The Strange Case of Starship Iris - Podcast Rankings and reviews

Jessica Best’s intelligent, exciting, slyly metafictional sci-fi podcast takes the basic idea of lovable outlaws on an iffy spaceship and spins it in compelling new directions. She does a great job fleshing out her characters into people you love spending time with and care about. She introduces interesting sci-fi ideas that don’t retread well-worn territory. She brings in an alien race so well-thought-out that each new revelation about their culture (and their soapy TV dramas) feels fresher and more interesting than the last. And she weaves a tale that should not be as useful as it is about how to band together to survive and find joy in terrifying times. Fundamentally kind but never fluffy or toothless, Starship Iris is the podcast whose return I most eagerly await.

Lots of interesting bits and pieces come together in this Audio Drama. Some of the bits that make the project especially suited to being a podcast are: the in-story musical elements; the made up languages; and of course the diversity. Part of the mission here is diversity of characters, so yay! Great starting point. There’s a linguist on board, and they save the day a time or two. We get to hear the made up languages and some brainstorming sessions of how some grammatical concepts might translate for different lifetimes, which is pretty neat. Starship Iris is a pirate ship space opera, a platform that really lets the musical elements shine. The story of a sea song is built up until we eventually hear it as a fully produced pop song that functions as the shows intro music. It’s a very engaging, evocative tune. While resisting the urge to over explain, we see how and why music and singing might be important on a Starship. It’s a little “bit” that’s worth digging into, both for audio storytelling and for space opera. You can really tell a lot of thought has gone into building this show for audio. Apparently there’s three seasons planned, and two are completed so far, leaving off in a comfortable spot, so there’s plenty of rewarding stuff for audience now.

Such a sweet and exciting space drama that has been told in its fullness by writers and actors with intelligent takes on language, civics, gender and sexuality. If you’re accustomed to cishet-centered narratives, try expanding your worldview with this thrilling gem. All are welcome. I’m always excited to listen to the next episode!

Thank you for what?
For renewing my hope that there are more audio fiction/drama creative beings in the universe.. or at least being part of the balance.
TOO many podcasts saying they are audio drama/fiction that are not or I can’t find them.

Sound design on point, voice acting is totally believable (aka, awesome job cast!) the story never lags, never wanders off and kept me awake all night because I needed to hear one more episode.

I’m sad knowing the next season is the last but also glad I have not landed there yet.

I love the songs that dot parts of the scripts.

The cuteness of the relationships is perfect.

Not too dark but not too silky.

I just love it.
Thank you!