The 10 Best Podcasts of 2016

The Best Podcasts of 2016

GALLERY: Best Podcasts of 2016: ALL CROPS Image Tout

Podcasts were nothing if not extraordinary in 2016. Celebrities entered – and dominated – the medium, political commentary was more revelant than ever, and the search for facts was a breath of fresh air during a year overcome by "post-truth" news. Ahead, check out EW's list of the 10 Best Podcasts of 2016.

10. Science Vs.Host: Wendy Zukerman

GALLERY: Best Podcasts of 2016: Science Vs.

In a year dominated by fake news and “post-truth” politics, Wendy Zukerman’s work has never been more relevant. The science podcast examines modern fads, in topics ranging from gun control to the G-spot, and pits them against facts supported by rigorous research and interviews with experts. —Cristina Everett

9. Beautiful Stories From Anonymous PeopleHost: Chris Gethard

GALLERY: Best Podcasts of 2016: Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People

An exciting experiment full of hidden gems, the show has only two rules for anonymous callers: The phone line will close after one hour, and Gethard is not allowed to hang up first. What you hear is the host’s uncanny ability to find the extraordinary in ordinary people. —Cristina Everett

8. 2 Dope QueensHosts: Jessica Williams and Phoebe Robinson

GALLERY: Best Podcasts of 2016: 2 Dope Queens

No topic is off-limits for these funny friends who perform in front of a live audience in Brooklyn and share their personal takes on race, sex, life in New York, and random pop culture obsessions like Harry Potter and Bono. —Danielle Jackson

7. The West Wing WeeklyHosts: Joshua Malina and Hrishikesh Hirway

GALLERY: Best Podcasts of 2016: The West Wing Weekly

Name a show and there’s bound to be a handful of podcasts devoted solely to it. But few are cohosted by someone who actually starred on the series. On WWW, Malina — who played Will Bailey on the political drama — breaks down each episode of the Aaron Sorkin series with the help of Hirway, sharing stories from the set while chatting with fellow cast and crew members. —Cristina Everett

6. LoreHost: Aaron Mahnke

Truth can often be much scarier than fiction — something Mahnke proves as he dives deep into the world of folklore and the darker side of history in a quest to root out the fragment of truth at the bottom of our fears. —Nivea Serrao

5. Bitch Sesh: A Real Housewives BreakdownHosts: Casey Wilson and Danielle Schneider

GALLERY: Best Podcasts of 2016: Bitch Sesh: A Real Housewives breakdown

The duo punch up their hysterical recaps of the latest Real Housewives episodes with a wine-induced gossip session that leaves you wanting another round. —Allison Sadlier

4. In the DarkHost: Madeleine Baran

GALLERY: Best Podcasts of 2016: In the Dark

A standout addition to the true-crime wave, Baran and APM Reports examine the 1989 Jacob Wetterling abduction. A suspect confessed as part of a plea deal this year, giving the host’s reporting of the rampant investigative failures and controversial legislation that arose from Jacob’s disappearance added gravitas. —Allison Sadlier

3. Keepin' It 1600Hosts: Jon Favreau, Dan Pfeiffer, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor

The Obama bros take their years with POTUS to the recording studio, where they dissect the biggest political issues and catastrophes with progressive commentary. While they warned against “bed-wetting” in their pre-election coverage, their post–Nov. 8 episodes have been the most illuminating, making this entry a true must-listen in the months to come. —Jessica Goodman

2. My Favorite MurderHosts: Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

GALLERY: Best Podcasts of 2016: My Favorite Murder

It’s not easy to turn an unfunny subject into a hilarious series that tugs at the heartstrings each week. But these comedians, who have developed a following of die-hard fans dubbed “murderinos,” tell tales of cold cases and gruesome killings that leave you questioning why you’re dying to hear more. —Jessica Goodman

1. Anna Faris Is UnqualifiedHost: Anna Faris

GALLERY: Best Podcasts of 2016: Anna Faris is Unqualified podcast ILLO FROM ISSUE 1444/1445 — ILLUSTRATION by LAEMEUR for EW

Celebrities hosting their own podcasts isn't exactly a new concept. However, Anna Faris joined the growing medium and quickly dominated the comedy-podcast charts with her refreshingly candid opinions and self-deprecating conversations with famous friends. What initially began as a show about listeners getting “not-great relationship advice from completely unqualified Hollywood types” has become a modern-day variety show of sorts, with a who’s-who of guests each week (including an occasional cameo by husband Chris Pratt). Faris exudes an infectious charm in awkward bits and far-fetched improv exercises, like when she makes her guests pitch hilariously awful movie remakes to the eccentric studio-head character she’s developed named Karen Sarducci (who is mother to two children named Milo and Ventimiglia). But beyond the funny, it is the window into Faris’ life away from the cameras — and the actress’ knack for making each listener feel like one of her best friends — that gives her podcast such an intimate feel. For someone who doesn’t think she’s skilled enough to dole out sound advice, Faris has proved she’s well worth a weekly standing appointment. —Cristina Everett

Updated by Danielle Jackson,

Jessica Goodman,

and Nivea Serrao