Uncanny

Uncanny is the BBC's answer to the question of whether paranormal experiences deserve serious investigation, and writer Danny Robins treats them with exactly the right balance of curiosity and skepticism. Each episode follows the same compelling structure: a witness describes their encounter in their own words, then two experts weigh in. One approaches from the believer side, the other from a skeptical perspective. It forces you to actually think about what might explain these events rather than just accepting or dismissing them outright. Robins is a comedy writer by trade, which shows in his pacing and delivery. He keeps things moving without rushing past important details, and he's genuinely skilled at drawing out the parts of a story that make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. The production quality is exactly what you'd expect from BBC Radio 4. Evelyn Sykes handles the music, Charlie Brandon-King does the sound design, and theme music from Lanterns on the Lake sets a tone that's atmospheric without being overdramatic. With 153 episodes and a 4.6-star rating from nearly 600 reviews, the show has built a devoted following since launching in 2021. Episodes release weekly and cover everything from ghostly apparitions and haunted houses to UFO sightings and poltergeist activity. The cases span locations across the UK and beyond, and Robins occasionally revisits earlier cases when new evidence surfaces. What really sets Uncanny apart is that it respects both sides of the paranormal debate. Skeptics don't feel talked down to, and believers don't feel mocked. That's surprisingly rare in this space, and it's why the show appeals well beyond the typical paranormal podcast audience.