Apple Podcasts Names Hysterical the 2024 Show of the Year

Hysterical the series for its groundbreaking storytelling and innovation in podcasting is named by Apple Podcasts 2024 Show of the Year. This seven-part investigative series, produced by Wondery and Audacy’s Pineapple Street Studios, delves into a mysterious illness that struck a group of high school girls in upstate New York.

Debuted in July 2024, Hysterical quickly captivated listeners, reaching No. 1 on Apple Podcasts’ Top Shows chart. It also secured a spot as the ninth most popular new show of 2024 by the end of the year, that is a testament to its compelling narrative and widespread acclaim from fans.

The Inspiration Behind Hysterical

While following news about “Havana syndrome” Host Dan Taberski was drawn to this story, a perplexing illness reported among diplomats and CIA agents worldwide. Their condition sparked heated debates and speculation, with some suggesting it was caused by a microwave weapon. The reports brought to Taberski’s mind a separate case from several years earlier, wherein high school girls in Le Roy, New York, experienced unexplained symptoms.

Taberski thought “What if it’s a hysterical illness?”. The parallels between these two seemingly unrelated groups. One a cluster of high school students and another, seasoned government officials. It offered a unique opportunity to explore how psychological phenomena could affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or environment.

“A lot of people were afraid to ask, ‘What if it’s all in your head?‘” Taberski explained, reflecting on the Havana syndrome coverage. “The media was hesitant to explore that angle. Pairing that with the Le Roy story allowed us to examine the stigma around psychological conditions and how these events can reveal something deeper about human behavior”.

Praise for Hysterical

Praises pour in for Taberski’s approach. Jenna Weiss-Berman, Executive Vice President of Podcasts at Audacy, called him a pioneer in the medium: “Dan taps into the zeitgeist with humor, insight, and a breezy style that keeps listeners hooked. Hysterical is him at the peak of his game”.

Marshall Lewy, Chief Content Officer at Wondery, adds, “Dan is a masterful storyteller with a gift for pulling audiences into complex, real-world mysteries. His ability to ask the right questions and present stories with curiosity and nuance sets him apart. Hysterical is a perfect example of his talent—it’s an immersive journey that stays with you long after you’ve finished listening”.

Behind the Scenes with Dan Taberski

Taberski in a special Creator Conversation shared how he approaches storytelling and collaboration. Conversation is now available on Apple Podcasts:

• Finding the Right Story: “For me, it’s all about the questions. If a story raises more questions the longer I think about it, I know it’s worth pursuing. If I’m still confused or curious after spending time on it, that’s a good sign—it means there’s a lot to explore. I want listeners to feel that curiosity too, to wrestle with the questions as much as I do”.
• Working with a Team: “I’ve been lucky to work with a consistent group of collaborators over the years. Having a team that challenges and interrogates ideas with you is a huge part of the creative process. Podcasting is still relatively new, and there’s a lot we’re figuring out as we go. That shared discovery keeps it exciting.”
• Embracing the Process: “Part of the fun is not having all the answers right away. There’s something fresh about figuring it out as you go. Instead of getting overwhelmed, I’ve learned to enjoy that struggle—it’s what makes creating a limited series so rewarding.”

Also Read: Billie Eilish Named Apple Music Artist of the Year

A Milestone for Apple Podcasts

To celebrate and highlight narrative storytelling Apple Podcasts has also introduced new features. These include a Top Series chart, a new Series category, and Series Essentials, a feature that spotlights one outstanding series each month.

All episodes of Hysterical are available now on Apple Podcasts, with ad-free episodes accessible through Wondery+.

Heather Norton, a representative for Apple, emphasizes the importance of this recognition of Hysterical: “The Apple Podcasts Show of the Year award celebrates creators who push boundaries and redefine the art of podcasting. Hysterical exemplifies that spirit with its bold storytelling and deep exploration of complex topics”.

For Taberski and his team, this award reflects on the power of podcasting to tell meaningful stories. “Podcasting is about connection”, Taberski said. “It’s about asking questions, sharing ideas, and engaging with listeners in a way that’s intimate and thought-provoking. I’m thrilled that Hysterical has resonated with so many people and grateful to Apple Podcasts for this incredible honor”.

With its mix of compelling narrative, meticulous investigation, and emotional depth, Hysterical stands as a testament to what podcasting can achieve. It’s no surprise it earned the title of Show of the Year.

Source – Apple Newsroom – Newsroom – Apple