Science Fiction · IMS | Writing an audio drama sci-fi anthology about history of the future | Not at AI
by IMS | Writing an audio drama sci-fi anthology about history of the future | Not at AI
A science fiction anthology set in a future in which Money, State, and God became fused into a single entity called the Program. Each episode is a self-contained story focusing on ordinary people inhabiting this extraordinary world. Best rated episodes include "White Algorithm's burden" (true crime), "Four ways to stop your system from freezing" (drama), "Contemporary Cube Theory" (academic lecture), "How to keep device drivers from crashing" (comedy), "Overclocking" (adventure), and "All unsaved progress will be lost" (alternate history). New episodes take time but are coming out regularly. Speed up the process by becoming a supporter at www.patreon.com/programaudioseries to listen ad-free and get subscriber-exclusive episodes (including a behind-the-scenes companion series). Visit www.programaudioseries.com for more info. Our current favourite review: "The Program is more than an audio drama ("radio drama" if you're old school) - it’s a thought experiment examining the tradeoffs between different economic and political systems (capitalism, socialism, communism, hybrid models) challenging the listener with an uncomfortable question: Would you rather live in a free society, or a fair one? The show uses speculative sociology to blur the line between utopia and dystopia, making listeners question their own reality (literally - some stories are set in a simulation). But for all its big ideas, the series never forgets the emotional core that makes it resonate. This is smart, grounded, slice-of-life sci-fi in the tradition of Octavia Butler, Ursula K. Le Guin, Ted Chiang, and Black Mirror - and all hail the algorithm that recommended it!" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Where The Program audio series ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Nov 8, 2026).
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I’ve replayed this series unknown number of times. I very often recommended it to teachers and people who like to think. It is thought provoking and innovative as far as audio dramas go it is unlike anything else. While you can tell when it was written, what was challenging during the time, it is aged. It’s not stuck in that time. It’s just a hint. .. really I could write pages on how great this is. Production 5 stars.. Sound design 5 stars. Dialog 5 starts. Concept 5 starts. Voice acting 5 stars. Every story is awesome and and this is on of my top recommended shows to people who like to think and can also appreciate artistry. It’s engaging and entertaining and easy to listen to again and again and I wish I were friends with so I could hang out with the creators. Also there are a few episodes I really think should be tuned into stage performances. I have the whole thing clearly set up in my mind and keep meaning to reach out about this. It’s just that good.
I normally hate anthologies but I love The Program. Each episode is a standalone story set in the same universe. They’re entertaining on their own, but you can tease out some continuity/deeper themes if you’re so inclined. Acting and production are good. I only wish they had time and budget to make more! Caveat emptor: Decompiling The Program, which is available to subscribers, is a companion series of interviews with the creator — not the core audio drama. I’d prefer if Decompiling were its own separate show because I don’t enjoy those episodes as much.
I cannot recommend this show enough. Each episode explores a different perspective on simulated life, both inside and outside the computer. The balances of optimism and pessimism, tension and humor are spot on. Several episodes explain abstract concepts better than any other place I’ve heard them explored. If you like computers or thinking about the nature of “reality,” give this a listen
Absolute top-tier of podcasts. If you like sci-fi that makes you think, this is the podcast for you. While it’s a completely different setting, it’s similar to Star Trek TNG where it uses a fictional setting to explore philosophical concepts and thought experiments. Listening to this podcast has made me a more intelligent and aware person. It’s like a playground for your mind. Keep it up IMS.
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