Radio Classics

CH 148

Classic radio dramas & comedy

Radio Classics 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.

Featured Show

When Radio Was

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

All times listed
Phil Harris & Alice Faye Show

Phil Harris & Alice Faye Show

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.

The Avenger

The Avenger

Jim Brandon is a biochemist, a scientific marvel, a master of the Black Light of Invisibility. He's The Avenger! This classi

Jim Brandon is a biochemist, a scientific marvel, a master of the Black Light of Invisibility. He's The Avenger! This classic pulp hero was adapted for radio, continuing to fight evil-doers with the help of the Telepathic Indicator and the Diffusion Capsule. James Monks and Richard Janaver portray the inimitable scientist, with Helene Adamson as his lovely assistant Fern Collier (his only confidant). James LaCurto and Lawson Zerbe are heard as the gruff Inspector White.

X Minus One

X Minus One

X-Minus One premiered on April 24, 195 and was a revival of Dimension X, NBC's earlier science fiction anthology series. X-M

X-Minus One premiered on April 24, 195 and was a revival of Dimension X, NBC's earlier science fiction anthology series. X-Minus One ran until January 9, 1958 and was rerun during the 1970s as part of NBC's Omnibus series.

Dimension X

Dimension X

Dimension X aired over NBC from April 8, 1950 through September 29, 1951 featuring "adventures in time and space told in fu

Dimension X aired over NBC from April 8, 1950 through September 29, 1951 featuring "adventures in time and space told in future tense." The series adapted stories by the modern masters of science fiction adapting works by Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Robert Heinlein, Clifford Simak, Theodore Sturgeon and many others.

The Alan Young Show

The Alan Young Show

This sitcom aired from 1944-1949, first as a summer replacement series for Eddie Cantor's show. Then, after signing on as a

This sitcom aired from 1944-1949, first as a summer replacement series for Eddie Cantor's show. Then, after signing on as a regular on the Jimmy Durante show, young scored his own show with Tums as a sponsor. Today he is best known as TV's Wilbur Post, who talked with Mr. Ed the horse.

Duffy's Tavern

Duffy's Tavern

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.

The Aldrich Family

The Aldrich Family

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.

Mystery Is My Hobby

Mystery Is My Hobby

Glen Langan starred as the lead character Barton Drake in this detective series that aired on Mutual Radio from 1947 to 1948

Glen Langan starred as the lead character Barton Drake in this detective series that aired on Mutual Radio from 1947 to 1948. Drake is an author and amateur crime solver fascinated by the minds of criminals. This series is full of good ole "whodunnit" storylines.

Frontier Gentleman

Frontier Gentleman

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.

Suspense

Suspense

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.

The Whistler

The Whistler

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."

Burns & Allen Show

Burns & Allen Show

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.

Red Skelton Show

Red Skelton Show

The Red Skelton Show came to NBC on October 7, 1941 after years as a mainstay on Cincinnati's powerhouse station WLW. Red sc

The Red Skelton Show came to NBC on October 7, 1941 after years as a mainstay on Cincinnati's powerhouse station WLW. Red scored with radio audiences as Junior, "the mean widdle kid," a character he originated in vaudeville. Some of his other memorable characters included Deadeye, J. Newton Numbskull, Willie Lump-Lump, Bolivar Shagnasty and Clem Kadiddlehopper.

This Is Your F.B.I

This Is Your F.B.I

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.

I Was A Communist for the FBI

I Was A Communist for the FBI

The 1952 syndicated series starred Dana Andrews as real-life undercover agent Matt Cvetic, whose book of the same title prov

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.

Screen Guild Theatre

Screen Guild Theatre

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

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.

Halls Of Ivy

Halls Of Ivy

Ronald Colman and wife Benita Hume were popularly known as Jack Benny's ever-patient, next-door neighbors. However, in Janua

Ronald Colman and wife Benita Hume were popularly known as Jack Benny's ever-patient, next-door neighbors. However, in January 1950, they left to start their own show. Ronald played William Todhunter Hall, president of Ivy College in the "town of Ivy, USA." Benita was wife Vicky, the former Victoria Cromwell of the English theatre. The stylish college president was brought down to earth by the lively former actress who happily refered to him as "Toddy-dear." Together, the Halls handled the students as well as the stodgy Board of Directors with a "modern" flair.

Vic & Sade

Vic & Sade

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

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.

Let George Do It

Let George Do It

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.

Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar

Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar

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.

Jack Benny Program

Jack Benny Program

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.

Dangerous Assignment

Dangerous Assignment

Dangerous Assignment premiered over the NBC airwaves on February 6, 1950 and starred Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell, globe-

Dangerous Assignment premiered over the NBC airwaves on February 6, 1950 and starred Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell, globe-trotting government troubleshooter. Dangerous Assignment was later revived as a 1953 syndicated series starring Lloyd Burrell.

Baby Snooks

Baby Snooks

Baby Snooks was born at a Detroit party when Fanny Brice, then performing burlesque, sang "Poor Pauline" in a little-girl vo

Baby Snooks was born at a Detroit party when Fanny Brice, then performing burlesque, sang "Poor Pauline" in a little-girl voice, and was revived for her first radio broadcasts in the 30s. Frank Morgan and Alan Reed served as Snooks’ foils on early broadcasts before Hanley Stafford became radio’s longest-running "Daddy." The Baby Snooks Show aired from September 17, 1944 through May 29, 1951, with Stafford delivering a moving eulogy on the final show following Brice’s death from a cerebral hemorrhage.

When Radio Was

When Radio Was

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.

The Weird Circle

The Weird Circle

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

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.

The Line-Up

The Line-Up

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.

Tales of the Texas Rangers

Tales of the Texas Rangers

Tales of the Texas Rangers was broadcast over NBC from July 8, 1950 through September 14, 1952 and was later revived on tele

Tales of the Texas Rangers was broadcast over NBC from July 8, 1950 through September 14, 1952 and was later revived on television. Western film star Joel McCrea portrayed Ranger Jace Pearson in NBC's Tales of the Texas Rangers.

Philo Vance

Philo Vance

Philo Vance was the most popular fictional detective during the late 1920s and early 1930s and influenced the creation of ma

Philo Vance was the most popular fictional detective during the late 1920s and early 1930s and influenced the creation of many later detectives. S.S. Van Dine's legendary creation was first brought to radio on July 5, 1945 in an NBC summer series starring Jose Ferrar and was also briefly portrayed by John Emery.

Gangbusters

Gangbusters

Gangbusters first came to radio under the title G-Men beginning July 20, 1935. The long-running series was created by Philip

Gangbusters first came to radio under the title G-Men beginning July 20, 1935. The long-running series was created by Philip H. Lord and produced "in cooperation with police and federal law enforcement departments throughout the U.S. Gangbusters was one of radio's longest-running dramatic series, running from January 15, 1936 through November 27, 1957, and its classic opening gave rise to the expression "coming on like gangbusters."

Bob Hope Show

Bob Hope Show

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

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.

Gunsmoke

Gunsmoke

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.

Danny Kaye Show

Danny Kaye Show

Danny Kaye Show

Danny Kaye Show

Life of Riley

Life of Riley

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.

Fibber McGee & Molly

Fibber McGee & Molly

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.

Adventures of Philip Marlowe

Adventures of Philip Marlowe

Raymond Chandler introduced readers to Philip Marlowe in his 1939 novel The Big Sleep. Humphrey Bogart, Robert Montgomery an

Raymond Chandler introduced readers to Philip Marlowe in his 1939 novel The Big Sleep. Humphrey Bogart, Robert Montgomery and George Montgomery portrayed the hardboiled detective in films before Van Heflin took over as Marlowe in NBC’s 1947 summer series. The Adventures of Philip Marlowe returned September 26, 1948, as a CBS series and starred Gerald Mohr. CBS Chairman William S. Paley was a big fan of The Adventures of Philip Marlowe, and his request for a "Philip Marlowe in the West" led to the development of the legendary western Gunsmoke.

Adventures of Sam Spade

Adventures of Sam Spade

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.

Richard Diamond, Private Detective

Richard Diamond, Private Detective

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

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.

Police Headquarters

Police Headquarters

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.

Family Theater Classic Radio

Family Theater Classic Radio

The Family Theater radio series, which featured hundreds of famous actors, was broadcast on the Mutual Broadcasting System f

The Family Theater radio series, which featured hundreds of famous actors, was broadcast on the Mutual Broadcasting System from 1947 to 1969, making it one of the longest running weekly dramatic radio programs in history.

Jimmy Durante Show

Jimmy Durante Show

The Jimmy Durante Show is a 51-episode half-hour comedy/variety program presented live on NBC from October 2, 1954 to June 2

The Jimmy Durante Show is a 51-episode half-hour comedy/variety program presented live on NBC from October 2, 1954 to June 23, 1956. The program was televised at Club Durant.

Broadway is My Beat

Broadway is My Beat

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.

Dragnet

Dragnet

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

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.

Our Miss Brooks

Our Miss Brooks

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.

Six Shooter

Six Shooter

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."

Hopalong Cassidy

Hopalong Cassidy

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.

Mr. & Mrs. North

Mr. & Mrs. North

This mystery series aired on NBC and CBS from 1942 to 1954, originally starring Alice Frost and Joseph Curtin. The title cha

This mystery series aired on NBC and CBS from 1942 to 1954, originally starring Alice Frost and Joseph Curtin. The title characters were a married couple of amateur detectives who somehow always managed to solve crimes that stumped professional police and detectives.

The Crime Club

The Crime Club

The Crime Club

The Crime Club

Night Beat

Night Beat

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

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.

Great Gildersleeve

Great Gildersleeve

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

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.

Adventures of Harry Nile

Adventures of Harry Nile

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.

Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes

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.

Superman

Superman

Superman debuted in 1938 in the first issue of Action Comics and quickly took America by storm. The Man of Steel rocketed fr

Superman debuted in 1938 in the first issue of Action Comics and quickly took America by storm. The Man of Steel rocketed from comic books into newspapers, film, and radio. Actor Bud Collyer flew "up, up and away" in a syndicated series that debuted February 12, 1940 and soared into his long-running Mutual daily serial on August 31, 1942. Much of Superman’s legendary mythology originated not in his four-color adventures but on his famous radio series. The Daily Planet newspaper was introduced on the radio program, and the Man of Steel first encountered Batman, Robin and kryptonite on the air. Superman flew off the radio airwaves on March 1, 1951 but landed in a successful syndicated television series the following year.

The Green Hornet

The Green Hornet

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.

Academy Award Theatre

Academy Award Theatre

Academy Award Theater was a half-hour dramatic anthology series presenting radio adaptations of movies that had been nominat

Academy Award Theater was a half-hour dramatic anthology series presenting radio adaptations of movies that had been nominated for or had won Academy Awards. While the show was a success with critics and audiences alike, it went off the air after only nine months and 39 episodes.

American Portraits

American Portraits

This series explores the lives and stories behind American historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Jackson and mo

This series explores the lives and stories behind American historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Jackson and more.

Crime Classics

Crime Classics

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.

Lum and Abner

Lum and Abner

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.

Jeff Regan, Investigator

Jeff Regan, Investigator

This crime noir series featured Jack Webb as Jeff Regan, a private eye who always had a bone to pick with his boss. Frank Gr

This crime noir series featured Jack Webb as Jeff Regan, a private eye who always had a bone to pick with his boss. Frank Graham took over in the second and last season, as Webb moved on to star in and produce Dragnet.

The Mysterious Traveler

The Mysterious Traveler

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.

2000 Plus

2000 Plus

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.

Blackstone, Magic Detective

Blackstone, Magic Detective

This magical mystery show aired from 1948-1949 on the Mutual Broadcasting System. Ed Jerome starred as Harry Blackstone, a s

This magical mystery show aired from 1948-1949 on the Mutual Broadcasting System. Ed Jerome starred as Harry Blackstone, a skilled magician who told his tales of adventure and escape in flashbacks. At the end of each episode, Blackstone would perform and describe a new magic trick for his kid listeners to practice at home. Ted Osborne and Fran Carlon also starred as Blackstone's friends John and Rhonda.

Quiet, Please

Quiet, Please

Quiet Please was one of radio’s most imaginative series, created and written by Wyllis Cooper, the talented writer/director

Quiet Please was one of radio’s most imaginative series, created and written by Wyllis Cooper, the talented writer/director who created radio’s legendary Lights Out in 1934 and scripted the 1939 horror film The Son of Frankenstein. Ernest Chappell starred in the series, narrating the stories in a quiet, underplayed conversational tone. Quiet Please aired over the Mutual airwaves from June 8, 1947 through September 13, 1948 and over ABC from September 19, 1948 through June 25, 1949.

The Chase

The Chase

This NBC thriller ran for about a year from the spring of 1952 to the summer of 1953. Each unique story entails suspense, ac

This NBC thriller ran for about a year from the spring of 1952 to the summer of 1953. Each unique story entails suspense, action and, of course, a protagonist on the run. The series often featured guest stars who were announcers or actors for other suspenseful series, and many of the scripts were also used in other dramas like The Clock and Inner Sanctum Mysteries.

Charlie McCarthy Show

Charlie McCarthy Show

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.

My Friend Irma

My Friend Irma

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

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.

Big Town

Big Town

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.

Boston Blackie

Boston Blackie

Boston Blackie was created by Jack Boyle, a hard-drinking opium addict who served three prison terms. While in prison, Boyle

Boston Blackie was created by Jack Boyle, a hard-drinking opium addict who served three prison terms. While in prison, Boyle began writing true-crime confession stories that were published in The American Magazine under the byline 6006, his convict number. Boyle's stories were collected in his 1919 book, Boston Blackie, and inspired a popular series of B-films, the radio series and a 1951 video version.

Lux Radio Theatre

Lux Radio Theatre

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.

Fred Allen Show

Fred Allen Show

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

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.

Have Gun, Will Travel

Have Gun, Will Travel

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.

Grand Marquee

Grand Marquee

Pull back the curtain for another evening of excitement "in the world of make believe". This dramatic anthology series ran f

Pull back the curtain for another evening of excitement "in the world of make believe". This dramatic anthology series ran for about a year from July 1946-September 1947.

Barrie Craig, Confidential Investigator

Barrie Craig, Confidential Investigator

Film star William Gargan came to the NBC airwaves in 1951 as the star of Barrie Crane, Confidential Investigator, a reworkin

Film star William Gargan came to the NBC airwaves in 1951 as the star of Barrie Crane, Confidential Investigator, a reworking of his earlier Mutual radio series (and NBC television program) Martin Kane, Private Investigator. When the producers of the earlier program objected to the many similarities between the two series, changes were made in Gargan's new series, which was quickly retitled Barrie Craig, Confidential Investigator. The series aired on NBC from October 3, 1951 through June 30, 1955.

Chase & Sanborn Hour

Chase & Sanborn Hour

This was a long-running comedy and variety show on NBC - it ran in several formats from 1929-1948. Some seasons featured mus

This was a long-running comedy and variety show on NBC - it ran in several formats from 1929-1948. Some seasons featured musical variety broadcasts, comedic skits and big-name hosts like Eddie Cantor and Haven MacQuarrie. Between 1937-1948, Edgar Bergan starred and hosted with his dummy Charlie McCarthy and the show was known as the Charlie McCarthy Show.

Bold Venture

Bold Venture

The Hollywood husband-and-wife team of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall set sail for adventure in the syndicated series Bol

The Hollywood husband-and-wife team of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall set sail for adventure in the syndicated series Bold Venture from 1951-1952. Bogie portrayed Slate Shannon, owner of a run-down Havana hotel, with Bacall as his "ward" Sailor Duval, a stubborn and flirtatious young woman whose late father had "willed" her to Slate for her "protection." Together, the duo found "adventure, intrigue, mystery and romance in the sultry settings of tropical Havana and the mysterious islands of the Caribbean" aboard Shannon’s boat The Bold Venture.

All times listed

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

Discover More

40s Junction

CH 71 40s Junction

40s pop hits/big bands

Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Bing Crosby, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Artie Shaw, Harry James, Andrews Sisters, Gene Krupa, Frank Sinatra

Show information & Schedules
ON AIR NOW
5h 8m
40s Junction
NPR Now

CH 122 NPR Now

NPR news & conversation

News, entertainment, and all of your NPR favorites.

Show information & Schedules
ON AIR NOW
0h 8m
Marketplace

We’ve got plans for every kind of listener

Exclusive channels, sports play-by-play, A-list hosts. The variety you want, where you choose to listen.