45 Best British Literature Podcasts to Listen to (2026)

All About Agatha is a podcast all about, well, Agatha. Agatha Christie, of course: the Queen of Crime, a real-life Dame of the British Empire, and author of sixty-six mystery novels that spanned the Twentieth Century, defining a genre. For five years, Catherine Brobeck and Kemper Donovan revisited these novels in publication order, ranking them according to pre-set criteria (plot, character, etc.). Tragically, Catherine Brobeck passed away at the end of 2021. She will be forever missed. Since then, Kemper has completed the podcast's ranking project, and continues to celebrate the greatness of Christie by attempting to solve the ultimate mystery where she is concerned. Why Christie--and Christie alone--endures as powerfully as she does. more

Home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare materials. Advancing knowledge and the arts. Discover it all at www.folger.edu. Shakespeare turns up in the most interesting places—not just literature and the stage, but science and social history as well. Our 'Shakespeare Unlimited' podcast explores the fascinating and varied connections between Shakespeare, his works, and the world around us. more

The Thing About Austen is a podcast about Jane Austen's world — the people, objects, and culture that shape Austen's fiction. Come for the historical context and stay for the literary shenanigans. Think of us as your somewhat cheeky tour guides to the life and times of Jane Austen. more

Discussing his works chapter-by-chapter and interviewing Lewis experts.

The Play's the Thing is the ultimate podcast resource for lovers of Shakespeare. Dedicating six episodes to each play (one per act, plus a Q&A episode), this podcast explores the themes, scenes, characters, and lines that make Shakespeare so memorable. In the end, we will cover every play The Bard wrote, thus permitting an ongoing contemplation and celebration of the most important writer of all time. Join us.The Play's the Thing is presented by The CiRCE Podcast Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

The show dedicated to revealing the plays of William Shakespeare as tasty entertainment for today's hungry audience. Be you actor or observer, this show offers a fresh look at some very old goods. more

Becca has read all of Jane Austen's work. Molly literally does not know who Mrs. Bennet is. Together, they venture into Austen's world of romance, biting satire, and class struggles. Like Austen? Interested in a modern take? This is the podcast for you! Produced by Molly Burdick Audio production by Graham Cook Show art by Torrence Browne Transcriptions provided by SpeechDocs www.podandprejudice.com contact: ****@gmail.com more

A weekly podcast now exploring Shakespeare's Othello. Every episode covers approximately 40 lines of the play - two episodes per week, until we finish sometime in 2027! more

It's like Fresh Air for Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts. This interview show sits at the intersection of Sherlock Holmes and popular culture and covers authors, playwrights, actors, Sherlockians, and Sherlock Holmes societies around the world. Airs on the 15th and 30th of every month. more

Ellen and Harriet are a mother and daughter who have been talking about Jane Austen together since Harriet was first old enough to read her. In this podcast, we will be doing a close reading of the books.In each episode, we will look at a few chapters. As well as talking about anything that strikes us in the chapters, we will also pick a favourite sentence, have a discussion about one of the characters, and then Ellen will give a social historian perspective about some element of the nineteenth century that seems pertinent, and Harriet will talk about the chapters in pop culture adaptations of the book. more

Was the name signed to the world's most famous plays and poems a pseudonym? Was the man from Stratford that history attributed the work to even capable of writing them? Join Theatrical Actor/Writer/Director and Shakespeare connoisseur Steven Sabel as he welcomes a variety of guests to explore literary history's greatest mystery… Who was the writer behind the pen name 'William Shakespeare?'Part of the Dragon Wagon Radio independent podcast network. more

Where rhyme gets its reason! In a historical survey of English literature, I take a personal and philosophical approach to the major texts of the tradition in order to not only situate the poems, prose, and plays in their own contexts, but also to show their relevance to our own. This show is for the general listener: as a teacher of high school literature and philosophy, I am less than a scholar but more than a buff. I hope to edify and entertain! more

If you've ever felt like you're not 'allowed' to like Jane Austen whether because her work is too white, too academic, or too straight we've been there. And this podcast is for you. Each episode, we tackle a new piece of the Austen canon to give you the historical context of each work, draw connections to pop culture, and discover new ways of interpreting old texts. There's something in Jane Austen's novels for everyone. Whether you're a long-time Austen devotee or have never read a word of her writing, we hope you'll join us in Reclaiming Jane. more

Brush up your Shakespeare with co-hosts Charlotte Ahlin and Danielle Cohn as we read and review every single play the Bard ever wrote. more

Sex. Drugs. Rock 'n' Roll. Agatha Christie?? Agatha Christie may not be the first person you think of when you think of the Swinging Sixties, but her writing has much to say about the big topics of the day. Join Dr Mark Aldridge and Gray Robert Brown on a rad journey through time with the Queen of Crime. more

What the Austen? is a cosy podcast hosted by Izzy Meakin, exploring the wit, charm, and quirks of Jane Austen's novels through lively conversations with fellow enthusiasts. We embrace the full spectrum of the Austen fandom and hope this podcast will help deepen your love for her timeless tales. On YouTube and all podcasting platforms. @whattheausten more

The PG Wodehouse Society (UK) brings you The World of Wodehouse Podcasts, marking the 50th anniversary of the death of PG Wodehouse. The Society has invited Patrons and other celebrated fans of the great humourist to discuss why they love his work and to share favourite passages.With grateful thanks to our wonderful contributors:Sir Stephen FryLynne TrussBen EltonNigel ReesSimon BrettLucy TregearNeil PearsonMartin JarvisFollow the Society's news on social media:FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/groups/pgwodehouseukInstagram https://www@pgwsocietyukThreads https://www.threads.net/@pgwsocietyukBluesky https://bsky.app/profile/pgwsocietyuk.bsky.socialSound Editor: Adrian Gordon www.cuttingmustard.comArtwork: Jonathan MorganCopyright ©The PG Wodehouse Society (UK) except where otherwise indicated. more

Shakespeare Anyone? is co-hosted by Elyse Sharp and Kourtney Smith, two professional actors and hobbyist Shakespeare scholars. Join us as we explore Shakepeare's plays through as many lenses as we can by looking at the text and how the text is viewed through modern lenses of feminism, racism, classism, colonialism, nationalism… all the-isms. We will discuss how his plays shaped both the past and present, and look at how his work was performed throughout various periods of time all while trying our best to approach his works without giving in to bardolatry. We examine one play at a time for an extended window of time, interspersed with mini-episodes about Shakespeare's time for context. Episodes are released every other week. more

Hosted by Cassidy Cash, That Shakespeare Life takes you behind the curtain and into the real life of William Shakespeare. more

The opposite of true crime. Part book club, part interview show, Tea & Murder is a podcast all about Agatha Christie and her work. Every episode, host Rebecca Thandi Norman has an exciting guest to discuss an Agatha Christie book, story, or play of their choice. With a smattering of literary analysis and a big dose of humor, Rebecca and her guest dive into why we like the things we like, what makes a great mystery, and every conceivable element of the Agatha Christie universe. Welcome to Tea & Murder! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

Actor Dominic Gerrard hosts an exciting new series that explores the Life and Times of Charles Dickens: his extraordinary novels, who he was as a person, his career as a performer, and his activism. Guests include: Stephen Fry, Miriam Margolyes, Armando Iannucci, Alice Loxton, Robert Douglas-Fairhurst, Lucinda Hawksley, John Mullan, Pen Vogler, Andrew Davies, Rosie Holt, Bernard Cornwell .... and many more academics, writers, actors, directors and descendants of the great man himself! Along side these interviews there are special Dickens readings from across his works ... Thank you for listening 🔥 more

A cheeky, irreverent yet informative deep-dive into all things Shakespeare, hosted by two longtime Shakespeare performers, directors, and teachers. Want to support us? Thanks!! Go to: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8KTK7CATJSRYJ more

Step into the lively world of Shakespeare's plays with 'Why Do They Talk Like That?', a podcast that makes Shakespeare's complex language fun and accessible for kids and families! Join hosts Danny and Quinn as they tackle the mysteries of Romeo and Juliet, injecting humor and a playful spirit into their exploration of the dialogue and characters. Each episode features this energetic duo interpreting, acting out, and pondering the reasons behind Shakespeare's iconic phrases, making the content engaging for young listeners. Ideal for families looking for a new angle on classic literature and the history behind modern language, this podcast shows that you're never too young to appreciate the wit and wisdom of Shakespeare. Tune in for a mix of entertainment and education, where laughs and learning go hand in hand. more

Two friends, one who loves both Jane Austen and David Lynch, one who is only passingly familiar with both, explore their bodies of work and the adaptations of that work. more

Hosts Caroline Bicks and Michelle Ephraim are Shakespeare professors and close friends who love to bond over the ways Shakespeare's plays help them through their everyday dramas. In each episode, they go back to Shakespeare's day to bring you some funny, fresh insights into a pressing modern problem. They'll explore popular Renaissance writings from parenting books to cosmetics manuals and, of course, plays and talk about their uncanny connections to our everyday struggles. Whether you're dealing with an aging libido, a pandemic, or a dysfunctional family gathering, you'll feel a little bit better when Bard meets life. Caroline is the Stephen E. King Chair in Literature at the University of Maine, and Michelle is Professor of English at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. They've shared their unique brand of Bard-meets-life humor everywhere from the New York Times and the Moth Radio Hour to McSweeney's Internet Tendency, and are the co-authors of Shakespeare, Not Stirred: Cocktails for Your Everyday Dramas. Who says an English major is useless? 'The Everyday Shakespeare Podcast' is produced by Jill Ruby. more

A 'Shakespeare Showdown' podcast that pits host Stephanie Crugnola against a different guest each week! They'll battle 'best of's in Shakespeare's canon and listeners get to vote on the winner! more

The classic novel, the playground of literary greats such as Austen, Dickens, the Brontë sisters... but have you actually READ these books? Sisters Katy and Marsha take a closer look at classical texts, expect feminist rants, funny anecdotes, coarse language and general silliness! Needless to say, this isn't a podcast you want to reference in your coursework! more

Welcome to Austen Chat, the podcast of the Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA). Join us each month as we interview scholars, authors, and subject experts on a wide range of topics related to Austen's writings, her life and times, and more. There is always more to learn and enjoy about Jane!   more

A conversational podcast taking a closer look at some of the most extraordinary items in the Brontë Parsonage Museum collection. more

Brothers Rupert and Charlie Fordham discuss all things English Literature. From Chaucer to the present day, covering drama, novels and poetry, they cover all the classics and much more, from the UK, Ireland, the US, Europe and the rest of the world. Informative but lighthearted, Book In is suitable for all readers, and will be helpful for students from school to degree level. Both Rupert and Charlie have been keen readers all their lives and both studied English at university. For many years Charlie taught English at GCSE and A-level. more

Uncited is the internet's least reliable English literature podcast. Join former English majors Amy and Chantelle as they revisit the good, the bad, and the spectacularly ridiculous literary works from their undergrad.Instagram and Bluesky: uncitedpod more

Welcome to The Brit Lit Book Club , where we explore the stories behind the stories. Host Vanessa, founder of The Book Club Tour, takes you on literary adventures through Britain's greatest works—from Shakespeare and Austen to Dickens and the Brontës. What to Expect: Each episode dives deep into a classic British author or work, going far beyond the plot summaries you learned in school. We'll uncover how these authors challenged their societies, examine the historical forces that shaped their writing, and discover why these centuries-old books still speak to our modern world—from family expectations and social pressure to gender roles and class conflict. Explore the real Shakespeare beyond the myths. Understand why Romeo and Juliet is more about social control than romance. Discover how Jane Austen revolutionized the novel while navigating life as a single woman. Learn what Dickens revealed about Victorian poverty and why the Brontës' heroines were so scandalous. You'll Discover: Historical context that brings classic literature to life Surprising connections between Regency ballrooms and modern dating culture Why Victorian social issues mirror today's challenges The real lives of authors who defied convention How to read between the lines of England's most beloved books Book recommendations for deeper exploration Travel tips for experiencing literary England firsthand Who this podcast is for: Perfect for book club members, literature enthusiasts, Anglophiles, students, travelers planning literary pilgrimages, and anyone who suspects there's more to these classics than they were taught in school. Whether you're revisiting old favorites or discovering British literature for the first time, each episode offers fresh perspectives, thoughtful analysis, and plenty of tea. New episodes weekly. Grab your tea and join the conversation! more

Reading marginal, minor, and absolutely unread Old and Middle English poetry, paired with a thematically appropriate cocktail. more

The podcast that takes neither itself nor Shakespeare seriously. Hosted by Nora (theatre nerd/Shax expert) and James (husband/theatre skeptic). Season 3 now live, with monthly-ish updates. Follow us on Instagram @NAShaxPodcast. Join our Patreon (for free!): https://www.patreon.com/NAShakespearePodcast more

Sebastian Michael, author of The Sonneteer and several other plays and books, looks at each of William Shakespeare's 154 Sonnets in the originally published sequence, giving detailed explanations and looking out for what the words themselves tell us about the great poet and playwright, about the Fair Youth and the Dark Lady, and about their complex and fascinating relationships. Podcast transcripts, the sonnets, contact details and full info at https://www.sonnetcast.com more

An educational podcast covering GCSE Literature revision and notes for the WJEC specification, brought to you by an experienced English teacher, head of department and examiner. more

A podcast about the works of PG Wodehouse by a father, who has read most of the Wodehouse bibliography, and a daughter who had read none of it before the two decided to do a podcast together. We will go through all the novels and short story collections, including Jeeves, Blandings Castle, Psmith, and all the Mulliners, Bodkins, and Ukridges that you can throw a stick at, not that you should be throwing sticks. We'll discuss the stories and how they read 50-100 years later, as well as keep track of all the saving from drowning attempts, stealing a police officer's helmets, breaches of promise, and awful aunts, as well as doing some meandering of our own that would make Wooster proud. Right ho! more

Clare Bucknell, Thomas Jones and guests discuss a selection of 19th-century (mostly) English novels from Mansfield Park to New Grub Street, looking in particular at the roles played in the books by money and property.Novels covered:Mansfield Park (1814) by Jane AustenCrotchet Castle (1831) by Thomas Love PeacockWuthering Heights (1847) by Emily BrontëVanity Fair (1847) by William Makepeace ThackerayNorth and South (1854) by Elizabeth GaskellAurora Leigh (1856) by Elizabeth Barrett BrowningMill on the Floss (1860) by George EliotOur Mutual Friend (1864) by Charles DickensThe Last Chronicle of Barset (1867) by Anthony TrollopeWashington Square (1880)/Portrait (1881) by Henry JamesKidnapped (1886) by Robert Louis StevensonThe Mayor of Casterbridge (1886) by Thomas HardyNew Grub Street (1891) by George Gissing  more

The How to Love Lit Podcast analyzes and discusses Classical, American, British, European and world literature both traditional and contemporary. It discusses novels, plays, speeches, song lyrics and poems that are commonly taught in high school, secondary or university English language classes. Garry and Christy Shriver's focus on the historical context, poetic, narrative and rhetorical structure is researched, and entertaining; Each series consists of one to five episodes focused on the most important titles of each author enhances understanding of English both for teacher and student. The podcast is useful for flipping classroom instruction, supplementing lectures, asynchronous learning, and personal growth. Each week a new episode consisting of a lecture under 50 minutes is introduced.To know more, visit our Website:  https://www.howtolovelitpodcast.com/How to love lit podcast,Christy Shriver, teaching literature, learn English through story, literature, English audiobook, rhetoric, GCSE, International Baccalaureate, Ap literature prose essay tips, literary analysis, Exam Prep,Poetry Analysis, poetry analysis structure,Short story analysis, Genre studies, AP Lit Exam, Collegeboard,classical education, teaching rhetoric, GCSE English, Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

Hosted by Mr Baugh, this series will support you with both English Literature and English Language. Each week we'll tackle some of the trickiest aspects of your set texts — including Lord of the Flies, A Christmas Carol, Macbeth, and the poetry anthology — while also developing the key reading and writing skills you need for success in the Language exams. more

250 years after her birth, Jane Austen remains a giant in the cultural zeitgeist. Her works have been adapted hundreds of times over multiple mediums, and she remains one of the most popular writers in the English language. Yet little is known about Jane Austen the person. The majority of her letters were likely destroyed, leaving us only 161. In the absence of her own direct testimony, where do we find the real Jane Austen? In her books? In her family and friends? In the 'world' of Jane Austen or in the many iterations of her life and afterlife?Finding Jane Austen is a scripted podcast that seeks to uncover the historical Jane Austen. This podcast will introduce both seasoned Janeites and new readers to the life and works of Jane Austen through accessible scripted programming and interviews with top Austen scholars to recreate Jane Austen's life and world.Finding Jane Austen is researched, written, and narrated by Dr. Anne Fertig. Jeanette Patrick and Jim Ambuske are the executive producers. more

Literary Rides, hosted by Dr. Vishwanath Bite — Professor of English, Editor, Author & Rider — explores how language, literature, and thought intersect. Each episode delves into English Literature, Literary Theory, and Linguistics with clarity and practical insights. Ideal for students, teachers, UGC NET aspirants, and curious learners who love ideas, books, and deep conversations. Featuring classic texts, modern perspectives, and real academic guidance. New episodes every Mon · Wed · Sat at 7 PM IST. more

Join Oxford University student Nancy Gittus for a journey into the heart of a university and city that have shaped some of the world's greatest literature. From the worried jottings of Samuel Johnson to the fiery sermons of John Donne, Nancy uncovers the way Oxford's libraries, traditions, tutors, rivalries, and chance encounters left a lasting impression on generations of writers.  more

Echoes of English Literature is a podcast that brings classic texts to life through storytelling, analysis, and reflection. From ancient epics like Beowulf to later works across the English literary tradition, each episode explores not just what these stories say, but why they still matter today. Blending historical context with modern connections, this podcast invites you to discover literature in a way that feels vivid, relevant, and thought-provoking—whether you're a student, a teacher, or simply curious about the power of stories. more

Ace your English Literature GCSE — clear, confident guidance on analysis, themes, character and how to write answers that get top marks. more