Introduction: A New Category, But at What Cost?
As the Golden Globes prepare to include a Best Podcast category for the first time in their illustrious history, one could argue this is a well-deserved recognition for a medium that has fundamentally altered content consumption. However, the execution raises significant questions about the true intentions behind this addition.
Conflicting Awards and Unclear Metrics
The nominees for this inaugural award are Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, Call Her Daddy, Good Hang with Amy Poehler, The Mel Robbins Podcast, SmartLess, and NPR's Up First. While these shows represent a spectrum of popular types, there lies an inherent absurdity in comparing formats that differ drastically in intent and structure.
How does a quick news recap like Up First stack up against a freewheeling chat like SmartLess?
This Award is About Relevance, Not Recognition
As pointed out, this addition seems more like a desperate grasp for relevance in a rapidly changing media landscape. The Golden Globes have historically been an event dominated by star power, and pulling podcasts into their orbit may trivialize the true artistry found in this medium.
The selection process appears convoluted, as the nominated shows were chosen based on metrics from the entertainment analytics company Luminate, which simultaneously raises eyebrows about transparency and the impact of celebrity influence over genuine artistic merit.
The Dangers of Oversimplifying Podcasting
Moreover, treating podcasting as a monolithic entity threatens to undermine its diversity. The current nominees gloss over the rich offerings of narrative podcasts, which are perhaps the most artistic and ambitious examples in the medium. This side of podcasting has produced acclaimed shows like Homecoming and Dr. Death, which blur the lines between audio storytelling and visual media.
By sidelining these genre-defining works, the Golden Globes risk reinforcing outdated paradigms of entertainment valuation.
The Need for Nuanced Understanding
I argue that if the Golden Globes aim to take podcasting seriously, they must first treat it with the nuance it deserves. It's not merely an extension of traditional media but an evolving industry that encompasses everything from investigative journalism to scripted fiction.
Establishing Proper Categories
The solution lies in categorizing podcasts the way Hollywood treats films and television. Recognizing distinct genres such as documentary, narrative fiction, and interview shows wouldn't merely fragment the field but instead give it meaningful shape. It's a basic acknowledgment that podcasting is multifaceted and that the industry has grown far more complex than mere chat shows.
What Can Be Done?
The Golden Globes have never dictated cultural standards but have marked critical moments in entertainment history. Acknowledgment of podcasting on such a sizeable platform is significant, but if the ceremony intends for this category to endure, it needs serious introspection. Remember the diversity flap of 2023? The Golden Globes have shown they can take corrective action; they need to do this again for Podcasting.
As we seek a cultural understanding of storytelling that includes various forms, let's challenge mainstream comedic narratives. Many podcasts contain groundbreaking journalism and unique stories waiting for their moment in the limelight. Until then, we must be engaged in this conversation—wherever it takes us.
Source reference: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/11/opinion/culture/golden-globes-best-podcast.html
