a lot of audio drama podcasts. It's such a weird idea, but so well assembled. There is a very specific world to Greater Boston and every time I listen to an episode (I don't binge, I dip back in every now and then) I am completely immersed. The music, the concept, and of course the technical aspects are all top notch. What I find truly great about it is that you can't get a story like this anywhere else. Greater Boston is WHY the podcast medium is exceptional.
- Weebo Mantoukas
- Sept. 17, 2017
I love this podcast
This is absolutely the best fictional podcast out there right now. It's magical storytelling and sound design draw you in. I can't even express how much I love this story and the characters and just the world that the writers have created. If you haven't listened to Greater Boston yet, why not?
- takeintime
- July 15, 2017
Excellent Storytelling
The best way I can describe this podcast is that it is so good, I'm considering becoming a Red Sox fan...I've been a Cubs fan since I was 10.
- micwhit38
- May 16, 2017
Novelistic, considered, 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 protects a wounded but warm heart. It's the most novelistic piece of audio fiction in podcast-land these days; the characters' stories intertwine in a way that feels just right for the tone.
Season One takes a few episodes to find its footing, as the show tries to figure out how to make best use of the medium, but swiftly embarks on a heartfelt exploration of the lives of half a dozen Greater Boston residents. Season Two is even better, exploring the ramifications of a fantastical referendum that recalls the uncomfortable history of segregation and white flight. It's all handled with delicacy, wit, and unbelievably creative Bostonian profanity. I'm excited to see where this show goes next.
- IcarusFloats
- April 28, 2017
So great! So interesting!
Top notch production work and sound quality. Very engaging, creative and just overall well done! Thanks for giving me something to look forward to on my Boston commutes!
Andre (Large Marge Sent Us podcast)
- Andredumas14
- March 17, 2017
A little bit The Moth, a little bit This American Life and a whole lot of Magical Realism
This show is unlike any other show you are listening to today. From the poetry of its monologues, the blend of magical realism to ability to deeply and surprisingly affect you emotionally. The show is way better than the show you are currently listening to. Don't believe me? I dare you to listen to Greater Boston. During your commute, while you're in the doctors waiting room, DMV, or avoiding your loveless relationship.
The new season is here and I've been looking forward to hearing my friends again. The Mayor, Gemma, Mallory, Nice, Leon, Extinction Event, Tyrell and Michael... I don't have A favorite. I have favorites.
- Dirtydirty76
- Jan. 24, 2017
Intriguing
One of the favorites in my rotation—a unique entry in the audio drama scene, and is absolutely stunning. Lots of wonderful characters and stories weaving in and around each other; the writing is rich, patient, and curious; and of course a proposal for a subway line to become its own city would happen in Boston, that's just the kind of city it is. One of my first picks when I recommend shows to people, looking forward to its future!
- g2 (lpi)
- Dec. 7, 2016
In a class of its own
This is a wonderful time audio drama, as there are so many incredibly creative shows out there. Greater Boston is in a class of its own. The world they've created is so specific and elaborate, yet full of whimsy and hidden surprises that it feels at times like one of the great American seriocomic novels, like The World According to Garp or A Confederacy of Dunces. But don't let the high literary praise put you off, the show is totally accessible, and comfortable - like your favorite pair of shoes. If you don't immediately "get it", I'd recommend giving it a few episodes and just enjoying the oddball characters and clever dialogue - I suspect you'll find that like any good novel, it will start to draw you in, revealing only a bit of its design at a time. And once you're in - wow.
- CaptainFootnotes
- Nov. 23, 2016
surrealism at its finest
human stories, amazing storytelling, and one of my favorite cities. what's not to like?
- jrsvmcl
- Nov. 16, 2016
Wonderful show
If the audiodrama medium interests you, there's no better place to start than Greater Boston, which combines wit and humor and pathos and heart in a magic realist story that goes in many weird and interesting directions. I can't wait for more.
- Yay Daniel Barron
- Nov. 2, 2016