
Listen—a funny podcast is great under the best of circumstances. But when I'm feeling anxious or depressed, there's nothing that can make me feel better. Considering how long this year's been, a comedy podcast (opens in new tab) can be like a supportive friend that I turn on and off as I please. Think of this list as the exact opposite of podcasts you use to dive into serious subjects like politics and true crime (although true crime podcasts can be funny—see below). These binge-able shows are light, fluffy, and so sweet that they're the perfect relief from whatever you're dealing with.
Anna Faris Is Unqualified
Anna Faris is not qualified to give anyone advice about important things like life and love—at least, she doesn't think she is. In spite of that disclosure, Anna does give life advice (mixed in with a lot of comedy, of course) in her podcast, and plenty of it is actually pretty darn good.
listen (opens in new tab)
My Brother, My Brother, and Me
Anna Faris isn't the only podcaster doling out comically bad advice. The McElroy brothers, Justin, Travis, and Griffin, have been at the questionable advice paired with hilarious tangents game since 2010 and they're still going strong. Bonus: With such a huge back catalog, this is one you can truly binge if the urge strikes (which it will).
listen (opens in new tab)
A Very Fatal Murder
True crime is popular across all forms of media, but it reigns supreme in the podcast world. This made the genre a natural target for satire. Enter A Very Fatal Murder, a scripted true crime parody podcast from the people at The Onion.
listen (opens in new tab)
Terrible, Thanks for Asking
Sometimes humor is the only way through heartache. Host Nora McInerny, who lost her father, husband, and unborn child in the span of a single month, is well-versed in tragedy. On the podcast, she talks to a range of guests about their own experiences of grief and loss. The raw, honest conversations aren't the makings of broad comedy, of course, but they do often find their way to a uniting, empathetic kind of humor that we can all connect with.
listen (opens in new tab)
With Special Guest Lauren Lapkus
Comedian Lauren Lapkus (Orange Is the New Black, Crashing) turns the typical podcast format on its head by putting her weekly guests in the role of host and taking on interviewee duties herself—as a character chosen by her guest host.
listen (opens in new tab)
How Did This Get Made?
This is the podcast that started it for me—and it's probably the most well-known on this list. "How Did This Get Made" is an infamous terrible-movie-review podcast; Jason, Paul, and June have perfect chemistry, and they tend to be funniest when they focus on "bonkers" crazy movies like Face/Off and Con Air. It's light, bubbly, and perfect.
listen (opens in new tab)
Sooo Many White Guys
Phoebe Robinson is a delight, and her conversations aren't just funny, but honest and enlightening too. Her guests range from Reese Witherspoon to Trevor Noah to Adam Scott (their token white guy of the season!), and Phoebe's a terrific interviewer. If you like 2 Dope Queens (opens in new tab)—so, if you're a human person—you'll love this too, as it's a spinoff.
listen (opens in new tab)
The Rewatchables
The Rewatchables is all about movies we love to binge-watch, with a fresh perspective. It's broken out into categories, from "Who won the movie?" to "Half-assed Internet research." The banter between Bill Simmons and his coworkers puts an entertaining new spin on classics like Mean Girls and Pretty Woman.
listen (opens in new tab)
My Favorite Murder
You wouldn't think that a true crime podcast would actually be funny (and there are plenty of great true crime podcasts (opens in new tab) if you're into that sort of thing). But there's a funny, conversational vibe between Karen and Georgia, who are huuuuge true crime fans. They really embrace the interest between them and their "Murderinos." Just watch for triggers like murder and assault, if you need to.
listen (opens in new tab)
Why Won't You Date Me? With Nicole Byer
God, I love Nicole Byer so much. In this podcast, she's super-frank about singlehood and sex, she brings on funny guests to talk about their relationships, and the subjects range from porn to polyamory. You think it's not possible to love her more and then she says something else.
listen (opens in new tab)
Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness
If you've never watched Van Ness' "Gay of Thrones (opens in new tab)" series, stop reading this, go watch it, and come back. Now, take that level of hilarious energy and just apply it to cool topics like trans siblings, eating disorders, sunscreen, and even things like marginalization and climate change. Somehow, he makes every single thing enjoyable and totally relatable.
listen (opens in new tab)
You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes
There are a ton of podcasts hosted by comedians, including popular ones like Marc Maron (opens in new tab) and Bill Burr (opens in new tab). But Pete Holmes is so goofy, sweet, and innocent that he's a breath of fresh air. He cares deeply about his interviewees, and can and sometimes does talk for HOURS on end. The subjects can take a serious turn without getting too sappy or melodramatic.
listen (opens in new tab)
My Dad Wrote a Porno
Listen, I know everyone knows about this one by now thanks to their HBO special, but going through each episode in sequence is an awkward, squeamish trip. I can BARELY listen to this with my husband. We have to keep pausing to giggle/pretend to vomit/shriek at the terrible writing. It's like no other podcast, but it's amazing.
listen (opens in new tab)
The Baby-Sitters Club Mystery Club
Two grown men go through each book in The Baby-Sitters Club series in sequence. That's it, that's the whole podcast. But it's even funnier than it sounds. It's satirical, sure, but they end up having so much enthusiastic fun that it's clear they're as obsessed with the series as I was as a dorky tween.
listen (opens in new tab)
Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend
This isn't your talk-show-host Conan charming guests and making G-rated jokes. He goes FULL SNARK on this podcast, and it's so refreshing for both him and us. He has a number of comedians on, too, and their back-and-forth is instantly entertaining.
listen (opens in new tab)
Comedy Bang Bang
It's a little like the classic NPR "Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me! (opens in new tab)" (which is also hilarious) but with a looser, more modern feel. The show's a combination of interviews, sketches, games, and randomness. The show's been on for 10 YEARS including its time on the radio. My favorite episodes are based on the most talented guests—check out the eps with Paul F. Tompkins and Jason Mantzoukas.
listen (opens in new tab)
Best Friends With Nicole Byer & Sasheer Zamata
It's the second time Nicole shows up on this list! The two have the best chemistry, and they bring on lovely (often female) guests. It's like having coffee with two incredible girlfriends who also happen to be the funniest people you've ever met at the same time.
listen (opens in new tab)
Bitch Sesh: A Real Housewives Breakdown
I kind of held out on listening to this one because I don't watch any of the Real Housewives shows, but learn from my mistake. Casey and Danielle are hilarious, and you don't need to have any context on the shows to still laugh along with their commentary and ridiculous non-sequiturs.
listen (opens in new tab)
No Such Thing as a Fish
The British researchers behind the BBC game show QI come together to talk about the most interesting, weird, quirky facts that they discovered this week in their research. I'm somewhat on a news blackout so that I can preserve my sanity, but this kind of weird, quirky information is perfectly safe and enjoyable for me.
listen (opens in new tab)
Ask Me Another
It's like a light night interview, a musical variety show, and Jeopardy all in one, with a little randomness thrown in there just to keep things fun. This podcast sets itself apart with particularly smart guests and mature topics, without being too heavy.
listen (opens in new tab)
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
SUBSCRIBE HERE (opens in new tab)
Katherine’s a Boston-based contributor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle—from “Clueless” to Everlane to news about Lizzo. She’s been a freelancer for 11 years and has had roles with Cosmopolitan and Bustle, with bylines in Parents, Seventeen, and elsewhere. It’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.
-
I Tested the Oura Ring Fitness Tracker Jennifer Aniston Loves—It Knew I Was Getting Sick Before I Did
Learn more about yourself by simply slipping on a ring.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Pearls Are Back for 2023—But These Aren't Your Grandmother's Pearls
Classic, contemporary, and everything in between.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
Meghan Markle Made $80K Per Year With The Tig, But Could Make Much More With a Relaunch: Branding Expert
It could be a smart business move for the duchess.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The 56 Best Musical Movies of All Time: Iconic Movie Musicals
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
By Amanda Mitchell
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy
-
29 Nude Movies With Porn-Level Nudity
All the nudity of porn, but with the plot and storylines of mainstream film.
By Kayleigh Roberts
-
The Cast of 'The Crown' Season 5: Your Guide
The Mountbatten-Windsors have been recast—again.
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Hasnat Khan, Princess Diana’s Boyfriend on Season 5 of ‘The Crown’?
Di’s friends have said she referred to the doctor as “the love of her life.”
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Penelope "Penny" Knatchbull?
She and Prince Philip strike up an unlikely friendship throughout the fifth season of 'The Crown.'
By Andrea Park
-
'The Crown' Season 5: Everything We Know
The bombshell fifth season just dropped on Netflix.
By Andrea Park
-
90 Halloween Costume Ideas Inspired By Movies and TV Shows
Most of these Halloween costumes double as stylish additions to your closet.
By Brooke Knappenberger