Eleanor Amplified

WHYY produced this adventure serial specifically for kids aged 8-12, and even though it wrapped up in 2021, the 54 episodes across 4 seasons hold up remarkably well for road trip bingeing. Eleanor Amplified follows an intrepid reporter through increasingly wild scenarios involving rockets, laser beams, mystery, and a whole lot of creative chaos. Hosts Christa D'Agostino, Jim Barton, and Scott Johnston carry the voice performances with real theatrical energy. Episodes run 10-19 minutes, perfect for stacking a few in a row without anyone getting restless. The serialized storytelling means each episode feeds into the next, building momentum the way a good book does. The writing is sharp enough that adults in the car will find themselves following along rather than tuning out, and the production quality reflects WHYY's public radio standards. There's a reason it earned a 4.6 rating from over 2,200 reviews. The one thing to know: the show ended on something of a cliffhanger, and listeners have been requesting a continuation ever since. That's actually a testament to how invested people get in the story. But it does mean you'll want to manage expectations, or just enjoy the ride for what it is. For families looking for a complete-ish adventure series that feels like an audio movie, Eleanor Amplified scratches that itch. The full catalog is available for free, which makes it an easy recommendation for your next long drive.