The Empire Film Podcast

The Empire Film Podcast is the audio arm of Empire magazine, and it carries all the authority and irreverence you would expect from one of the longest-running film publications in the world. Hosted by Chris Hewitt, Helen O’Hara, and James Dyer, the show drops new episodes every Friday packed with reviews, film news, and interviews with directors and actors working on major releases. With over 1,100 episodes since 2012, the back catalog alone is a treasure trove. The chemistry between the three hosts is the real draw here. They clearly know each other well enough to disagree without being disagreeable, and their combined knowledge of film history is staggering. O’Hara in particular brings sharp critical analysis, while Hewitt tends toward infectious enthusiasm that can sell you on a film you had zero interest in five minutes earlier. Dyer plays the steady hand, keeping things on track when the tangents get too wild. Recent episodes have featured interviews with Phil Lord and Chris Miller, along with their usual mix of spoiler-free reviews and behind-the-scenes industry chat. The show also produces companion podcasts for deeper spoiler discussions and TV coverage. Some listeners note occasional favoritism toward bigger studio releases, but that comes with the territory of being attached to a major magazine brand. At 4.7 stars from over 500 reviews, the show maintains a strong reputation among UK and international film fans who want smart, personality-driven movie talk delivered weekly.