Malevolent

762
Fiction #61Drama #25

Do not fear the dark, fear what darkness brings...


Arkham Private Investigator Arthur Lester wakes up with no memory of who he is or what has happened, only a nameless, eerie voice guiding him through the darkness.


Blind, terrified, and confused, his journey will lead him towards a series of mysteries in the hopes of understanding the truth of what has transpired.


As cosmic horrors seep into the world around, Arthur must ask himself whether this entity truly seeks to help him, or are its intentions more…


Malevolent


Malevolent is produced, written, edited, performed, scored & created by Harlan Guthrie.


This podcast contains mature themes, explicit language, bodily horror, violence, otherworldly terror and death. Listener discretion is advised. Full transcripts of every episode are available here.




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Recent Reviews
  • Traffic_Duck
    Worth the tears
    Loved this podcast! Started listening to it when there was only 32 episodes and finished the entire thing in three days! The podcast has made my cry so many times in the best way possible thank you!
  • securetn
    One of the very best!
    Amazing podcast! You will be hooked from the first eqisode
  • elliebirdlove
    Hope this never ends
    I listened to the first episode of Malevolent on April 5 2024. I cannot accurately express how shocked and disappointed I felt on January 23 2025 when I realized I had fully caught up. A dark void opened. I had listened to every episode and now I have to wait for the next release. Malevolent has dethroned all of my other favorite podcasts. Harlan Guthrie is so insanely and suspiciously talented. I am immensely concerned there will only be five and a half years left for new episodes as I have come to the conclusion that the only possible explanation for his genius is that he made a deal with a crossroads demon.
  • thetunewillcome
    Give Malevolent All the Awards
    A masterpiece of horror and hope. Not only are the characters fascinating and incredibly complex, but the plot keeps twisting and turning as they journey on. The music, and the poetry, and the soundscapes immerse you in this world and tug at your heartstrings. I never thought a podcast could make me feel so deeply; I’ve never been happier to be proven wrong.
  • Starherd
    yes! Yes!! YESSSS!!!
    Listen. *Listen.* I do not often leave reviews for anything, so when I do, it’s because something has either *really* disappointed me, or it has shown itself to be spectacular. MALEVOLENT IS SPECTACULAR. I liked the concept enough to try, found it enjoyable enough to continue because of the deft execution, and…it just kept getting better! The characters are so engaging that I loved them by the end of season one. By the end of season two I was genuinely moved to tears and had to stay up late to start listening to season three because I couldn’t wait. And at the beginning of episode 29, I screamed out loud and came to review immediately! This show is MAGNIFICENTLY well-written, which is especially impressive with the elements of randomness in its creation. It’s not *perfect* - some facets occasionally seem a bit arbitrary- but the writing and acting are so good that even those infrequent bits that lag are enjoyable. That’s quite a feat! In addition to that excellence, the music is *brilliant*. And there’s very well-executed suspense and horror (complete with remarkably well done, I.e. disgusting, sound effects). I was not prepared for such a delightful experience. I’m so glad that I gave this show a try! For once, I can wholeheartedly recommend a podcast - even if the show tanks after ep. 29 (which I think is very unlikely), I’m recommending it based on 29 episodes that have captured my attention as little else has. The *only* drawback for me is that there’s a good bit of swearing, but there’s nothing inappropriate about that for a horror podcast. Don’t forget that it’s rated R and play it without headphones while doing dishes when your family is home like I did. *LoL*
  • Eli. Fitz
    Takes some time
    I definitely love this audio drama. My only problem with it, is that it repeats so much. They figure something out and 1 ep later they are in the same the problem just different setting. I really just ended up getting bored with it. It’s a story that repeats itself over the period of 5 seasons.
  • TheTallRonan
    Best Horror Podcast
    How had I never heard of this podcast before?? After finishing The Black Tapes and Magnus Archives, I was despairing about the lack of good horror podcasts. This is easily one of the best I’ve ever listened to. Thrilling, suspenseful, with great writing, fantastic voice actors, and incredible sound effects. A must-listen for anyone who’s into the Cthulhu mythos and/or cosmic horror.
  • New York Times •
    One of a kind
    10/10 Unfortunately, nothing comes close. You’ll be listening to this podcast series over, and over, and over as nothing compares
  • Dannyistired
    Beautiful podcast
    I cried more times than I could count 10/10
  • charlie🌚
    woah
    i don’t think i can quite put into words how much i love this podcast, it’s one out of my two favorite podcasts
  • 420.vibez
    Best podcast ever
    Absolutely amazing I loved every minute of each episode. This is one of the best audio visuals I’ve ever experienced in my life. 5 stars automatically……..
  • chicago JI
    Unbelievable Story and production.
    Netflix soon???
  • Hawaiian girly
    The best audio drama
    I have listened to almost every audio drama on Apple podcast and Apple should sponsor this. The storyline is well written. The actors portray their characters amazingly. Malevolent is full of suspense, a tear jerker, and your imagination travels to places you never thought imaginable. This podcast keeps you on your toes and wanting more!
  • Zee_TV
    Atmospheric and brilliant premise
    The concept of having someone be blind and be narrated the world around them is such a unique spin on the “podcast” format. Furthermore the themes of grief, love, loss and guilt explored in the podcast are done so with a deft hand. The soundtrack is also wonderfully composed to really make the story shine. After Magnus Archives, this is the only other podcast that has me hooked and anticipating each episode.
  • K-Bonk00
    Easily the best story I have ever heard
    This podcast hits every single chord. Horror, comedy, love but in a non romantic way making it more symbolic, action, adventure, drama, suspense. It is able to tell the story without actual narration and uses just dialogue and tremendous sound effects. Every episode leaves me wanting more and none disappoint. The voice acting is top notch and has more emotion than any other podcast Ive listened too, and thats coming from someone whos an avid Magnus Archives and Welcome to Nightvale fan. If you dont listen to this or bail after a few episodes you are doing yourself a huge disservice. All in all, contrary to other long running podcasts, this one only gets better and continues to expand in world-building. Currently waiting on Chapter 49 and it can’t come soon enough
  • anjskwjhdhdjdkdj
    So wonderfully written
    I cant wait for the next episode 10/10
  • skronky
    Old school format makes for a super fun show
    So, I adore this show. I travel full time with a theater company and it’s gotten me through some LONG drives. The format reminds me of the old Infocom text adventures or a choose your own adventure where someone else is doing the choosing. The main character’s lack of eyesight is a brilliant narrative structure, which makes the podcast more illustrative than a lot of other entries in the genre. The main character is a bit maddeningly stubborn occasionally but it DOES serve the story if you hang in with it. Very glad I found this! Can’t wait to keep listening.
  • A. Maguire
    Three Seasons In
    Well written and acted. Pacing is excellent
  • PODaddictJOE
    WARNING!!!!
    Warning this podcast will ruin all other podcast after listening. I have not been able to find anything in the last year that even comes close this! So I have resorted to just listening over and over and over again, it never gets old!
  • jsg8992
    I wanna go back!
    John! I wish I could go back to when I first stumbled upon this show. It’s so beautifully done and this recent season is amazing. Yorick’s voice is so funny! Please I need more!
  • The lionpoet
    Terrible main character
    The idea, presentation, and execution are all well done. The whiny indecisive main character killed any desire for us to continue even finishing the first season.
  • ArthurMorgan2023
    You better make a tv show out this.
    I work long hours and I’m always looking for good fiction podcasts to listen to! By far the best I’ve ever heard. Please make a tv show outa this! I will help you! 100% better than you writers really know! I think this could be the next big thing! Do not stop until John and Arthur are dead!
  • AaronSmi96
    AMAZING!!
    Such a talented individual. The delivery of the story and the writing is so fantastic. Keeps me on the edge of my seat l.
  • Cold Case Buff
    Awesome
    Can't stop listening.
  • Bhindi9
    Enthralling
    This is such a hard to pause story! I've re-listened to it a couple times and it really runs me through the wringer of emotions every time. Amazing voice acting, story, music...everything. When I first listened I didn't realize he was also writing this while actually letting his Patreon audience steer the choices. It's incredibly impressive how coherent and planned it feels, even with the randomness the audience gives to it. Absolutely love it.
  • OldEarthling
    Recommend without hesitation
    This is a wonderful story with complex characters, beautiful visuals and musical.
  • Ahmed Asrar
    There’s So Much To Say
    Brilliant, exceptional, outstanding; these words don’t do justice to a masterpiece like this. By far one of the best if not the best podcast I’ve heard - I listen to a lot of podcast - never has a podcast made me feel scared, made me happy, sad and brought tears to my eyes. The brilliant use of this audio medium makes me feel like I am tagging along ‘with’ Arthur, since as just a listener like Arthur I can understand his predicament and John’s brilliant way of describing the environment paints a vivid picture of where ‘we’ are. There is this connection with the characters in terms of circumstances and it couldn’t have been executed more brilliantly through story and this medium. It goes meta which is wild! Harlan, please continue to take us with you on Arthur’s and John’s journey, you are the epitome of a storyteller. Thank you for putting this out to the world, I truly truly, truly mean that. Thank you. ❤️ FYI - First time writing a review for anything. I just love this so much. Have recommended it to everyone I know. Thank you again Harlan, much love, much respect.
  • Spudnuts JR
    Wow just wow
    I goes from good to better to outstanding. This show is just enthralling.
  • jilliantarr
    A true masterpiece
    This podcast is peak art and I have fallen in love with the story. Harlan is such an amazing storyteller and voice actor I am truly amazed that after so many episodes I am still so transfixed with the story. The emotion with which this story is narrated is otherworldly and I am deeply captivated every moment - especially in scenes of confrontation. I feel so lucky to be able to enjoy content like this and will be joining the Patreon in hopes to support the continuation of my number one favorite show.
  • John pate14
    G redes
    Holy moly so good I want to eat it and always have more of it please
  • Mikey Likes Podcasts
    Beyond 5 stars
    This Podcast is rated beyond 5 stars.
  • photosnipa
    Malevolent is Legendary
    Harlan is a true creative and has created something timeless with this show. If you’re thinking about joining his Patreon just do it- it’s the only show I give what I can to. If you have an appreciation for unique experiences you’ll marvel at the world he has created. You’ll laugh full on belly style, you’ll very possibly cry. You’ll come to love the main characters. There’s nothing I can say that hasn’t already been said… Thanks Harlan.
  • shilohrosecapone
    A man becomes codependent on the voice inside his head that may or may not be an eldritch elder god.
    I got so obsessed that I was 45 minutes late to a birthday dinner because I sat in the parking lot to listen to the next episode. I laughed, I cried, I palpitated in fear- this podcast really has it all. The only downside is that I have to wait weeks for the next episode and stay up at night wondering what will come next and wondering how Arthur is alive after all of his injuries. This podcast made me thankful I have ADHD so I can go back in a few months and re-listen to it while forgetting what happens.
  • MrsTheJones
    Never Have I Ever
    I binged this podcast in a matter of months and have never cried so much or so forcefully at a spoken word performance. Truly masterful and endlessly engaging! I am currently a Patreon subscriber bc of this. Seriously, beyond “well done”.
  • akciwi$28:!,
    Finally a horror podcast I can get into
    I’ve tried several other horror podcasts because I want to get better at writing horror for rpgs. Never found one that held my interest, I’m a patron for My sis made me view it and they’re covering Malevolent, Meg explained in the discord that main character is blind and has to have everything described by the voice in his head, and I thought that was such a clever plot device for why a character needed to describe everything in an audio only medium that I had to give it a shot, I’m on season 4 after just a few weeks and will probably join his patron once I’m caught up
  • sfawp
    I never leave reviews for anything.
    I’m binge listening to this. 4 seasons straight. My sister said “hey listen to this podcast” I’m like this has 1 episode to fulfill me or this podcast is dead! My goodness freaking gracious. This is the standard of a podcast. Probably the best thing I’ve ever heard ever. Better than any movie or show or comics. I can’t wait until the movie adaptation or whatever. This is by far the most amazing, mind bending, mind throbbing, EDGE OF YOUR FREAKING SEAT PODCAST. IM IN LOVE WITH ALL OF THIS. THIS IS NOT A GREAT PODCAST. THIS IS THEE PODCAST. I CAN BET MY LEFT NUT. This is what podcast are all about!!
  • LadyBugflyurwyhm
    Wow
    The way the podcast grips you the inside outs are awesome! Very delightful please continue😉
  • Nora.aaaa
    Needs tighter editing
    Swearing is fine. Blasphemy is fine. What’s not fine is ~1/3 of your dialogue being a variation of “Jesus Christ, Arthur/John!” Wanted to like it but it fought me every second. Gave up at the beginning of season 3.
  • Ahdjahhdiahbdhzggagf
    bruh
    Did NOT know a pod could do this. I’m blown out of the water.
  • ZËDUBB
    Can’t recommend enough
    This podcast is so fantastically amazing I have no other words
  • 87Dustin71
    My favorite podcast
    Easily the most interesting, most well-produced show that never ceases to amaze AND it’s all voiced by one incredibly talented human. Eternally grateful this podcast exists. Also highly recommend the Patreon where you can vote on the choices Arthur makes in the show!
  • KeDDs1018
    Season 2
    Just finished season 2. Legit the best podcast on here rn. Keep em coming. Time to binge season 3.
  • Bluetheanimator
    I never leave reviews.
    Never, I don’t think I ever have, but this podcast is genuinely one of the best things I’ve ever gotten fixated on. The story is incredible, the acting is immaculate, and I’ve wept more than I’d ever imagine crying over a podcast. It’s just. Amazing. In so many ways.
  • Haliron
    I never leave reviews
    But this podcast/story is unreal. Captivating, creative, and so unique. The way it paints a picture for you to visualize and how they set it up to be able to paint a picture is amazing. I’ve listened to many notable fictional podcast, but this one by all means is number one!
  • forrrestfae
    head over heels for this show
    an instant favorite, malevolent had me hooked from the first episode and has not put me down since! i am subscribed to the patreon now :D genuinely some of the best work i've ever seen out of podcasting, and the fact that it is a one-man cast and crew FLOORS me (if you didnt know, look it up, it's so impressive) hands down my favorite piece of media i've taken in in any format in years
  • Crankolyn
    Can’t wait for each episode
    This is an amazing series that I tell all my friends about. I listen to a lot of podcasts and this has become my go to whenever I walk the dog, do other chores or drive.
  • Tj6643
    Fantastic show!
    Great story and production. My favorite podcast. I always look forward to new episodes. I hope it goes on forever!
  • Mermaid_Face
    Terrifyingly Addicting
    This. Is. Absolutely. Incredible. Seriously, floored that this was produced by one person. You would never guess it. It is exciting and horrifying, and you do really come to love the characters. Both Arthur’s & John’s character development is intriguing and believable. Just makes you want to know them more. Guthrie is next level with this Podcast. I honestly cannot find anything that even remotely compares, and it is frustrating because I need a million more. Thank you for creating this, and for adding new episodes! Can’t wait to see what’s next!
  • Hoodiecladknight
    I am in love with this story
    I cannot express how much I adore this story. It’s so well written, both a thrilling horror story of the cosmic horror variety, but also a love story. I only just finished season one but- it’s a love story and I refuse to be told otherwise. A very Intense Love Story, but it rules. Also for an audio medium, the monster designs are so cool. This whole thing is so inspiring I can’t articulate it all I am really grateful for all the work put into this story
  • Kowmonkey
    Definitely listen
    Great show, awesome job with 1 person doing all the voices
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