Classic radio plays are making a comeback. These nostalgic old-time radio shows offer a unique, immersive experience that still captivates audiences today.

If you’re looking to fill up your family’s smartphones, tablets or laptops with great content, there’s a lot more than just music, videos, ebooks and games. Countless “old time radio” (OTR) shows from the golden age of the medium—mostly from the '30s to the '60s—are available for streaming or downloading. Okay, so the kids may roll their eyes—at first—but give one a spin on your next road trip and see if they change their tune (we're betting they will!).

Unlike audiobooks read by one narrator, OTR shows are well-acted radio plays with a cast of characters, often with music and sound effects (think foley artistry, like a creaking door or footsteps). And because you're using your imagination to “see” the characters, their environments and their actions, OTR shows feel wonderfully intimate and personal. (No wonder OTR is often referred to as the “theatre of the mind!”) Typically 20 to 40 minutes in length, bite-sized OTR shows are great for when you’re driving, walking, flying or getting ready for sleep. Plus, just like other media, there are different genres for different tastes. (See below for some kid-friendly recommendations.)

Where to Get Old-Time Radio Shows Today (for Free!)

There are a number of places to access classic old-time radio shows, at no cost.

If you subscribe to satellite radio, SiriusXM has an OTR radio station called Radio Classics (channel 148).

Archive.org houses tens of thousands of shows you can download one by one or as a complete series of MP3s, zipped up. Also, bookmark RelicRadio.com and RUSC.com (which hilariously stands for R U Sitting Comfortably?).

YouTube is also a great place to listen to countless radio plays, from all the big shows of the golden age of radio, as well as lesser-known ones that will still hit the mark.

If you're a podcast aficionado, there are hundreds of free OTR podcasts to subscribe to. Most are divided into genre, such as Strange Tales or OTR Westerns, or they'll be posted by name of show, such as ones devoted to Dragnet, Escape or Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar.

In some cases, the podcast host will add some facts or colour commentary about the episode before you dive in. Examples of these podcasts include The Mysterious Old Radio Listening Society, Radio Retropolis and Radio Rarities.

Non-Streaming Options for Old-Time Radio Shows

You can still buy old-time radio shows on disc or as digital downloads. If you have a lousy Internet connection or can't be bothered with finding and downloading episodes online, either option is a great alternative.

Hollywood 360 lets you sign up to have the full five-hour Hollywood 360 radio show sent to your email every Monday via a digital download link. Every classic radio show that airs on Hollywood 360 is transferred from the original source material, whether it’s the master tape or 16-inch transcription.  

The Ultimate Classic Radio Collection is a box set of 400 half-hour classic radio shows on 200 CDs or via digital download (and accompanied by a 60-page historical book). You can also join Classic Radio Club, where each month members receive 10 half-hour classic radio shows on five CDs (or via digital download) in a collector case with a 12-page historical booklet.

There’s also OTRCAT.com, which sells inexpensive discs—playable in a regular CD/DVD player or packed with MP3s to play on a computer. Plus, the site offers digital downloads, too.

Classic OTR Shows for Kids and Families

While there are a few series that might be too frightening for young ears—like Light’s Out, Quiet, Please, Inner Sanctum, some Suspense episodes, or Nightfall (from Canada’s own CBC in the '80s), most are fine for kids to hear. There are very few shows that feature mature content and none that I’ve heard that have profanity.

(Don’t forget these ran on the radio during a more, well, simpler time.)

Choose a genre you think your kids may like, but it will vary on their age and tastes. Some subject matter may go over their heads, too, like Jack Berry’s comedy program.

A few of my favourite picks:

X Minus One: Exceptional science fiction episodes, some of which have a Twilight Zone-like twist at the end.

The Shadow: Fighting crime, a wealthy “man about town” can shield his presence using mysterious mind tricks, in order to catch criminals. An overarching theme is that “crime does not pay.”

The Great Gildersleeve: A radio sitcom (with a live audience!) that follows the antics of an all-American family, their friends and neighbours

The Adventures of Superman: Ideal for kids who like superheroes.

The Lone Ranger: Starring the Lone Ranger and his sidekick, Tonto, these escapes in the Wild West are for listeners of all ages.

Buck Rogers in the 25th Century: A sci-fi classic that takes listeners through space adventures. It sparks imagination and introduces futuristic concepts.