Fiction

Suspense - Old Time Radio

by theaterofthemind-otr.com

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Where it charts

Today’s combined position on our country charts.

Canada · Fiction

#199

Pulse 7

Ranking history

History builds daily. We started tracking this show on the Fiction, Canada chart recently, so the trend line appears after a second day of data.

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Date	Combined Rank	Apple Podcasts
Oct 10	#199	#199

About the show

Suspense was one of the most popular and successful old time radio dramas during it's run of over 900 episodes, spanning 1942-1962. Guest stars included Orson Welles, Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, Agnes Moorehead, Marlene Dietrich and Humphrey Bogart. Suspense is renowned for its gripping tales of mystery, horror, and psychological tension. Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - Audio Credit: The Old Time Radio Researchers Group. - All Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube | Spotify | Amazon | iHeart Format 30-minute standalone episodes (later expanded to 60 minutes in the 1950s).Each episode was a self-contained story, often featuring ordinary people in extraordinary, life-threatening situations.Known for its tight scripting, atmospheric sound effects, and dramatic musical scores (often by Bernard Herrmann, who later composed for Hitchcock films).Famous for its twist endings and unreliable narrators. Iconic Hosts & Opening Early episodes were introduced by "The Man in Black" (a mysterious narrator, played by Joseph Kearns and later Paul Frees).The show’s chilling opening theme (a heartbeat-like rhythm followed by the announcer’s voice) became legendary: "Suspense! As quiet as fog creeping in on little cat feet…"Influence & Legacy Considered the pinnacle of radio suspense drama, setting the standard for later shows like The Twilight Zone and Alfred Hitchcock Presents.Many episodes were adapted for TV and film (e.g., Sorry, Wrong Number became a 1948 movie).Preserved by collectors and still aired on radio nostalgia stations today.Why Suspense Still Holds UpMasterful storytelling – Relied on dialogue and sound to terrify listeners (no visuals needed!).A-list Hollywood talent – Rare chance to hear major stars in intimate, voice-only performances.Timeless themes – Paranoia, betrayal, and moral dilemmas still resonate today.

Latest episodes

The Juvenile Rebellion - Suspense | 09/03/1961 (Ep891)

October 9, 2026 · 24 min

Hope you enjoy this episode of Suspense! Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - Audio Credit: The Old Time Radio Researchers Group. - All Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube | Spotify | Amazon |…
Sold to Satan - Suspense | 08/27/1961 (Ep890)

October 8, 2026 · 23 min

Hope you enjoy this episode of Suspense! Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - Audio Credit: The Old Time Radio Researchers Group. - All Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube | Spotify | Amazon |…
Murder Is a Matter of Opinion - Suspense | 08/20/1961 (Ep889)

October 7, 2026 · 24 min

Hope you enjoy this episode of Suspense! Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - Audio Credit: The Old Time Radio Researchers Group. - All Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube | Spotify | Amazon |…
Bells - Suspense | 08/06/1961 (Ep888)

October 6, 2026 · 24 min

Hope you enjoy this episode of Suspense! Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - Audio Credit: The Old Time Radio Researchers Group. - All Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube | Spotify | Amazon |…
You Can Die Laughing - Suspense | 07/30/1961 (Ep887)

October 5, 2026 · 24 min

Hope you enjoy this episode of Suspense! Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - Audio Credit: The Old Time Radio Researchers Group. - All Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube | Spotify | Amazon |…
Stranger with My Face - Suspense | 07/23/1961 (Ep886)

October 4, 2026 · 24 min

Hope you enjoy this episode of Suspense! Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - Audio Credit: The Old Time Radio Researchers Group. - All Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube | Spotify | Amazon |…
The Man Who Knew How to Hate - Suspense | 07/16/1961 (Ep885)

October 3, 2026 · 24 min

Hope you enjoy this episode of Suspense! Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - Audio Credit: The Old Time Radio Researchers Group. - All Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube | Spotify | Amazon |…
Epitaph - Suspense | 07/09/1961 (Ep884)

October 2, 2026 · 23 min

Hope you enjoy this episode of Suspense! Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - Audio Credit: The Old Time Radio Researchers Group. - All Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube | Spotify | Amazon |…