39 Best Hollywood History Podcasts to Listen to (2026)

You Must Remember This is a storytelling podcast exploring the secret and/or forgotten histories of Hollywood's first century. It's the brainchild and passion project of Karina Longworth (founder of Cinematical.com, former film critic for LA Weekly), who writes, narrates, records and edits each episode. It is a heavily-researched work of creative nonfiction: navigating through conflicting reports, mythology, and institutionalized spin, Karina tries to sort out what really happened behind the films, stars and scandals of the 20th century. more

Our seventh season is Stanley, an 11-episode exploration of Stanley Kubrick created in partnership with Criterion. Stanley traces Kubrick's journey from a curious Bronx teenager, first inspired by a camera gifted to him by his father, to a visionary director who redefined the art of filmmaking. Across his career, Kubrick pushed boundaries, challenged censorship, and pursued an uncompromising level of creative control that shaped landmark films including Lolita, 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Shining, and Eyes Wide Shut. Stanley starts September 24. more

Comedian and actor Gilbert Gottfried, a man Stephen King once called 'a national treasure,' talks with the show business legends, icons and behind-the-scenes talents who shaped his childhood and influenced his comedy. Along with co-host and fellow pop culture fanatic Frank Santopadre, Gilbert is joined by comics, actors, musicians, talk show hosts, writers and other eyewitnesses to Hollywood history, including Bruce Dern, Chevy Chase, 'Weird Al' Yankovic, Adam West, Steve Buscemi, Micky Dolenz, Jim Gaffigan, Judd Apatow and DOZENS more, for a funny, frenetic, fly-on-the-wall look at showbiz then and now (but mostly then.) Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast was named 'Best Podcast of 2015' by the Village Voice and one of iTunes' 'Best of 2014.' It has been featured in Rolling Stone, Wired and the Los Angeles Times. more

The Hollywood & Crime series explores notorious true crime stories from the heart of Hollywood, delving into the dark underbelly of fame and uncovering infamous murders, scandals, and unsolved mysteries. Season 8: The Cotton Club Murder: On June 10th, 1983, the decomposing body of a well-dressed man was found in a desolate canyon near Los Angeles. John Doe #94 would soon be identified as missing variety show producer Roy Radin. He'd last been seen after meeting with a mysterious woman in a gold dress. Her name was Lanie Jacobs.Jacobs and Radin were obsessed with becoming Hollywood movie producers. And when their paths collided, it led them to a tantalizing film deal promising fame and fortune. But then, a twisted script unfolded, plunging them into a million-dollar cocaine and cash heist, a tangled web of lies, and ultimately murder.The trail led investigators right to Hollywood's doorstep, linking former golden boy producer Robert Evans to the case and dredging up Radin's own troubled past.But the case turned ice cold. It would take more than five years of dogged pursuit by the L.A. Sheriff's Department detectives, a secret undercover witness, and another murder almost 3,000 miles from Hollywood to unlock the truth.This is the story of a doomed Hollywood partnership, a grisly murder and the search that stretched across the country for a killer or killers. Season 7: The Execution of Bonny Lee Bakley - The story of the toxic relationship between actor Robert Blake and his wife Bonny, her shocking murder, and the chaotic trial that followed. Season 6: Billionaire Boys Club - In 1980s LA, a group of prep school boys, led by Joe Hunt, formed the 'Billionaire Boys Club' but spiraled into kidnapping, torture, and revenge. Season 5: The Wonderland Murders - In 1981, a drug-fueled gang and a crime kingpin were involved in a brutal quadruple murder in the Hollywood Hills. Season 4: Death of a Starlet - The tragic tale of Playboy Playmate Dorothy Stratten, caught between three men - Hugh Hefner, Peter Bogdanovich, and her husband Paul Snider. Season 3: The Dating Game Killer - The story of Rodney Alcala, a serial killer who appeared on The Dating Game while in the midst of a cross-country murder spree. Season 2: Young Charlie - The dark journey of Charles Manson, from his troubled childhood to orchestrating the infamous Tate-LaBianca murders. Season 1: Murder in Hollywoodland - The investigation into the 1922 murder of famed director William Desmond Taylor, revealing scandalous affairs and underground drug dens. (edited) Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of Hollywood & Crime ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app. more

An ongoing series of specially produced histories, bringing to life the stories and secrets that shaped cinema. @moviehistories secrethistoryofhollywood.com www.patreon.com/attaboysecret more

Welcome to The Hollywood Godfather Podcast. Hosted by The Godfather star Gianni Russo and co-host Jeanie Raymond, this captivating podcast dives deep into Russo's incredible life, from his history with the mob to his friendships with Hollywood legends, Vatican insiders, U.S. presidents, and iconic figures from around the world. Every Wednesday, Gianni and Jeanie bring listeners behind the scenes of some of the most compelling stories in entertainment and organized crime, often joined by special celebrity guests. Tune in for firsthand accounts of untold stories, candid conversations, and a journey through a life that blends crime, fame, and power. more

On this podcast, Seth Abramovitch, senior writer at The Hollywood Reporter, takes you behind the scenes of the indelible pop culture moments that shaped Hollywood history — with special guests who were actually there. In a town where everything old is eventually new again, Seth gives listeners a front-row seat to the way things were. Welcome to IT HAPPENED IN HOLLYWOOD!Theme music composed by: Paul Masvidal and Sean Malone more

If the Golden era of Old Hollywood is your thing, our podcast is for you! If you want TYRONE POWER instead of TOM HARDY, JENNIFER JONES instead of JENNIFER LAWRENCE, or ROBERT MITCHUM rather than ROBERT PATTINSON, then FROM BENEATH THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN is the gin joint for you. Each week, writer and producer STEVE CUBINE and actress and writer NAN MCNAMARA explore, discuss, and dissect the magical, mysterious, amusing, and sometimes bizarre tales of Old Hollywood. So sit back and revisit a time when the pictures were still big and everyone was ready for their close-up. more

? The Dana Buckler Show ? is your ultimate destination for movie history, in-depth analysis, and exclusive insights into the world of film making. Hosted by renowned film historian and passionate cinephile Dana Buckler, this podcast explores the stories behind the movies that have defined generations. Whether you're a fan of blockbuster franchises, indie darlings, or cult classics, this show offers something for everyone.Each episode dives deep into cinematic history, unpacking the creative processes, cultural impact, and behind-the-scenes secrets of iconic films. Featuring exclusive interviews with actors, directors, writers, and filmmakers, The Dana Buckler Show takes you straight into the heart of Hollywood and beyond. Hear fascinating stories from the people who bring movies to life, learn about hidden gems, and revisit unforgettable moments in cinema.From the groundbreaking films of the 1970s to modern-day masterpieces, Dana Buckler delivers expert insights and engaging conversations that celebrate the art of storytelling on the big screen. Whether you're a casual moviegoer or a dedicated cinephile, this podcast is your guide to the rich, diverse world of cinema.Subscribe now to The Dana Buckler Show and discover why it's one of the top podcasts for movie lovers. Join the growing community of listeners who are passionate about film history, Hollywood legends, and everything that makes the movies magical. You can also reach us ****@gmail.com  more

From Kane's Rosebud to Indy's Whip to Captain America's shield... Iconic treasures from the world of film and television are centerstage in this podcast hosted by collectors David Mandel (Veep, Curb Your Enthusiasm) and Ryan Condal (Colony, House of the Dragon). Every week, the two writers share their love of Hollywood memorabilia, revealing unbelievable stories around some of the most famous and culturally important props, costumes, art, and ephemera in silver screen history. more

For fans of classic movies, talking with authors, archivists, filmmakers, musicians and others doing work with our film heritage. From NitrateVille.com, the classic film discussion site. more

The Filmumentaries Podcast - deep dives into practical effects, model making, matte painting, creature creation and prosthetics, animatronics, puppetry, prop restoration and VFX. Hosted by filmmaker, author, and film historian Jamie Benning, The Filmumentaries Podcast features long-form interviews with the unsung heroes of cinema - the production designers, editors, composers, cinematographers, digital artists, puppeteers, model makers, sound designers and effects crews who actually bring our favourite films to life. Each episode dives into the real work of filmmaking, from practical, in-camera effects to cutting-edge digital techniques. You'll hear from art directors, production designers, VFX supervisors, model makers, matte painters, creature and animatronics experts, puppeteers, performance capture artists, motion control specialists, editors, sound designers, re-recording mixers, composers, animators, prop restoration experts and Propstore archivists who helped shape iconic films like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, Blade Runner, Jaws, Ghostbusters and Alien. With a strong focus on practical effects, physical filmmaking, and the craft behind the illusion, the podcast preserves the knowledge and stories of the people who built, shot and brought these worlds to life long before pixels took over - and those still pushing the boundaries today through performance capture, motion control and modern visual effects. Jamie is also a writer for Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) and Skywalker Sound, and has close ties to the BFI's film restoration and archive teams. Whether you're a cinephile, filmmaker, prop collector or simply curious about how films are really made, this podcast is your all-access pass to film history. What You'll Discover: First-hand stories from the artists, craftspeople and technicians behind the films Deep dives into practical effects, model making, matte painting, prosthetics, animatronics, puppetry, performance capture and VFX Conversations on production design, art direction, cinematography, editing, sound design and film composing Interviews with veterans of ILM, Lucasfilm, Skywalker Sound, Weta, DNEG, Digital Domain and Stan Winston Studio Historic coverage of iconic films including Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jaws, Jurassic Park, Blade Runner, Ghostbusters, Alien and many more A celebration of cinema's hidden heroes New episodes every other week. Follow @filmumentaries on Instagram, Threads and Facebook, and @jamieswb on X. Visit filmumentaries.com for transcripts, archives and bonus content. The Filmumentaries Podcast is part of the Weirding Way Media podcast network. Explore more of our shows at weirdingwaymedia.com. more

Classic movies, true stories of tinseltown. All about classic Hollywood #classichollywoodstars# vintagehollywood #oldhollywood#Hollywoodscandals more

There are some movies that simply traverse the limits of time. Movies that never age and always speak sublime truths to us all. These are the movies that will last forever. These are the movies we long to discuss. These are the Classics. more

The Industry is a podcast that takes a closer look at some of the lesser known (and perhaps intentionally) forgotten stories of movie history. Insane productions, scandalous lawsuits, victories from the jaws of defeat, and the occasional crime are the order of the day in this Industry. Each story is explored with experts who know or with the people who were there. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

Hollywood's golden era produced some of the greatest films ever made. Ticklish Business is the podcast where film critic Kristen Lopez digs into it with enthusiasm. Classic stars, forgotten gems, and the chaotic genius of Old Hollywood, examined with sharp humor and excellent guests. more

The New World Pictures Podcast is dedicated to every movie released by New World Pictures.  We talk about the things we loved and the things we hated along with the detailed history of each film's history and production.Founded by the infamous Roger Corman, New World Pictures was responsible for the greatest genre and exploitation films of the 1970's and 1980's.  Remember all those movies that lived proudly in the Action, Horror, Comedy and Sci-Fi isles of the video store?  Titles like Death Race 2000, Hellraiser, Heathers and Piranha.  They were all made by New World Pictures.In addition to talking about the films themselves, we talk with the Writers, Producers and Directors who worked with New World Pictures. more

Welcome to Stars of the Golden Age, a podcast about Old Hollywood and the classic film era, where you can learn about the lives of legends from film, music, and the birth of television during Hollywood's Golden Age and the few years surrounding it. I will dive into the early lives that led to stardom for some of the biggest names in Old Hollywood, and the subsequent lives behind the scenes… and I'll shine the light on some lesser known names as well. I will talk about their careers, of course, but my main focus is their lives away from the cameras. Join me bi-weekly for Old Hollywood biographies like you've never heard them! Host: Erin Carlson Email: ****@gmail.com more

A series of podcasts on the lives and careers of Classic Hollywood Stars of the 1930's, 40's and 50's and other related ad hoc subjects. Tune in if you want to hear about the successes, failures, longevity and in some instances early demise of the many talented personalities whose movies continue to entertain and fascinate millions of people around the world. more

Entertaining and informative discussions abound as host Patrick Vasey and the world's top experts, authors and film historians take a chronological deep dive into the films of Laurel and Hardy. The production history and many untold stories are revealed about these well-loved comedy classics. Regular guests include the world's leading authorities on all things Stan and Ollie and Hal Roach Studios, such as Randy Skretvedt, Richard W. Bann, Glenn Mitchell, Rob Stone, Leonard Maltin, Neil Brand, Steve Massa and Ben Model and many, many more. more

Producer/Creator/Host Doug Hess takes you on a journey back in time and shares with you pieces. of Hollywood you may or may not have known about! more

Will you side with the expert or the enthusiast? Film historian Tony Maietta and movie lover Brad Shreve dive into the best of cinema and TV, from Hollywood's Golden Age to today's biggest hits. They share insights, debate favorites, and occasionally clash—but always keep it entertaining. They'll take you behind the scenes and in front of the camera, bringing back your favorite memories along the way. more

Whether you grew up watching the movies of John Wayne, cut your teeth on Clint Eastwood's 'Man with No Name' trilogy, or consider Kevin Costner to be the screen's quintessential cowboy star, HOW THE WEST WAS 'CAST is just the podcast you've been waiting for. Join screenwriter and journalist Matthew Chernov and film historian Andrew Patrick Nelson as they discuss the beloved masterpieces, forgotten treasures, and curious cult movies that make up the Western film genre. From the timeless classics of the 1940s and '50s, to the bold and bloody titles of the 1960s and '70s, to the prestige Westerns of today, HOW THE WEST WAS 'CAST explores one of cinema's most fascinating and enduring genres. more

A podcast examining all things Silent Film and Silent Film adjacent. Episodes of the Golden Silent Films Podcast will vary, from specific single movie breakdowns and discussions to full length biographies of the icons who make these films and this genre so classic. #silentfilm #silentmovies #classicfilm #silentfilmera #silentfilmactor #silentfilmactress #filmdiscussion #moviediscussion #moviepodcast #filmpodcast #film #filmhistory #moviehistory #pittsburgh #vintage #charliechaplin #cinemalovers #silenthollywood #stummfilm #oldhollywood #busterkeaton #clarabow #silentcinema #flapper #movies more

This uplifting Classic Hollywood podcast offers inspirational insights into the films of the Golden Age & the stars who made them great. more

Step back in time and explore the extraordinary lives and styles of iconic actresses from Hollywood's Golden Era as well as the industry that brought them to success. In this podcast, I dive into the fascinating backstories of the women who captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences around the world and those that created them. From the glamour and glitz of the silver screen to the grit and determination that drove them to succeed, I uncover the true essence of what made these women so unique and inspiring. Join me as I take a journey through the lives of Hollywood's Golden Era actresses and discover the timeless styles that continue to captivate us to this day. more

Hosted by screenwriter Janet Dulin Jones and actor John Schwab, this podcast takes you on an exciting & revealing journey through the great films of over 118 years of cinema with stories, fun facts, celebrity interviews, memorable film scenes, quotes, and classic songs. We'll pull back the curtain to reveal behind-the-scenes secrets and stories on how the best movies came to be comedies, dramas, thrillers, mysteries, action movies, silent movies, animation, musicals, romances, bromances, grimances you name it we'll talk about it. You'll hear fantastic trivia about your favorite movies and learn about great films from the 20th and 21st centuries you've never seen but will see after hearing our podcast. Subscribe to Cinema Sounds & Secrets and learn everything you ever wanted to know about movies but had no one to ask! more

Designing Hollywood is the award-recognized podcast dedicated to the creative artists behind the magic of film and television.Designing Hollywood is the award-recognized podcast dedicated to the creative artists behind the magic of film and television.Hosted by acclaimed filmmaker and film historian Robert Meyer Burnett and executive produced by Martika Ibarra and legendary costume designer Marilyn Vance, Designing Hollywood takes audiences behind the scenes with the world's most celebrated industry professionals. more

'The History of Hollywood' is a new podcast hosted by legendary film & TV historian Marc Wanamaker.Marc Wanamaker is recognized around the world as one of the leading historians of Los Angeles, Hollywood, and the Motion Picture and Television Industries. Marc has been a foremost authority in the areas of film production, exhibition, and research for several decades. He has been the featured expert on numerous television shows and documentaries and is the author of several best selling books. Marc has served as a technical advisor and consultant on numerous major motion pictures, including,'Chaplin' with Robert Downey Jr. , 'My Favorite Year' with Peter O'Toole, 'LA Confidential' with Russell Crowe , 'One Upon a Time in Hollywood' with Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio, as well as for television shows such as 'NCIS Los Angeles' and many many more. Recorded at Sunset Gower Studios, Hollywood, CAWritten by Marc WanamakerCreated & Produced by Christopher Ewing more

Host & Producer Kat Lively brings you a sentimental deep dive into Hollywood's most glamorous era, with the legends in Film, Television, and Music history who lived it. more

Hosted by Hollywood casting director, journalist, and former studio tour guide, Tony Miros, HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED is an illuminating podcast featuring insightful interviews with entertainment professionals and insiders who share their personal stories about Hollywood and its colorful history. In each episode, listeners will take a captivating journey, discovering fun movie & TV facts and trivia that will enlighten and delight. If you're as obsessed with Hollywood as Tony is (or would like to be), join him and his latest guest every other Monday for an exciting, new episode of HOLLYWOOD OBSESSED. more

Ever watched the Academy Awards and thought, What were they thinking? You're not alone. Join legendary comedian and writer of over 25 Oscar telecasts, Bruce Vilanch, and screenwriter/film nerd Adam 'Tex' Davis (Just Friends) as they dive into Oscar history, unpacking the flubs, snubs, and surprises from Hollywood's biggest night. From behind-the-scenes stories of A-list stars to insider insights on how the nominations and winners are really chosen, Bruce and Tex break down each Oscar ceremony year by year to reveal what the Academy got right—and what they didn't. If you've ever questioned why your favorite movie or actor got overlooked, this podcast is for you. The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?Did you know that two of the Top 100 American Films of All-Time came out the same year but weren't even nominated for an Academy Award? Or that the film often cited as the 'Greatest Film of All Time' didn't win the Oscar in its year? Or that Cuba Gooding Jr. has the same number of acting Oscars as Al Pacino?Look, stuff happens. But if you've ever watched or read about the Academy Awards, you've probably been left scratching your head over which movies and performers won and how many beloved films weren't even considered.Why do so many Best Picture winners become some of the least remembered movies? How is it that legendary directors like Stanley Kubrick never won an Oscar? And why do great actors miss out on their best performances, only to win later for less impressive work?Sure, the Oscars aren't sports there's no scoreboard to show the winners. But with so many Academy members voting, you'd think they'd get it right. Spoiler alert: They often don't.On The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?, Bruce Vilanch and Adam 'Tex' Davis take a deep dive into Oscar history, looking back at the biggest mistakes, controversies, and snubs. From Shakespeare in Love beating Saving Private Ryan to Dances with Wolves winning over Goodfellas, we'll examine where the Academy went wrong.Along the way, you'll hear incredible behind-the-scenes stories and never-before-told moments from Hollywood's biggest night. We're re-examining each Oscar ceremony, year-by-year, award-by-award, to see what the Academy got right, what they missed, and how we would 'fix' the Oscars.Whether you're a dedicated movie buff or just a casual fan, this is the podcast for you. Join us for The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?, where we break down the flubs, snubs, and forgotten gems of Oscar history. more

Kael Your Idols is a film discussion podcast focused on the 'New Hollywood' era of American cinema. From the glamorized hippies and paranoid anti-heroes of the 60s and 70s, to the merchandise-driven blockbusters of the early 80s, join hosts Alana Gibson and Sam Ludwig as they dive into this wild period in studio filmmaking! Logo artwork by: the_illuminator more

Hollywood Gold is a talk show podcast that pulls back the curtain on the making of some of the industry's most iconic movies, through interviews with notable producers and filmmakers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

Part film history, part cultural critique, and heavy with bejeweled gowns, the podcast dives into the intersections between fame, glamour, fashion, and film. And the role they have played in constructing and influencing American culture throughout the last 100 years. more

Celebrating Classic Hollywood (and Then Some) with A Guy in The TrenchesSeason 1: William Goldman Season 2: The Year Before Disneyland more

Alec & Danny Smight, father and son filmmakers, discuss movies, TV and Hollywood history, from its humble beginnings to present day and beyond!    more

Draw from a lifetime of over 12,000 movies watched with That's Our Take. We explore classic cinema, old Hollywood history, and present the exclusive behind-the-scenes stories and career journeys of film industry insiders. Join us for casual yet expert analysis of the golden era of filmmaking. more

TALES FROM HOLLYWOODLAND is a fast-paced weekly show business podcast, with an emphasis on all genres of movies; classic to current, as well as Broadway, TV, Cable, and Streaming. Hollywood vets Arthur Friedman, Steve Rubin, and Julian Schlossberg will be interviewing Hollywood luminaries, treating the listeners to decades worth of stories, anecdotes, insider viewpoints, candid opinions, as well as vivid and often hysterically funny celebrity encounters. From Sinatra to Cruise, Redford to DiCaprio, Hitchcock, and Coppola to Spielberg and Tarantino, Uncle Miltie to Eddie Murphy, Hackett and Rickles, and on and on. It's all here with a capital E for Entertainment. Come join us for TALES FROM HOLLYWOODLAND. more