The Orbiting Human Circus

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Discover a wondrously surreal world of magic, music, and mystery. This immersive, cinematic audio spectacle follows the adventures of a lonely, stage-struck janitor who is drawn into the larger-than-life universe of the Orbiting Human Circus, a fantastical, wildly popular radio show broadcast from the top of the Eiffel Tower. WNYC Studios presents a special director’s cut of this joyous, moving break from reality. Starring John Cameron Mitchell, Julian Koster, Tim Robbins, Drew Callander, Susannah Flood, and featuring Mandy Patinkin and Charlie Day.Season one of The Orbiting Human Circus (of the Air) is a co-presentation of WNYC Studios and Night Vale Presents.

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Recent Reviews
  • Ingalollol
    Stunning, emotional, and mysterious
    This podcast leads you through a story more draped in mystery and confusion than any modern mysteries. The characters have so much personality and they push and pull you into liking them, disliking them, and loving them all at once. I could not have listened to a better podcast that makes me more emotional than any other media has managed before. I have never questioned the reality presented so much as I have with this podcast.
  • mykah’s important opinions
    absolute gem
    the moment i finished the two available seasons, i listened to them again and had to hold back from doing it a third time. julian’s voice is very lovely and his singing is even more so. i find it difficult to word the whimsical joy and nostalgia this podcast makes me feel. it’s all quite odd but in a charming magical way. julian’s experiences and feelings sp speak to me very personally in a way no media has before. this show has felt like both a home and an adventure, not to mention such an inspiration!! thank you for making it happen. there just aren’t enough words to explain how important it has become to me.
  • TheGuineaPigReviewer
    So so wonderful ❕❕
    This podcast is such a joy to listen to!!! i find myself lost in the storytelling and in my emotions every episode and I feel such pure joy when i listen to it. Every episode is so captivating and wow wow wow the sound design is wonderful!!!! I am so happy that this podcast exists and i do very much hope it continues ❤️❤️much love & thanks to everyone who works on this podcast!!!!
  • DarkerWolfer232
    Season 3?
    This has to be one of the greatest podcast. (imo) it’s funny and also heartwarming. I do hope there’s another season
  • GAG1969
    Thank you
    This show makes drive time home from a stressful day of work more enjoyable. Thank you,
  • LaneLevens
    Puts you into another world
    Such a gem.
  • ra1137
    Atmospheric charm
    This podcast is more of a mood and atmosphere than a story—the “plot” is secondary to the collection of audio cues for nostalgia and sentimentality. It’s a charming echo of radio variety shows of yore, and the audio is well-engineered. Many of the voices fit this pastiche too, adding depth to the charm. But ultimately this is all surface-level niceness, and the plot is too thin. I don’t really mind it—I like to repeat several early episodes because they are so well made and evoke another time and place. I agree with others who find the janitor’s voice annoying—it sounds like an adult trying to sound younger by mumbling, pitching higher, and not using his full voice. It does sound a bit like he’s on the verge of tears. Rather unpleasant to listen to, but several other voices are fantastic, including the narrator, the cricket, and the radio host. Leticia’s strong French accent is weird, but I guess it adds…something.
  • Purplekatarina
    Great!
    I’ll admit I wasn’t taken with it at first. But once I finished my first episode…wow. I couldn’t stop listening to it especially the tapes part of the first season. Really love the story and hoping for a third season. 100% recommend
  • thanksberrymuch
    Always my go to
    I listen to this podcast whenever I need a pick me up. When ever I need something to fill the silence. There is something about the harmony of all the characters interacting. The fantastical nature of the story that lets me focus on the good instead of dwelling on the negative.
  • Cubaron
    Just get through season 1… Trust me
    Trust me this is one of the best stories I've ever heard, it just needs a little time to pick up. At times its almost hypnotic ;).
  • All your friends are spiders
    I love this podcast!
    Listening is a very immersive experience. The stories are whimsical but don’t feel too unrealistic, and the soundtrack is beautiful. I love the old-timey radio vibes too. If you’re looking for a way to forget all the terrible things about the world, this podcast is it.
  • carvermon
    Sigh
    Intrigued, then baffled, by the beyond positive reviews, I found this to be a pointless and annoying mess.
  • Bdawg1983!!
    Wonderful
    This is truly wonderful and so incredibly creative. For all the bad on the internet, this is a gem. Thanks for sharing your talent with us.
  • yermom82
    Beautifully done!
    If you like creepy old cartoons and radio theater, you will love this! I was worried it was gonna be too “wacky” but it’s not. It’s absurd enough to be surreal, but still carries a story. The mini stories within the episodes are wonderful as well. This quickly became a favorite!
  • websitefan
    i love you
    probably one of my favorite pieces of media of all time. you’ll fall in love with julian and his world. please tune in to the orbiting human circus tonight
  • IDontEatFudgeMuch
    YEEEAHH
    best thing that’s ever been invented makes me happier than anything in the world julian is the light of my life goodbye everybody
  • Karen.A.238
    Again and again
    I read a lot books. I listen to podcast like I do most books: once. Except for this podcast i have listened straight though but find myself going back again and again. ‘Gain a different perspective or one of the characters comes forward. The troupe is so genuine with each other and the narrator becomes part of the story in moments that really touch my heart. I adore this silly, congenial, smart and complex, musically sound podcast.
  • Nniiccee.
    Love love love
    This is my comfort podcast. Not only are the stories incredible, it is so beautiful to listen to. The characters are all so complex and compelling, it’s impossible to not be drawn in. 💖
  • JoBee1990
    Optional
    Orange
  • TheBasicWriter
    Lovely!
    I love this podcast to pieces! Although I know that it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, I personally love its beautiful atmosphere and how immersive and warm it feels. I love whimsy and flights of fancy, making this perhaps my all time favorite podcast.
  • TheSavageCabbage
    A Beautiful Show
    This wonderful show has entertained and emotionally moved me time and time again. I can not recommend it enough!
  • Hahahahahahhaaaa
    Whimsically Fantastical!
    I don’t know why there’s a sudden onslaught of dislike for the second season in these reviews. I thought it added so much depth to the characters and feeling of the show. It’s really just brilliant story telling. Music, as always, A+. One of my favorite podcasts now.
  • cloudsm_m
    Lovely
    one of my favorite podcast ever listening to the first season was amazing with the raisin broadcast type episodes and although season 2 was different i still loved it nonetheless. it gave more insight into the actually storyline and character of Julian in real life rather than the imaginary world he made up in season 1 can’t wait for season 3!
  • pavlov999206
    2nd Season Disappointment
    Loved the first season and it’s classic radio show feel. Got lost and disillusioned with the whole broadcast in this never ending, convoluted, self-aware second season that I have found hard to follow since episode one.
  • mkaycop13
    Amazing Audio Engineering
    Except for the despicable about of mouth sounds from the Julian character only. Literally, every other character doesn’t broadcast every spit bubble pop, every swallow, every back of the throat gurgle except for Julian. It blows my mind that a podcast with an interesting concept, cast, and characters continues to have this abhorrent amount of mouth sounds. And because Julian is the main character, the sounds are inescapable. This podcast was the sole reason I found out how much I cannot stand mouth sounds on audio mediums, and I would’ve preferred to find it in another place. Also, there was the weird mention of beastiality with the polar bear and Julian that hasn’t felt right since I heard it. In short, good concept, good characters, good story, annoying mouth sounds from the main character.
  • PhelineCat
    loose and unformed
    This feels like an idea that needs a lot more development. It's weird to be weird. I listened to quite a few episodes until I realized it wasn't going anywhere. There's no point to it, no point to the peculiarities and wanderings, just like some of their other podcasts. There's a lot of good stuff beyond horror, true crime and 90 min might-as-well-not-be-edited interviews in the podcast world.
  • Ash8787421780
    Huh?
    What is this? It’s nothing but rambling.
  • alycat2895
    Adorable
    Such a cute show with lots of good stories wrapped in other good stories! The acting is top notch and whenever I listen it feels like coming home.
  • CitizenTrent
    I stayed up all night
    Listening to the first season story. The next day my partner wants to know what I was listening to. I told him a few of the big names, nothing rings a bell. I say well, it doesn’t matter! We listen. He is hooked! The first episode is a little wild with the radio changing but you’ll quickly realize what kind of story you’re being told and it’s very fun to imagine all of the guests. The voice actors! Cheers to you!
  • can code better than this
    Thank You
    This podcast just makes me so incredibly happy.
  • Libraryknight
    Sweet
    Thank you for a sweet, fun, and imaginative podcast that keeps me guessing as to where it’s going.
  • mossdragon mountain
    Magic
    Listening to this podcast makes me feel calm and warm and wonderful
  • Doyouhaveahairtie
    Fills my heart with love
    this is my favorite podcast. they janitor is the most endearing character i have ever encountered in fiction, and the overall sound experience is 👌👌👌. i want him to be happy.
  • a certain age
    Wondrous.
    I found this through the recommendation of another NightVale Presents personality, “Dear Scooter” on the #SleepWithMe podcast. Marvelously creative with the quality of a dream.
  • I am the night
    Lovely
    This show has such a magical quality about it
  • jDanowitz
    This show means so much
    I want a thousand seasons. I re listen to it all the time
  • S Gentry
    How can something new give you nostalgia?
    This show is made up of equal parts hope, warmth, and whimsy. ☺️
  • abbagabbablooey
    Whimsical, imaginative, and terribly boring!
    Lots of potential here, and a few grins at whimsical concepts like the orchestra bird, but overshadowed by a lot of pointless mumbling and a complete lack of plot.
  • epicNtek
    Haven’t heard it but all hail
    All hail the mighty glow cloud.
  • princesstrillion
    Adorable
    Absolutely love this.
  • Walaf Shan
    Humble and beautiful
    This is a lovely story of a lonely man with a rich imagination, beautifully rendered and frequently ambiguous. You will be glad you found this wholesome, uplifting series that celebrates both talented performances and relatable experience. Although most of us keep a longer distance from polar bears.
  • WorkingHardToBeThisPoor
    Wow, just...WOW
    I'm now listening to Season 2 and am once again impressed! These sounds are a whole world to visit and also a small, wonderful feeling inside us. It's really beautiful. ❤️ Earlier: Very beautiful; full of feeling, imagination and beautiful music. May make you cry here and there. Worth it! 😄
  • Traipsenugget
    Instant favorite ❤️
    This podcast is so beautiful and well-executed. I’ve only been listening for a couple days, and have already caught up with all the episodes (I was exhilarated to find out we’re actually getting more episodes starting tomorrow!) and the story and characters have made their way into my heart. Everything about it is just so lovely - there’s this sort of cozy, nostalgic feeling it gives you, and in a way, you never feel alone when listing to Julian, and I really love that. Like I said, I only recently discovered this podcast, but I have to say, it’s already one of my favorites of all time. It’s a shame it’s so underrated and little well-known, because I think more people need to hear it. Please, keep up the amazing work, and I can’t wait for future episodes/seasons!
  • MissElla02
    Stunning Podcast
    This audio drama is absolutely gorgeous. It’s quirky, unique, and heartfelt. From the first episode, I was immediately drawn in by Julian’s escapades and felt immersed by the vivid sound design. This is easily bingeable and I look forward to new episodes!
  • stirfylover123
    Genuinely one of my favorite artistic works ever made
    It’s very sad when something that affects you this deeply isn’t that well known at all. I wish it at least had a prominent cult following
  • fluffleluv
    A weird podcast for weird people
    Love it so much. So weird and wonderful, it’s the best! And one more thing-ALL HAIl THE GLOW CLOUD!
  • BuchananMoncure
    Filled to the brim with perfection
    There’s nothing better
  • Magikastle
    Pure Joy
    Perfect. I cry.
  • omolara_505
    A bit like marmite...
    I love this podcast so much and can’t recommend it more! I get how it may not be everyone’s thing but it’s def worth a try. The tone is so floaty and calming which makes it perfect for late night listening or long absent walks! Also the music is 10/10
  • Rayj55
    Listen
    I listened to this while I was on acid. It was by far one of the best choices I’ve ever made.
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