RadioClassics

Classic radio dramas & comedy

Channel 148RadioClassics is the home for the quality programs from The Golden Age Of Radio. Before television, before audio books, before podcasts, great storytelling dominated the realm of radio. It's where imagination ruled.  Superman, Dragnet, Gunsmoke, plus comedies from Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, George Burns & Gracie Allen all originated on radio. Those ageless shows (and so much more) can be found on Radio Classics. Timeless stories and laughs from the past for today's SiriusXM listeners.Connect with

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Sherlock Holmes

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When Radio Was

Radio Spirits' nationally syndicated radio program hosted by old-time radio expert Greg Bell

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Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes

Now Playing
30 mins

Based on the popular characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes began on coast-to-coast

Based on the popular characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes began on coast-to-coast CBS radio in 1930. By the late 1930s The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes had moved to the Mutual Broadcasting Network and the series was forced to rely on invented new adventures, having run out of Doyle stories to adapt.

The Green Hornet

The Green Hornet

Next Airs Today at 3 am
30 mins

The Green Hornet debuted over the Detroit station on January 31, 1936. The Green Hornet was well-served by his valet Kato an

The Green Hornet debuted over the Detroit station on January 31, 1936. The Green Hornet was well-served by his valet Kato and a supercharged roadster, the Black Beauty. Al Hodge portrayed The Green Hornet during the series' first seven seasons, followed by Donovan Faust, Robert Hall and Jack McCarthy. The show ran on radio through December 5, 1952.

The Adventures of Frank Race

The Adventures of Frank Race

Next Airs Today at 3:30 am
30 mins

Frank Race is an attorney whose life is filled with intrigue following the war. The adventure series aired from 1949 to 1950

Frank Race is an attorney whose life is filled with intrigue following the war. The adventure series aired from 1949 to 1950. Starring Tom Collins and then Paul Dobov.

My Little Margie

My Little Margie

Next Airs Today at 4 am
30 mins

Mid-1950's family sitcom starring Gale Storm as Margie and Charles Farrell as her father, Verne.

Mid-1950's family sitcom starring Gale Storm as Margie and Charles Farrell as her father, Verne.

Our Miss Brooks

Our Miss Brooks

Next Airs Today at 4:30 am
30 mins

Eve Arden portrays Miss Connie Brooks, an overworked and underpaid teacher of 10th grade English at Madison High School. Our

Eve Arden portrays Miss Connie Brooks, an overworked and underpaid teacher of 10th grade English at Madison High School. Our Miss Brooks called her radio classroom to order beginning July 19, 1948. The final bell rang for Our Miss Brooks on July 7, 1957.

Life of Riley

Life of Riley

Next Airs Today at 5 am
30 mins

The Life of Riley featured the comic misadventures of riveter Chester A. Riley. Riley was a devoted family man with a talent

The Life of Riley featured the comic misadventures of riveter Chester A. Riley. Riley was a devoted family man with a talent for flying off the handle and a penchant for being worse. Movie star William Bendix played the title role of the lovable hardhat throughout the series.

Phil Harris & Alice Faye Show

Phil Harris & Alice Faye Show

Next Airs Today at 5:30 am
30 mins

The Phil Harris & Alice Faye Show grew out of the popular Fitch Bandwagon series. Phil Harris played himself, continuing the

The Phil Harris & Alice Faye Show grew out of the popular Fitch Bandwagon series. Phil Harris played himself, continuing the egotistical, smart-alec characterization he had perfected during his years as Jack Bennys' bandleader. Alice Faye, Phil's movie star wife, recreated her real-life role as a film star turn devoted housewife.

Suspense

Suspense

Next Airs Today at 6 am
1 hr

Suspense debuted on June 17, 1942 as a sustaining summer replacement, returned that fall and continued in the CBS lineup Sep

Suspense debuted on June 17, 1942 as a sustaining summer replacement, returned that fall and continued in the CBS lineup September 30, 1962. "Radio's outstanding theatre of thrills" is recognized as one of the finest dramatic series in the history of broadcasting.

Inner Sanctum Mysteries

Inner Sanctum Mysteries

Next Airs Today at 7 am
30 mins

Inner Sanctum's sinister host welcomed listeners "through the squeaking door to another night of horror." The show’s "squea

Inner Sanctum's sinister host welcomed listeners "through the squeaking door to another night of horror." The show’s "squeaking door" was one of radio’s most-remembered openings and was inspired by the creaking hinges on a sound effects door at the radio studio.

Mayor Of The Town

Mayor Of The Town

Next Airs Today at 7:30 am
30 mins

Mayor Of The Town

Mayor Of The Town

Six Shooter

Six Shooter

Next Airs Today at 8 am
30 mins

The Six Shooter aired started movie star James Stewart rode the radio range from September 20, 1953 through June 24, 1954 as

The Six Shooter aired started movie star James Stewart rode the radio range from September 20, 1953 through June 24, 1954 as Britt Ponset, "the Texas plainsman who wandered through the western territories, leaving behind a trail of still-remembered legends."

Gunsmoke

Gunsmoke

Next Airs Today at 8:30 am
30 mins

Radio’s greatest adult western told the story of Matt Dillon, U.S. Marshal, "the first man they look for and the last they w

Radio’s greatest adult western told the story of Matt Dillon, U.S. Marshal, "the first man they look for and the last they want to meet." Gunsmoke grew out of a request from CBS founder William Paley for a "Philip Marlowe in the Old West," and featured grimly realistic stories set in the vicinity of Dodge City, the "Gommorrah of the West," with William Conrad as Dillon.

Casey, Crime Photographer

Casey, Crime Photographer

Next Airs Today at 9 am
30 mins

Jack "Flashgun" Casey was first introduced in the March 1934 issue of Black Mask, the classic pulp fiction magazine. Created

Jack "Flashgun" Casey was first introduced in the March 1934 issue of Black Mask, the classic pulp fiction magazine. Created by pulp wordsmith George Harmon Coxe, Casey appeared in dozens of stories in Black Mask, which were later collected into six books. Flashgun Casey came to radio as a CBS sustaining series on July 7, 1943. The series was renamed Casey, Press Photographer in 1944 and became Casey, Crime Photographer on September 12, 1945.

Dragnet

Dragnet

Next Airs Today at 9:30 am
30 mins

Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent...

Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent... One of the most popular police dramas in the history of broadcasting, Dragnet aired on NBC Radio from June 10, 1949 through February 7, 1957 and on television from 1952-59 and 1967-72. Dragnet introduced a new era of documentary-style realism.

Jack Benny Program

Jack Benny Program

Next Airs Today at 10 am
30 mins

For more than 20 years, Jack Benny reigned as the king of radio comedy. His show ran on nearly every network from 1932 to th

For more than 20 years, Jack Benny reigned as the king of radio comedy. His show ran on nearly every network from 1932 to the mid 1950s. How he turned a miserable, self-absorbed cheapskate into a beloved icon ranks among the great achievements in entertainment history. Benny revolutionized the way humor was played on radio by introducing the situation comedy and by giving most of the best lines to his supporting cast.

Fibber McGee & Molly

Fibber McGee & Molly

Next Airs Today at 10:30 am
30 mins

The husband-and-wife vaudeville team of Jim and Marian Jordan began their radio careers in Peoria on a bet from Jim’s brothe

The husband-and-wife vaudeville team of Jim and Marian Jordan began their radio careers in Peoria on a bet from Jim’s brother. The Jordans were heard as The O’Henry Twins and The Air Scouts before Don Quinn created Smackout in 1931. Quinn revamped the show as Fibber McGee and Molly in 1935 when Johnson’s Wax signed on as sponsor.

Michael Shayne

Michael Shayne

Next Airs Today at 11 am
30 mins

Detective Michael Shayne was created by Davis Dresser (writing under the pen name Brett Halliday). "Dividend of Death," the

Detective Michael Shayne was created by Davis Dresser (writing under the pen name Brett Halliday). "Dividend of Death," the first of more than 60 novels featuring the Miami-based private detective was published in 1939. The adventures of the "reckless red-headed Irishman," played by Wally Maher, came to radio October 16, 1944 and aired for 3 years.

Escape - Radio Classics

Escape - Radio Classics

Next Airs Today at 11:30 am
30 mins

Radio's greatest series of high adventure debuted over the CBS network on July 7,1947. Escape's protagonists faced life-and-

Radio's greatest series of high adventure debuted over the CBS network on July 7,1947. Escape's protagonists faced life-and-death situations each week, as the show careened from classic adventure to Western drama to science fiction. The program was broadcast as a sustainer (unsponsored) series during most of its seven-year run.

When Radio Was

When Radio Was

Next Airs Today at 12 pm
1 hr

Radio Spirits' nationally syndicated radio program hosted by old-time radio expert Greg Bell

Radio Spirits' nationally syndicated radio program hosted by old-time radio expert Greg Bell

Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar

Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar

Next Airs Today at 1 pm
30 mins

Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar told the story of the freelance insurance investigator with the "action-packed expense account."

Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar told the story of the freelance insurance investigator with the "action-packed expense account." Radio’s last great detective series, Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar ended its run September 30, 1962 during the final week of network radio drama.

The Crime Club

The Crime Club

Next Airs Today at 1:30 pm
30 mins

The Crime Club

The Crime Club

Hopalong Cassidy

Hopalong Cassidy

Next Airs Today at 3 pm
30 mins

Hopalong Cassidy's millions of fans got a New Year's Day present in 1950 when William Boyd brought the famous Bar-20 Ranch o

Hopalong Cassidy's millions of fans got a New Year's Day present in 1950 when William Boyd brought the famous Bar-20 Ranch onto the Mutual radio range. In 1950, Clarence Mulford's classic cowboy was heard on 152 radio stations, seen on 63 television outlets and appeared as a comic strip in 155 newspapers.

The Cisco Kid

The Cisco Kid

Next Airs Today at 3:30 pm
30 mins

The Cisco Kid rode onto the Mutual airwaves on October 2, 1942, in a series that starred the versatile Jackson Beck. Cisco a

The Cisco Kid rode onto the Mutual airwaves on October 2, 1942, in a series that starred the versatile Jackson Beck. Cisco and his partner Pancho rode off the Mutual trail on December 14, 1945, but the characters returned to the airwaves two years later in a new version that was broadcast over the Don Lee Pacific Coast Network. Jack Mather and Harry Lang (later replaced by Mel Blanc) portrayed Cisco and Pancho in the later series, which ran for a decade.

Lux Radio Theatre

Lux Radio Theatre

Next Airs Today at 4 pm
1 hr

The Lux Radio Theatre was one of radio's most popular series attracting Hollywood's top stars and boasting a lavish budget.

The Lux Radio Theatre was one of radio's most popular series attracting Hollywood's top stars and boasting a lavish budget. The Lux Radio Theatre began in 1934 featuring dramas from Broadway, but there was not enough material to support the show. In an attempt to reverse the slipping ratings, the show was moved to Hollywood in 1936, where there was plenty of material and talent.

The Whistler

The Whistler

Next Airs Today at 5:30 pm
30 mins

The Whistler whistled its way onto the airwaves beginning May 16, 1942 and its eerie 13-note theme set the tone for West Coa

The Whistler whistled its way onto the airwaves beginning May 16, 1942 and its eerie 13-note theme set the tone for West Coast radio mystery for the next decade. "I am the Whistler and I know many things, for I walk by night. I know many strange tales hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows. Yes, I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak."

Lights Out!

Lights Out!

Next Airs Today at 6 pm
1 hr

Lights Out debuted January 1, 1934 over Chicago’s WENR and moved onto the NBC airwaves beginning April 17, 1935. Radio’s pr

Lights Out debuted January 1, 1934 over Chicago’s WENR and moved onto the NBC airwaves beginning April 17, 1935. Radio’s premier horror series was created by writer/ director Wyllis Cooper. Cooper was succeeded by Arch Oboler, one of radio’s greatest dramatic talents.

Arch Oboler's Plays

Arch Oboler's Plays

Next Airs Today at 7 pm
30 mins

This anthology series first ran on NBC in 1939, then was reprised on Mutual in 1945. Oboler was an immense talent, compared

This anthology series first ran on NBC in 1939, then was reprised on Mutual in 1945. Oboler was an immense talent, compared to Norman Corwin, specializing in stylized "radio literature" that was often political and staunchly anti-Nazi. He got his radio break in horror, writing scripts for Lights Out, before given free reign on his own show to write, produce, and direct his masterpieces of radio theatre.

The Aldrich Family

The Aldrich Family

Next Airs Today at 8 pm
1 hr

The character of Henry Aldrich was introduced in Clifford Goldsmith's 1937 play, "What a Life". Ezra Stone originated the ro

The character of Henry Aldrich was introduced in Clifford Goldsmith's 1937 play, "What a Life". Ezra Stone originated the role of "America's favorite teenager" on Broadway and portrayed the role for nearly a decade on radio. After being featured in short skits on variety shows, The Aldrich Family debuted as Jack Benny's summer replacement on July 2, 1939. The series moved into its own NBC timeslot on October 10, 1939 and continued until April 19, 1953. Stone received his draft notice in the summer of 1941 but continued as Henry for the next season. Norman Tokar replaced Stone the following season, followed by Dickie Jones and Raymond Ives. After completing his military service in 1945, Stone returned to the role he had originated and was heard as Henry though the early 1950s when Bobby Ellis took over the role on both radio and television.

Strange Wills

Strange Wills

Next Airs Today at 10 pm
30 mins

Warren William stars in this 1946 show about "strange wills made by strange people." William plays an investigator who searc

Warren William stars in this 1946 show about "strange wills made by strange people." William plays an investigator who searches out the heirs of these bizarre death contracts.

The Black Museum

The Black Museum

Next Airs Today at 11:30 pm
30 mins

This crime drama was first produced by the BBC in 1951, and aired in the US the following year. Narrator Orson Welles told t

This crime drama was first produced by the BBC in 1951, and aired in the US the following year. Narrator Orson Welles told tales of this "mausoleum of murder," with ordinary objects and the murder mysteries behind them.

I Was A Communist for the FBI

I Was A Communist for the FBI

Next Airs Tomorrow at 12 am
1 hr

I Was a Communist for the FBI--I walk alone. The 1952 syndicated series starred Dana Andrews as real-life undercover agent M

I Was a Communist for the FBI--I walk alone. The 1952 syndicated series starred Dana Andrews as real-life undercover agent Matt Cvetic, whose book of the same title provided the inspiration for the radio series and a Hollywood film. Growing out of the communist paranoia of the McCarthy era, the Cold War drama featured red spies portrayed in the same stereotypical manner of the Nazis during World Ward II propaganda programs.

This Is Your F.B.I

This Is Your F.B.I

Next Airs Tomorrow at 1 am
30 mins

This Is Your F.B.I. came to the Blue Network on April 6, 1945, created, produced and directed by Jerry Devine, a former chil

This Is Your F.B.I. came to the Blue Network on April 6, 1945, created, produced and directed by Jerry Devine, a former child actor. Like Philips H. Lord before him, Devine got special permission from bureau head J. Edgar Hoover to dramatize older cases using fictitious names and locales. Frank Lovejoy was the program's first narrator, followed by Dean Carlton and later William Woodson.

Big Town

Big Town

Next Airs Tomorrow at 1:30 am
30 mins

Edward G. Robinson starred as crusading newspaper editor Steve Wilson from October 19, 1937 through July 2, 1942. The Holly

Edward G. Robinson starred as crusading newspaper editor Steve Wilson from October 19, 1937 through July 2, 1942. The Hollywood great was glad to play an idealistic role in contrast to his many film gangster portrayals. Big Town at its peak was radio’s highest-rated drama and was only eclipsed by The Jack Benny Program in ratings. The series was canceled when Edward G. Robinson quit in 1942 but was resurrected the following year with Edward Pawley (and later Walter Greaza) as Wilson and Fran Carlon as Lorelei. The revived Big Town aired from October 5, 1943 through June 25, 1952.

The Mysterious Traveler

The Mysterious Traveler

Next Airs Tomorrow at 2 am
1 hr 30 mins

The Mysterious Traveler was one of radio's greatest omniscient storytellers, introducing tales of mystery, science fiction a

The Mysterious Traveler was one of radio's greatest omniscient storytellers, introducing tales of mystery, science fiction and horror from the typewriters of writers/producers Robert A. Arthur and David Kogan. The Mysterious Traveler rode the Mutual rails from December 5, 1943 through September 23, 1952.

Strange Dr. Weird

Strange Dr. Weird

Next Airs Tomorrow at 3:30 am
30 mins

This supernatural fantasy series aired on the Mutual Broadcasting System from 1944-1945. The 15-minute show can be considere

This supernatural fantasy series aired on the Mutual Broadcasting System from 1944-1945. The 15-minute show can be considered a lite version of "Mysterious Traveler," as it also starred Maurice Tarplin and shared a writer.

Colgate Sports Newsreel

Colgate Sports Newsreel

Next Airs Tomorrow at 4 am
30 mins

TBD

TBD

The Jack Carson Show

The Jack Carson Show

Next Airs Tomorrow at 4:30 am
30 mins

Carson, who began his career as a vaudeville actor, got his break in radio with a 1938 performance on The Kraft Music Hall w

Carson, who began his career as a vaudeville actor, got his break in radio with a 1938 performance on The Kraft Music Hall with Bing Crosby. After a few standout bit roles in movies, Carson landed his own radio show on CBS, which debuted on June 2, 1943. The show centered around the host's hectic Hollywood life, famous friends and strange relatives - Carson's old vaudeville partner Dave Willock even played the part of his nephew Tugwell.

We Hold These Truths

We Hold These Truths

Next Airs Tomorrow at 8 am
1 hr

An hour-long radio program written by Norman Corwin, We Hold These Truths aired on the 150th anniversary of the ratification

An hour-long radio program written by Norman Corwin, We Hold These Truths aired on the 150th anniversary of the ratification of the U.S. Bill of Rights, a week after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on 12/15/1941.

March of Time

March of Time

Next Airs Tomorrow at 9 am
30 mins

TBD

TBD

Frontier Fighters

Frontier Fighters

Next Airs Tomorrow at 9:30 am
30 mins

This series consisted of 15-minute episodes about true historical adventures in the American West. Some of the stories inclu

This series consisted of 15-minute episodes about true historical adventures in the American West. Some of the stories include Lewis & Clark, the Oregon boundary dispute, and the purchase of Alaska. The original broadcast dates for Frontier Fighters are still unclear; the series ran sometime during the 1930s.

The Sealed Book

The Sealed Book

Next Airs Tomorrow at 1 pm
30 mins

This mystery/horror series aired on Mutual from March-September of 1945. Philip Clarke played the cackling "keeper of the bo

This mystery/horror series aired on Mutual from March-September of 1945. Philip Clarke played the cackling "keeper of the book," who told spooky tales of black magic, not unlike in The Witch's Tale or The Hermit's Cave

The Saint

The Saint

Next Airs Tomorrow at 1:30 pm
30 mins

Leslie Charteris' famous character first came to radio on January 6, 1945 with Edgar Barrier heard as the debonair Simon Tem

Leslie Charteris' famous character first came to radio on January 6, 1945 with Edgar Barrier heard as the debonair Simon Templar. The "Robin Hood of modern crime" returned to the airwaves on July 9, 1947 with Vincent Price in the title role in a short-lived CBS summer series. Price returned to the role in 1949 over Mutual and became radio's most remembered Simon Templar.

Broadway is My Beat

Broadway is My Beat

Next Airs Tomorrow at 2 pm
1 hr

Broadway Is My Beat debuted over CBS on February 27, 1949 and continued through August 1, 1954. Anthony Ross starred as Clov

Broadway Is My Beat debuted over CBS on February 27, 1949 and continued through August 1, 1954. Anthony Ross starred as Clover during the first two seasons, with Thor taking over the role on July 3, 1950. Homicide detective Clover pounded the Broadway beat for five years in one of radio's last great detective series.

Romance of the Ranchos

Romance of the Ranchos

Next Airs Tomorrow at 4 pm
30 mins

This historical drama told tales of early Southern California in "the days of the dons". Stories were based on records from

This historical drama told tales of early Southern California in "the days of the dons". Stories were based on records from Title Insurance, the show's sponsor. History was made as land changed hands and purposes, causing listeners to think twice about the stories behind their own West Coast land the in mid-1940s.

Have Gun, Will Travel

Have Gun, Will Travel

Next Airs Tomorrow at 4:30 pm
30 mins

Have Gun, Will Travel debuted on television on September 14, 1957 and moved to radio November 23, 1958. The program was an

Have Gun, Will Travel debuted on television on September 14, 1957 and moved to radio November 23, 1958. The program was an oddity, a western that began on television and moved to radio, featuring an ethical anti-hero whose mysterious origins were left untold until the fifth and final TV season.

Let George Do It

Let George Do It

Next Airs Tomorrow at 6 pm
30 mins

Let George Do It, stars Bob Bailey, who plays George Valentine who was a detective whose cases came from the newspaper.

Let George Do It, stars Bob Bailey, who plays George Valentine who was a detective whose cases came from the newspaper.

The Falcon

The Falcon

Next Airs Tomorrow at 6:30 pm
30 mins

Michael Waring was a freelance detective who was also known as the Falcon. Waring's detective techniques were a cross betwee

Michael Waring was a freelance detective who was also known as the Falcon. Waring's detective techniques were a cross between Ellery Queen and Richard Diamond. He had a certain eye for detail but was frequently on the outs with the police.

Inheritance

Inheritance

Next Airs Tomorrow at 8 pm
30 mins

Inheritance

Inheritance

Crime Classics

Crime Classics

Next Airs Tomorrow at 9 pm
30 mins

Crime Classics featured "true crime stories from the records and newspapers of every land from every time" culled from direc

Crime Classics featured "true crime stories from the records and newspapers of every land from every time" culled from director Elliott Lewis' voluminous personal library of true crime cases. The CBS series ran from June 15, 1953 through June 30, 1954.

The Unexpected

The Unexpected

Next Airs Tomorrow at 9:30 pm
30 mins

These frightening 15-minute tales always ended with a - you guessed it - unexpected twist. Barry Sullivan, Virginia Gregg, a

These frightening 15-minute tales always ended with a - you guessed it - unexpected twist. Barry Sullivan, Virginia Gregg, and Lurene Tuttle appeared in this syndicated series in 1948.

Theater Guild On The Air

Theater Guild On The Air

Next Airs Tomorrow at 10 pm
1 hr

Radio adaptations of Broadway plays sponsored by United States Steel

Radio adaptations of Broadway plays sponsored by United States Steel

The Line-Up

The Line-Up

Next Airs Wednesday at 1 am
30 mins

This CBS cop procedural pulls back the curtain on crime fighting in San Francisco. The Shadow's Bill Johnstone starred as co

This CBS cop procedural pulls back the curtain on crime fighting in San Francisco. The Shadow's Bill Johnstone starred as cool-mannered Lt. Ben Guthrie, foil to hot-tempered Sgt. Matt Grebb. Director Elliot Lewis was one of the busiest men in radio, having a hand in the Phil Harris & Alice Faye Show, Suspense, Broadway Is My Beat, and many more.

Police Headquarters

Police Headquarters

Next Airs Wednesday at 1:30 am
30 mins

This police procedural series was syndicated on NBC stations in 1932. It features quarter-hour stories typically based on tr

This police procedural series was syndicated on NBC stations in 1932. It features quarter-hour stories typically based on true crimes.

Charlie McCarthy Show

Charlie McCarthy Show

Next Airs Wednesday at 2 am
1 hr

Ventriloquist Edgar Bergen developed his Charlie McCarthy character in high school. Bergen performed with the newsboy dummy

Ventriloquist Edgar Bergen developed his Charlie McCarthy character in high school. Bergen performed with the newsboy dummy while attending Northwestern University and eventually left college to tour vaudeville. With the decline of vaudeville during the Great Depression, Bergen moved into night spots like New York’s trendy Rainbow Room but feared his friend wouldn’t be appreciated by high society. So he gave Charlie a monocle and top hat and a "man about town" was born. Following a three-month guest stint on Rudy Vallee’s show, Edgar Bergen was signed as headliner of The Chase and Sanborn Hour. The series premiered May 9, 1937 and ended the next three seasons as radio’s top-rated series.

Duffy's Tavern

Duffy's Tavern

Next Airs Wednesday at 3 am
30 mins

Millions of radio listeners visited Duffy's Tavern each week, but Duffy himself was nowhere to be found. Although he dutiful

Millions of radio listeners visited Duffy's Tavern each week, but Duffy himself was nowhere to be found. Although he dutifully phoned Archie the manager each week, he never once dropped by. Duffy's Tavern first opened its doors to radio listeners on the CBS audition series Forecast on July 29, 1940, and then opened for regular business on March 1, 1941.

Lum and Abner

Lum and Abner

Next Airs Wednesday at 3:30 am
30 mins

Chester Lauck and Norris Goff were first heard as Lum and Abner on a radio fundraiser for flood victims. Improvising the spo

Chester Lauck and Norris Goff were first heard as Lum and Abner on a radio fundraiser for flood victims. Improvising the spot, they went on the air as the "fellers from the hills" and won a regular spot on KTHS beginning April 26, 1931. Lum and Abner moved into an NBC summer berth July 27, 1931 and aired nationally from May 22, 1933 through May 7, 1954.

Phillip Marlowe

Phillip Marlowe

Next Airs Wednesday at 6 am
30 mins

Phillip Marlowe

Phillip Marlowe

Burns & Allen Show

Burns & Allen Show

Next Airs Wednesday at 7 am
30 mins

George and Gracie first performed on air over the BBC while touring England after an NBC executive rejected their act insist

George and Gracie first performed on air over the BBC while touring England after an NBC executive rejected their act insisting that "Gracie’s voice is unfit for radio." Burns and Allen won a regular spot on The Robert Burns Panatella Program February 22, 1932 and moved into the top spot when Guy Lombardo left the series. The Burns and Allen Show aired through May 17, 1950 on radio and for another decade on television. Jack Benny and George Burns were best friends in real life and often were guests on each other’s programs.

Fathers Know Best

Fathers Know Best

Next Airs Wednesday at 7:30 am
30 mins

Drawing from the rich EWTN library, we bring you great retreat teachings, lectures and exclusive EWTN programs hosted by pri

Drawing from the rich EWTN library, we bring you great retreat teachings, lectures and exclusive EWTN programs hosted by priests you know and trust. You’ll hear Fr. Larry Richards, Fr. John Riccardo, Fr. Benedict Groeschel and more!

2000 Plus

2000 Plus

Next Airs Wednesday at 1 pm
30 mins

Science-fiction anthology series on the Mutual Radio Network. It was the first of its kind for adults, predating the landmar

Science-fiction anthology series on the Mutual Radio Network. It was the first of its kind for adults, predating the landmark NBC series Dimension X.

Adventures of Harry Nile

Adventures of Harry Nile

Next Airs Wednesday at 3:30 pm
30 mins

This series is one of a few modern series featured by Radio Classics. A creation of writer Jim French, Harry Nile first came

This series is one of a few modern series featured by Radio Classics. A creation of writer Jim French, Harry Nile first came to radio in 1976 and continued to be adapted into the late '90s as part of the "Imagination Theatre" productions. Harry Nile, a former Chicago cop turned private detective, was played by Phil Harper for more than 20 years.

Frontier Gentleman

Frontier Gentleman

Next Airs Wednesday at 5 pm
30 mins

This excellent Western series, created by Antony Ellis, aired for several months on CBS in 1958. John Dehner starred as Brit

This excellent Western series, created by Antony Ellis, aired for several months on CBS in 1958. John Dehner starred as British reporter J.B. Kendall, who traveled the Wild West in search of stories of adventure. Versatile radio stars like Virginia Gregg, Jospeh Kearns, Stacy Harris and more were featured throughout.

Molle Mystery Theatre

Molle Mystery Theatre

Next Airs Wednesday at 8:30 pm
30 mins

This frightening thriller series aired for about 10 years in various forms starting in 1943- on NBC, CBS and ABC. The show's

This frightening thriller series aired for about 10 years in various forms starting in 1943- on NBC, CBS and ABC. The show's "annotater", criminologist character Geoffrey Barnes, filled in the blanks of the stories and provided analysis for the listener.

Adventures of Sam Spade

Adventures of Sam Spade

Next Airs Thursday at 4 pm
30 mins

Dashiell Hammett's Sam Spade walked out of the pages of Black Mask and into his own CBS radio series of July 12, 1946. Howar

Dashiell Hammett's Sam Spade walked out of the pages of Black Mask and into his own CBS radio series of July 12, 1946. Howard Duff starred as the hardboiled detective for the first three seasons. Lurene Tuttle was Sam's secretary Effie Perrine and Jerry Hausner was his lawyer Sid Weiss. CBS dropped the series in 1950 when Hammett ran afoul of Congress' Un-American Activities investigators, but the show was quickly revived by NBC.

All times listed EST

Greg Bell

From his native Illinois to a number of Rocky Mountain years in Colorado and Idaho, Greg Bell has done it all in radio—program director, news director, sports director, anchor, and reporter. Bell’s goal with Radio Classics is to take you back to the time when the family gathered around the radio.

All times listed EST
2:30 am

Now Playing

Sherlock HolmesBased on the popular characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes began on coast-to-coast CBS radio in 1930. By the late 1930s The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes had moved to the Mutual Broadcasting Network and the series was forced to rely on invented new adventures, having run out of Doyle stories to adapt.
3 am

Now Playing

The Green HornetThe Green Hornet debuted over the Detroit station on January 31, 1936. The Green Hornet was well-served by his valet Kato and a supercharged roadster, the Black Beauty. Al Hodge portrayed The Green Hornet during the series' first seven seasons, followed by Donovan Faust, Robert Hall and Jack McCarthy. The show ran on radio through December 5, 1952.
3:30 am

Now Playing

The Adventures of Frank RaceFrank Race is an attorney whose life is filled with intrigue following the war. The adventure series aired from 1949 to 1950. Starring Tom Collins and then Paul Dobov.
4 am

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My Little MargieMid-1950's family sitcom starring Gale Storm as Margie and Charles Farrell as her father, Verne.
4:30 am

Now Playing

Our Miss BrooksEve Arden portrays Miss Connie Brooks, an overworked and underpaid teacher of 10th grade English at Madison High School. Our Miss Brooks called her radio classroom to order beginning July 19, 1948. The final bell rang for Our Miss Brooks on July 7, 1957.
5 am

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Life of RileyThe Life of Riley featured the comic misadventures of riveter Chester A. Riley. Riley was a devoted family man with a talent for flying off the handle and a penchant for being worse. Movie star William Bendix played the title role of the lovable hardhat throughout the series.
5:30 am

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Phil Harris & Alice Faye ShowThe Phil Harris & Alice Faye Show grew out of the popular Fitch Bandwagon series. Phil Harris played himself, continuing the egotistical, smart-alec characterization he had perfected during his years as Jack Bennys' bandleader. Alice Faye, Phil's movie star wife, recreated her real-life role as a film star turn devoted housewife.
6 am

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SuspenseSuspense debuted on June 17, 1942 as a sustaining summer replacement, returned that fall and continued in the CBS lineup September 30, 1962. "Radio's outstanding theatre of thrills" is recognized as one of the finest dramatic series in the history of broadcasting.
7 am

Now Playing

Inner Sanctum MysteriesInner Sanctum's sinister host welcomed listeners "through the squeaking door to another night of horror." The show’s "squeaking door" was one of radio’s most-remembered openings and was inspired by the creaking hinges on a sound effects door at the radio studio.
7:30 am

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Mayor Of The TownMayor Of The Town
8 am

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Six ShooterThe Six Shooter aired started movie star James Stewart rode the radio range from September 20, 1953 through June 24, 1954 as Britt Ponset, "the Texas plainsman who wandered through the western territories, leaving behind a trail of still-remembered legends."
8:30 am

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GunsmokeRadio’s greatest adult western told the story of Matt Dillon, U.S. Marshal, "the first man they look for and the last they want to meet." Gunsmoke grew out of a request from CBS founder William Paley for a "Philip Marlowe in the Old West," and featured grimly realistic stories set in the vicinity of Dodge City, the "Gommorrah of the West," with William Conrad as Dillon.
9 am

Now Playing

Casey, Crime PhotographerJack "Flashgun" Casey was first introduced in the March 1934 issue of Black Mask, the classic pulp fiction magazine. Created by pulp wordsmith George Harmon Coxe, Casey appeared in dozens of stories in Black Mask, which were later collected into six books. Flashgun Casey came to radio as a CBS sustaining series on July 7, 1943. The series was renamed Casey, Press Photographer in 1944 and became Casey, Crime Photographer on September 12, 1945.
9:30 am

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DragnetLadies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent... One of the most popular police dramas in the history of broadcasting, Dragnet aired on NBC Radio from June 10, 1949 through February 7, 1957 and on television from 1952-59 and 1967-72. Dragnet introduced a new era of documentary-style realism.
10 am

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Jack Benny ProgramFor more than 20 years, Jack Benny reigned as the king of radio comedy. His show ran on nearly every network from 1932 to the mid 1950s. How he turned a miserable, self-absorbed cheapskate into a beloved icon ranks among the great achievements in entertainment history. Benny revolutionized the way humor was played on radio by introducing the situation comedy and by giving most of the best lines to his supporting cast.
10:30 am

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Fibber McGee & MollyThe husband-and-wife vaudeville team of Jim and Marian Jordan began their radio careers in Peoria on a bet from Jim’s brother. The Jordans were heard as The O’Henry Twins and The Air Scouts before Don Quinn created Smackout in 1931. Quinn revamped the show as Fibber McGee and Molly in 1935 when Johnson’s Wax signed on as sponsor.
11 am

Now Playing

Michael ShayneDetective Michael Shayne was created by Davis Dresser (writing under the pen name Brett Halliday). "Dividend of Death," the first of more than 60 novels featuring the Miami-based private detective was published in 1939. The adventures of the "reckless red-headed Irishman," played by Wally Maher, came to radio October 16, 1944 and aired for 3 years.
11:30 am

Now Playing

Escape - Radio ClassicsRadio's greatest series of high adventure debuted over the CBS network on July 7,1947. Escape's protagonists faced life-and-death situations each week, as the show careened from classic adventure to Western drama to science fiction. The program was broadcast as a sustainer (unsponsored) series during most of its seven-year run.
12 pm

Now Playing

When Radio WasRadio Spirits' nationally syndicated radio program hosted by old-time radio expert Greg Bell
1 pm

Now Playing

Yours Truly, Johnny DollarYours Truly, Johnny Dollar told the story of the freelance insurance investigator with the "action-packed expense account." Radio’s last great detective series, Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar ended its run September 30, 1962 during the final week of network radio drama.
1:30 pm

Now Playing

The Crime ClubThe Crime Club
2 pm

Now Playing

GunsmokeRadio’s greatest adult western told the story of Matt Dillon, U.S. Marshal, "the first man they look for and the last they want to meet." Gunsmoke grew out of a request from CBS founder William Paley for a "Philip Marlowe in the Old West," and featured grimly realistic stories set in the vicinity of Dodge City, the "Gommorrah of the West," with William Conrad as Dillon.
3 pm

Now Playing

Hopalong CassidyHopalong Cassidy's millions of fans got a New Year's Day present in 1950 when William Boyd brought the famous Bar-20 Ranch onto the Mutual radio range. In 1950, Clarence Mulford's classic cowboy was heard on 152 radio stations, seen on 63 television outlets and appeared as a comic strip in 155 newspapers.
3:30 pm

Now Playing

The Cisco KidThe Cisco Kid rode onto the Mutual airwaves on October 2, 1942, in a series that starred the versatile Jackson Beck. Cisco and his partner Pancho rode off the Mutual trail on December 14, 1945, but the characters returned to the airwaves two years later in a new version that was broadcast over the Don Lee Pacific Coast Network. Jack Mather and Harry Lang (later replaced by Mel Blanc) portrayed Cisco and Pancho in the later series, which ran for a decade.
4 pm

Now Playing

Lux Radio TheatreThe Lux Radio Theatre was one of radio's most popular series attracting Hollywood's top stars and boasting a lavish budget. The Lux Radio Theatre began in 1934 featuring dramas from Broadway, but there was not enough material to support the show. In an attempt to reverse the slipping ratings, the show was moved to Hollywood in 1936, where there was plenty of material and talent.
5 pm

Now Playing

SuspenseSuspense debuted on June 17, 1942 as a sustaining summer replacement, returned that fall and continued in the CBS lineup September 30, 1962. "Radio's outstanding theatre of thrills" is recognized as one of the finest dramatic series in the history of broadcasting.
5:30 pm

Now Playing

The WhistlerThe Whistler whistled its way onto the airwaves beginning May 16, 1942 and its eerie 13-note theme set the tone for West Coast radio mystery for the next decade. "I am the Whistler and I know many things, for I walk by night. I know many strange tales hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows. Yes, I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak."
6 pm

Now Playing

Lights Out!Lights Out debuted January 1, 1934 over Chicago’s WENR and moved onto the NBC airwaves beginning April 17, 1935. Radio’s premier horror series was created by writer/ director Wyllis Cooper. Cooper was succeeded by Arch Oboler, one of radio’s greatest dramatic talents.
7 pm

Now Playing

Arch Oboler's PlaysThis anthology series first ran on NBC in 1939, then was reprised on Mutual in 1945. Oboler was an immense talent, compared to Norman Corwin, specializing in stylized "radio literature" that was often political and staunchly anti-Nazi. He got his radio break in horror, writing scripts for Lights Out, before given free reign on his own show to write, produce, and direct his masterpieces of radio theatre.
7:30 pm

Now Playing

Lights Out!Lights Out debuted January 1, 1934 over Chicago’s WENR and moved onto the NBC airwaves beginning April 17, 1935. Radio’s premier horror series was created by writer/ director Wyllis Cooper. Cooper was succeeded by Arch Oboler, one of radio’s greatest dramatic talents.
8 pm

Now Playing

The Aldrich FamilyThe character of Henry Aldrich was introduced in Clifford Goldsmith's 1937 play, "What a Life". Ezra Stone originated the role of "America's favorite teenager" on Broadway and portrayed the role for nearly a decade on radio. After being featured in short skits on variety shows, The Aldrich Family debuted as Jack Benny's summer replacement on July 2, 1939. The series moved into its own NBC timeslot on October 10, 1939 and continued until April 19, 1953. Stone received his draft notice in the summer of 1941 but continued as Henry for the next season. Norman Tokar replaced Stone the following season, followed by Dickie Jones and Raymond Ives. After completing his military service in 1945, Stone returned to the role he had originated and was heard as Henry though the early 1950s when Bobby Ellis took over the role on both radio and television.
9 pm

Now Playing

Escape - Radio ClassicsRadio's greatest series of high adventure debuted over the CBS network on July 7,1947. Escape's protagonists faced life-and-death situations each week, as the show careened from classic adventure to Western drama to science fiction. The program was broadcast as a sustainer (unsponsored) series during most of its seven-year run.
9:30 pm

Now Playing

SuspenseSuspense debuted on June 17, 1942 as a sustaining summer replacement, returned that fall and continued in the CBS lineup September 30, 1962. "Radio's outstanding theatre of thrills" is recognized as one of the finest dramatic series in the history of broadcasting.
10 pm

Now Playing

Strange WillsWarren William stars in this 1946 show about "strange wills made by strange people." William plays an investigator who searches out the heirs of these bizarre death contracts.
10:30 pm

Now Playing

SuspenseSuspense debuted on June 17, 1942 as a sustaining summer replacement, returned that fall and continued in the CBS lineup September 30, 1962. "Radio's outstanding theatre of thrills" is recognized as one of the finest dramatic series in the history of broadcasting.
11 pm

Now Playing

Michael ShayneDetective Michael Shayne was created by Davis Dresser (writing under the pen name Brett Halliday). "Dividend of Death," the first of more than 60 novels featuring the Miami-based private detective was published in 1939. The adventures of the "reckless red-headed Irishman," played by Wally Maher, came to radio October 16, 1944 and aired for 3 years.
11:30 pm

Now Playing

The Black MuseumThis crime drama was first produced by the BBC in 1951, and aired in the US the following year. Narrator Orson Welles told tales of this "mausoleum of murder," with ordinary objects and the murder mysteries behind them.

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