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

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.

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 … more

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.

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This show aired for 6 months in 1944 on the Blue Network. Host Dr. X was portrayed by Boris Karloff, with support from Peter … more

This show aired for 6 months in 1944 on the Blue Network. Host Dr. X was portrayed by Boris Karloff, with support from Peter Lorre, Everett Stone, Jackson Beck, and more.

This horror series consisted mostly of adapted supernatural tales from greats like Edgar Allen Poe and Robert Louis Stevenso … more

This horror series consisted mostly of adapted supernatural tales from greats like Edgar Allen Poe and Robert Louis Stevenson. It aired for two seasons from 1943-1945, first on Mutual and then on NBC's Red network.

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

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.

Dark, supernatural forces lurk around every corner in the Hall of Fantasy. The frightening mystery serires aired first for a … more

Dark, supernatural forces lurk around every corner in the Hall of Fantasy. The frightening mystery serires aired first for a short time in 1946 on a Salt Lake City station, featuring voices by Richard Thorne and Carl Greyson and stories written/adapted by Robert Olson. A few years after the team parted ways, the series was reimagined on WGN in Chicago when Greyson and Thorne found themselves working together again, with Thorne doing most of the writing and adapting.

This spooky series was one of radio's first horror dramas. It premiered May 21, 1931 featuring Adelaide Fitz-Allen as the wi … more

This spooky series was one of radio's first horror dramas. It premiered May 21, 1931 featuring Adelaide Fitz-Allen as the witch narrator Old Nancy and her black cat, Satan. When Fitz-Allen died in 1935 at the age of 79, the director found a replacement in a talented 13-year old Miriam Wolfe from family-friendly fairytale series "Let's Pretend".

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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The Great Gildersleeve featured one of radio’s greatest casts of comedic players. The Great Gildersleeve aired until March 2 … more

The Great Gildersleeve featured one of radio’s greatest casts of comedic players. The Great Gildersleeve aired until March 21, 1957, with Willard Waterman taking over the title role for the final seven radio season and three television seasons.

This horror series aired in multiple iterations from 1930-1944. It consisted of standalone tales told by "The Hermit," a mys … more

This horror series aired in multiple iterations from 1930-1944. It consisted of standalone tales told by "The Hermit," a mysterious, cackling storyteller. It was first broadcast on a Detroit radio station before moving to Los Angeles, where the show would be produced by William Conrad (creator and voice of Gunsmoke's Marshall Matt Dillon)

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

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.

Frank Lovejoy is heard as Randy "Lucky" Stone, a hardboiled reporter who covers the "nightbeat" for the Chicago Star. Randy … more

Frank Lovejoy is heard as Randy "Lucky" Stone, a hardboiled reporter who covers the "nightbeat" for the Chicago Star. Randy Stone wandered the back alleys and bars of Chicago, searching for both crime and human-interest stories. Nightbeat premiered on February 6, 1950 and ran until September 25, 1952.

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

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.

The Third Man was an adventure series starring Orson Welles as Harry Lime, the character created by author Graham Greene. It … more

The Third Man was an adventure series starring Orson Welles as Harry Lime, the character created by author Graham Greene. It first aired on the BBC in 1951 and was then syndicated for American radio in 1952.

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.

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.

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

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.

The whole drama of life is written in the sands of time. William Conrad narrates tales of mystery starring Cathy and Elliott … more

The whole drama of life is written in the sands of time. William Conrad narrates tales of mystery starring Cathy and Elliott Lewis, "the airwaves' most distinguished acting couple." The Clock was produced and directed by William Spier of radio's legendary series Suspense. It aired on ABC from November 3, 1946 - May 23, 1948.

The Screen Director's Playhouse featured adaptations of famous movies and called upon the screen directors to introduce and … more

The Screen Director's Playhouse featured adaptations of famous movies and called upon the screen directors to introduce and highlight their work. After each show, the director and stars gathered around the microphones to reminisce about the actual making of the film.

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

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.

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

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

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."

Bob Hope was born in England in 1903 and immigrated to the U.S. four years later. After an early career in vaudeville and m … more

Bob Hope was born in England in 1903 and immigrated to the U.S. four years later. After an early career in vaudeville and musical revues, Hope made his radio debut on Rudy Vallee’s Fleischmann Hour in 1933 and joined the cast of James Melton’s Intimate Revue in 1935. After introducing his "Thanks for the Memory" theme song in Paramount’s The Big Broadcast of 1938, Hope returned to radio as star of NBC’s The Pepsodent Show beginning September 27, 1938.

Bud Abbott and Lou Costello made their radio debut on CBS’ The Kate Smith Show as replacements for Hollywood-bound Henny You … more

Bud Abbott and Lou Costello made their radio debut on CBS’ The Kate Smith Show as replacements for Hollywood-bound Henny Youngman. The former burlesque comics reintroduced and preserved the classic comedy sketches of vaudeville in their films and radio and television series. The Abbott and Costello Show debuted as a 1940 summer replacement for Fred Allen and later aired from October 8, 1942 through June 29, 1949.

Marie Wilson created and starred as Irma Peterson, a loopy but lovable secretary. Irma's best friend and roommate was Jane S … more

Marie Wilson created and starred as Irma Peterson, a loopy but lovable secretary. Irma's best friend and roommate was Jane Stacy, played by Cathy Lewis. The sitcom aired from April 11, 1947 - August 23, 1954.

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

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.

Don Ameche and Frances Langford first portrayed The Bickersons as a skit on The Charlie McCarthy Show and moved into their o … more

Don Ameche and Frances Langford first portrayed The Bickersons as a skit on The Charlie McCarthy Show and moved into their own NBC series on September 8, 1946. John and Blanche Bickerson fought about anything and everything, especially Blanche's ne'er-do-well brother Amos, played by Danny Thomas. Many of the finest Bickersons skits revolved around the conflicts brought on by John’s narcolepsy and Blanche’s insomnia. The Bickersons initially ran for only two seasons, although the show was revived in 1951 as a summer series starring Lew Parker and Frances Langford.

The Adventures of Archie Andrews came to radio on May 31, 1943 with Jack Grimes and later Charles Mullen portraying Archie i … more

The Adventures of Archie Andrews came to radio on May 31, 1943 with Jack Grimes and later Charles Mullen portraying Archie in the early sustainer season. Bob Hastings took over the title role when Mullen was drafted and starred in the series for the final eight seasons.

Vic and Sade aired from June 29, 1932 through December 7, 1945 and was briefly revived in a half-hour sitcom format in 1946. … more

Vic and Sade aired from June 29, 1932 through December 7, 1945 and was briefly revived in a half-hour sitcom format in 1946. "Radio’s home folks" were featured in slice-of-life situations that painted a rich portrait of small-town life. Starring Art Van Harvey and Bernardine Flynn.

This 1947 NBC crime series dramatized literary mysteries and suspenseful classics, starring Peter Lorre. Mystery in the Air … more

This 1947 NBC crime series dramatized literary mysteries and suspenseful classics, starring Peter Lorre. Mystery in the Air was a summer replacement series for Abbott & Costello. Lorre was often supported by Hollywood greats like Agnes Moorehead and Peggy Webber. NBC aired a similar series with by same name in 1945.

“The Mel Blanc Show,” which aired on the CBS Radio Network from September 3, 1946, to June 24, 1947, is a testament to the t … more

“The Mel Blanc Show,” which aired on the CBS Radio Network from September 3, 1946, to June 24, 1947, is a testament to the talent and versatility of its star, Mel Blanc. Known for his work on “The Jack Benny Program,” Blanc transitioned to his own radio show where he not only played himself but also a wide variety of comical support characters.

21st Precinct debuted on July 7, 1953 as a summer replacement for My Friend Irma. Based on true stories, 21st Precinct aired … more

21st Precinct debuted on July 7, 1953 as a summer replacement for My Friend Irma. Based on true stories, 21st Precinct aired after Dragnet gained popularity and audiences were hungry to hear behind-the-scenes stories of police life. While Dragnet’s story material came from the files of the LAPD, 21st got its stories from the largest police union in New York City, the New York Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association.

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

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.

The Bill Stern Sports Newsreel aired for nearly two decades: from December 5, 1937 through June 22, 1956. Stern began his c … more

The Bill Stern Sports Newsreel aired for nearly two decades: from December 5, 1937 through June 22, 1956. Stern began his career in vaudeville and worked for several years as assistant stage manager of New York’s famed Roxy Theater and Radio City Music Hall before moving into network broadcasting in 1934.

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

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."

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

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.

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 … more

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.

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

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.

Inspector Peter Black of Scotland Yard chased bad guys in this CBS detective drama from October of 1949-May March 1952. Blac … more

Inspector Peter Black of Scotland Yard chased bad guys in this CBS detective drama from October of 1949-May March 1952. Black would be portrayed by Ted de Corsia, John Dehner, and Ben Wright in the show's lifetime.

The Cavalcade of America was a historical dramatic anthology and aired from 1935 to 1953. Patriotic in nature, this series w … more

The Cavalcade of America was a historical dramatic anthology and aired from 1935 to 1953. Patriotic in nature, this series was created in part to improve the name of sponsor DuPont Chemical, which received backlash for profiting enormously from War World I. The show's themes were never voilent, but rather idealistic. Stories included the voyage of the Mayflower, the first telegraph, and Eli Whitney's cotton gin.

The Crime Club

The Crime Club

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

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.

Also known as the CBS Radio Workshop, this was an experimental anthology series that pushed the envelope of defining art wit … more

Also known as the CBS Radio Workshop, this was an experimental anthology series that pushed the envelope of defining art with its creative use of sound. It featured many New York actors and scripts by some of the country's best writers. It aired in various forms on CBS from 1936 - 1957.

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

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.

This film star-centric variety revue aired in various forms on various networks from 1939 - 1952. It drew the biggest celebr … more

This film star-centric variety revue aired in various forms on various networks from 1939 - 1952. It drew the biggest celebrities in Hollywood with its charity slant - appearance fees that normally would go to performers went to support housing for aging film stars. Stunts, songs, and film adaptations were all a part of this popular series' material.

It was either the best hook in Detective Fiction or the biggest gimmick. A Mystery Writer, Ellery Queen, who is great at cre … more

It was either the best hook in Detective Fiction or the biggest gimmick. A Mystery Writer, Ellery Queen, who is great at creating puzzles, spends his free time solving the puzzles of actual murders. The writer character was less “hard boiled” than many of the pulp detectives of the time. Most detectives had an adversarial relationship with the police who often accused the private eyes of committing the crimes. Ellery’s dad, Richard Queen, was a police inspector as well as his son’s sidekick.

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 … more

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.

Richard Diamond, Private Detective premiered over the NBC network on April 24, 1949 and ran through 1952 starring Dick Powel … more

Richard Diamond, Private Detective premiered over the NBC network on April 24, 1949 and ran through 1952 starring Dick Powell as "radio's singing detective." Powell had first achieved movie stardom as a baby-faced crooner, and later matured to hardboiled roles, including Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe in the 1944 film Murder My Sweet.

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

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.

Candy Matson was a hard-as-nails private eye who also happended to be beautiful. The show, set in San Francisco, was on the … more

Candy Matson was a hard-as-nails private eye who also happended to be beautiful. The show, set in San Francisco, was on the air from 1941 to 1942. Starring Natalie Masters.

Nero Wolfe solved crimes with an attention to detail that rivaled the great Sherlock Holmes, although the overweight detecti … more

Nero Wolfe solved crimes with an attention to detail that rivaled the great Sherlock Holmes, although the overweight detective physically resembled Holmes' obese older brother Mycroft. The adventures of Rex Stouts's "gargantuan gourmet" first came to radio over the New England Network beginning April 7, 1943. The series moved onto the Blue Network on July 5, 1943 starring Santos Ortega and later Luis Van Rooten.

John Steinbeck recognized Fred Allen as "unquestionably the best humorist of our time, a brilliant critic of manners and mor … more

John Steinbeck recognized Fred Allen as "unquestionably the best humorist of our time, a brilliant critic of manners and morals." Following in the footsteps of Will Rogers, Fred reintroduced topical political humor to radio. Fred introduced his classic "Allen’s Alley" segment December 13, 1942.

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

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.

Radio Classics invites you to experience the audio magic of legendary old time radio. RadioClassics features the best dramas … more

Radio Classics invites you to experience the audio magic of legendary old time radio. RadioClassics features the best dramas, mysteries, comedies, and variety programs from the Golden Age of Radio.