The Magnus Archives

8,670

“Make your statement, face your fear.” A weekly horror fiction podcast examining what lurks in the archives of the Magnus Institute, an organisation dedicated to researching the esoteric and the weird. Join Jonathan Sims as he explores the archive, but be warned, as he looks into its depths something starts to look back… New episodes every Thursday produced by Rusty Quill, featuring guest actors, short stories, serial plots and more. The long awaited continutation The Magnus Protocol launched in January 2024. Season 2 of TMP coming February 27th 2025


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Recent Reviews
  • Dr. Shaye
    Chasing the Dragon
    This podcast is the first one I ever listened to and it truly gave me the bug, the itch to keep delving deeper into the Web of horror and podcasts. A wonderfully freaky series, one that leaves you feeling unsettled and obsessed.
  • pineappel85
    LOVE THIS SHOW :D
    I ABSOLUTELY ADORE TMA but I do hear people’s complaints about the ads but it’s not that hard to just go to the transcripts or just click the 30secs button a few times lol, I also use that time to do something I couldn’t do because I was focused on the podcast :)
  • ☆sebastian☆
    irreplaceable
    in all honesty, i have tried to find something similar to tma to listen to, and its just not the same. literally nothing can hold my attention the way one of mr. jonathan-sims-the-writer-not-the-character can. idk maybe its just the oddly familiar style of writing (no not because its kinda like king). ALL THIS TO SAY, the magnus archives is legit the best thing i have found, media-wise. pleasepleaseplease give it a listen?? (yall don’t like the ads? idk complain to wtnv about it or smth. shut up tho, bros gotta make some money)
  • CWshaman
    April Fools!
    I started this in my drive home from work and just kept thinking it had to shift to something else at some point. Nope! Absolutely diabolical and haunting, but hilarious. Well done and now that Protocol is threading back to the original in a twisted way really loving the show.
  • wolfwafflez
    True Perfection
    Not sure about Protocol yet, but The Magnus Archives is one of THE best works of fiction I’ve ever consumed. And I have constantly read for a lot of my life. Masterfully crafted. Exquisitely written. Powerfully acted. Solid 100/100 grand slam.
  • mcharless gunn
    The. Absolute. Best.
    I’m hooked. I’m obsessed. I wish I had more people to talk to about the show actually. The show is just brilliant. It’s a total gem of horror and mystery and interweaves so perfectly. Hats off to the crew. Statement ends.
  • bogwater.taffy
    Bro come on
    Ok the actual show is still fine but it’s solidly 14 minutes of ad to a 20 minute show now like what exactly was the like triple funded kickstarter for?
  • FhrCrow
    My absolute favorite
    This is, hands down, my favorite show. I've listened to it multiple times and have talked ad nauseam about it to my friends. When we lost power due to the hurricane last year my teens actually gave the show a chance and were just as into it as I am.
  • SwiftNYC
    LOVE the show, but the Protocol is getting inconsistent
    I felt bereft when I got to the end of the Magnus Archives and so was thrilled when the also-amazing Magnus Protocol came on. Unfortunately, though, some episodes - i’m looking at you, season 8, ep 32! - are so unorganized that you can barely tell what’s going on. I really enjoy the cases, but half of that episode consisted of a case that was basically just verbal diarrhea. Also, many Protocol episodes have a lot of long silences, making it feel like they’re trying to mask a lack of content. I will never stop listening and look forward to every new release, but please don’t let the quality slip! The cleverness and solidity of the stories are what keep a lot of us coming back.
  • Burgerat
    Love Love Love
    This audio drama is the best thing ever. I do so many re listens and never get tired of it.
  • SalamanderSquid(:
    Really good and thought inspiring
    I just started listening to the Magnus Archives because I heard of it from Tales of the stinky dragon. I don’t like starting in the middle of things so I went back to episode one. Even now 8 episodes in the anglerfish-like monster still sits in my mind creating its own world for itself with every other strange occurrence or disappearance.
  • Thebluereaper311
    The main series saved my life
    I’ve been a borderline insomniac for, like, ever, and it used to be that the only thing that would put me to bed was npr because I liked when the British people would talk, but it gave me weird dreams and made me a creepily informed 9 year old, so now MAGNUS ARCHIVES. Its British voices, they make me sleep, I love horror, I love the theme music, this podcast is perfect in every way, and has accompanied me for the last 6 months, potentially until forever.
  • Shadowwolf111
    Adds
    There are to many adds if there where like 3 adds this would be the def best horror podcast
  • Ceaseless Listener
    One of the best pieces of horror fiction. Period.
    This podcast has, without question, one of the most inventive worlds and stories I’ve ever seen, horror or otherwise. Beyond having insanely creative lore, it also has an amazing cast, perfect pacing, and a surprising amount of genuine comedy. If you’re a fan of any flavor of horror, odds are it’s represented somewhere in the Archives, although I also personally believe that the series also works extremely well as an entry point for horror newcomers. Without spoiling too much, I also have to commend the series on all the ways it’s able to justify its framing devices without seeming contrived (seriously, the amount of framework that has an in-universe explanation is insane and impressive.) My only critiques are certain individual statements, but even the weakest are still incredibly solid. TLDR: This podcast is an absolute masterpiece overflowing with creativity and amazing writing. Listen to it or I’ll come into your home and make you feel unsafe.
  • Dude McGuyPerson
    Yippee
    I love the desolation Fire Fire Hehehehehehehehehehe
  • TheLogicTrebuchet
    Quite Good
    I’m only 3 episodes in, but I’m impressed with how fleshed out the different people’s speech patterns are. There are, however, a lot of ads (at least for this starting bit, but I’m assuming the amount of ads is consistent). Anyway, if you like this, check out Welcome To Night Vale and Within The Wires (if you haven’t already). Particularly the latter, which has a more similar structure.
  • JaspeR.12345
    Best Story Ever
    I’m gonna start this off by saying I’ve never been one for podcasts. I heard my mom listening to episode 131: Flesh. I only heard two minutes of it, but I knew then that I needed to listen to this story. Jon and Alex’ voices drew me in really fast and I started listening to it every day for hours at a time. Even at work. I got so into it that I was talking to the characters during the episodes lol. I have never seen, read, or heard a better story in my life. This will forever be my favorite. I can’t imagine what it was like for the people listening while they were still making each episode. I think I would’ve gone crazy lol. Even if you’re not one for podcasts, if you like horror/supernatural, this is PERFECT for you. It has such an in depth story; so detailed you can feel it spread and branch off the more information you get. I wish I could live in this story. I’m also so excited for the rest of the Magnus Protocol!
  • kittykookie
    Superb!
    Magnus Archives is BY FAR the BEST horror podcast to exist. The story and characters are so well-developed that it leaves nothing wanting. I’ve been listening to it since the quarantine days of 2020 and consistently listen to a few episodes each week just because of the storytelling and outstanding voice acting. I’ll never put it down and will always come back to it. Absolute perfection!
  • Resalovestimetravalfiction
    Very good voice actor
    Well done , often relaxing even though not advertised as a sleep helper. Only complaint is Ads are very loud and startling.
  • Smeckuel
    The spiral lies but i do not
    The magnus archives is a amazing listening experience these people (dont) know what they're doing (sometimes) and it is always brilliant
  • charlie🌚
    title
    five stars isn’t enough for this
  • Zee_TV
    A magnum opus of sorts
    The Magnus Archives was the first ever audiodrama I listened to and boy did it ruin all others that came after for me. Phenomenal writing, masterful storytelling and an impeccably crafted plot all executed with a singular vision in mind. You won’t regret the time you invest into it.
  • ajfkhdgfgfd
    PLEASE READ!!!!!!!!
    Hello John. Apologies for the deception, but I needed to make sure you started reading. Don't try to stop, you'll just hurt yourself. Now, let's turn the page and try again.
  • anjskwjhdhdjdkdj
    wow
    Some of the best writing ive ever encountered.
  • Spookypickle420
    TURN UP THE VOLUME.
    I shouldn’t have my radio on 12, and for this podcast need volume 28 to hear the guy speaking. It’s so frustrating.
  • RichieLipschitz
    Incredible
    I started this last week, and am currently listening to the last episode of season one. I’ve been recommended this podcast by so many people, and I can see why. The episodes are so well done, and it’s so fun seeing the dots connecting. Martin is very very pookie coded and all the characters are just amazing
  • LittleMissImmunologist
    Great content; way too many commercials
    I really like this show but literally 40-50% of each episode made up of commercials. I recognize commercials are necessary, but if the actual content is only 16 minutes long with 9 minutes of commercials bookending the content that’s insane.
  • ilovecritters
    silly!,,!!
    i love this podcast :3
  • Tygerphoon
    GOAT
    Best fiction podcast. If you find it difficult to stick with the short story format for the first few dozen episodes, stick with it. Take your time.
  • DarthThought
    Hauntingly Beautiful
    I won’t mince words it takes a while to gather steam but once it all starts connecting I couldn’t put it down. The cast is marvelous. Johnathan Sims does a fantastic job as your main navigator through all of the archives mess. The twists are sharp. Highly recommend if you are into body horror psychological horror and some great dark horror The great thing is that the crew took time to apply appropriate warnings in the show notes on each episode So visit the magnus archives. Give your statement
  • Luminecents
    …..!….!…!..!.!.
    This was my fist horror podcast and now I am ruined for all other horror pods. The soundscaping, the plot, the multiple stories within stories, I have been spoiled. Spoiled rotten. Thank you so much for making this.
  • rice-and-beanss
    I LOVE
    absolutely LOVE this show. it is incredible and awesome and super interesting.
  • bexwexx
    Binged 90 episodes in a week
    I was searching for something spooky to listen to after finishing ‘Are You Scared?’ (by Watcher Entertainment) and while listening to ‘Watcher Pod’ I heard their advertisement for ‘The Magnus Archives.’ I’m so happy I did! I’m addicted.
  • Nativeroot513
    One of the best written pods going
    This is great pod with consistently well written and well acted episodes. I’m like 80 episodes in and it has yet to repeat itself or falter in any way. Highly recommend.
  • Frankincense 19
    Magnus Archives are an aural roller coaster ride
    MA is fun supernatural romp thru every kind of fear. If it hasn’t hit your trigger, keep listening. When it hits your trigger, KEEP LISTENING. MA is as cathartic as Mr King’s “It” - for me anyway 💀
  • Alaric Rook
    The Magnus Archives: A Masterclass in Slow-Burn Horror and Cosmic Dread
    The Magnus Archives is an unparalleled journey into the eerie and unsettling, blending rich storytelling with a hauntingly immersive atmosphere. From its very first episode, the podcast pulls you into a world where the line between the ordinary and the supernatural is terrifyingly thin. The show’s format—initially presented as the archiving of strange, disturbing statements by Jonathan Sims, the titular Archivist—starts deceptively simple. But it soon becomes clear that each seemingly standalone story is part of a much larger, intricate web of cosmic horror. The gradual unfolding of the overarching plot is nothing short of masterful, with every statement leaving you simultaneously disturbed and desperate for more. One of The Magnus Archives’ greatest strengths lies in its world-building. The lore is meticulously crafted, with each episode adding layers of depth to a mythos that grows more intricate and terrifying as the series progresses. The themes of fear, trauma, and existential dread are explored with a rare kind of psychological insight that leaves a lasting impression on the listener. What makes this podcast stand out is the complexity of its characters, particularly Jonathan Sims. His journey from a skeptical archivist to a central figure in an otherworldly conflict is one of the most compelling character arcs in modern horror fiction. The supporting cast, too, is filled with rich personalities that challenge and enhance the narrative, each one bringing their own shade of gray to the story. Moreover, the sound design is exceptional. Every creak, whisper, and silence works in harmony to heighten the tension, pulling you deeper into the atmosphere of dread that the show excels at creating. The voice acting is also superb, especially Jonathan Sims’ delivery, which conveys a perfect balance of curiosity, fear, and dread. The Magnus Archives is not just a horror podcast; it’s a deep dive into the nature of fear itself, with storytelling that leaves you questioning the very essence of reality. It’s a slow burn that pays off in ways you’d never expect, and it’s one of the few audio dramas that demands your full attention to appreciate the meticulous care put into its plot and production. If you’re a fan of horror, mysteries, or complex narratives with an overarching sense of doom, The Magnus Archives is a must-listen. It’s a show that doesn’t just tell stories of fear—it makes you feel it in every crevice of your being. Definitely on my Top 5 stories of all time.
  • hello you are a nice person
    God in heaven this is amazing
    There’s probably nothing I could possibly say that hasn’t been said by someone already, but all the same-this is beyond wonderful. I’m at episode 79, and holy mother of Christ, I nearly passed out. Huge accolades to the creators.
  • The_pigmaster
    I LOVE THIS SHOW!!!!!!!!
    I might be ignorant because I’m only on season 2 episode 108, but the writing in this thing is so good! This is the second horror fiction podcast I’ve ever listened to. My friend told me about both of them. I know several people who have listened to the Magnus archives and absolutely loved it! This might be dumb, but I need to see if other people agree. My favorite character of all is that guy who’s given the coffin the Moans in the rain and scratches when things are placed on it. It also has the words DO NOT OPEN carved into it and it’s covered in chains. After all the warning signs telling him not to do it he DOESN’T OPEN THE COFFEN!!! He is the smartest character in the whole entire show and no one can convince me otherwise. Anyway. This show is AWSOME, I’m going to make everyone I know listen to it. (I’m working on my dad at the moment) and I think it’s hilarious that So many characters are voiced by John Sims family.
  • heauxproboner
    123 Statements In
    i love this show so much. it's perfect. it's well written, the voice actors just melt into their characters, and the stories and statements are so satisfying to puzzle out. i recommend it to everyone. please play them in advancing numerical order (1-420)
  • Go Artemis!
    Yass
    The greatest podcast ever I am being Daisy for Halloween
  • GoblinOfPeace
    One of my all time favorites thx
    I discovered this podcast a few months back after seeing multiple people mention it in the wtnv (welcome to night vale) community and decided to check it out it was nothing like I expected but now I can’t imagine it any other way I immediately fell in love with Jon Martin Tim and Sasha and eventually bashera (sry if I misspelled that) daisy Melanie Georgie and even Peter Lukes this show has so many twists and turns that you never see comeing but going through and re listening to it I can connect all the dots and notice things that would have never stood out too me before I now and completely caught up on the Magnus protocol and love Sam Alice Celia gwin and even Colin and have so many headcanons and theories thank you for this incredible show that’s helped me through a lot and I hope that the ceaseless watcher finds some good cows for those lonely eyes lots of love to Jonny sims and Alex j nual -GoblinOfPeace
  • tukel2004
    This show is crazy
    I love this show, the lore, the story telling, everything! It’s a true masterpiece, and everything makes me smile, or get thrilled or anything! Thank you Johnny sims! And Alexander janual, (sorry if I’ve missed spelled that) :3
  • Hi People :D
    This podcast is amazing, but it also has a lot of characters and tons of story…
    52 Statements into the Magnus Archives, and I’m invested. There’s a lot of characters though, and this podcast is heavily story-driven. Can’t wait to get to the Magnus Protocol, though!
  • pinotbrittany
    Love it!
    Started this podcast a week ago listening to the Magnus protocol and got hooked instantly. Once I ran through everything currently out for that I went back to start the Archives and am starting season two. Wonderful storytelling, actors, and love the formatting - excited to binge the rest!
  • HystericalNightmare
    Absolutely Marvelous
    I have listened to TMA 4 times and still learn something new each time. So far I am loving TMP. I am sure I will listen to this series again and again. And do you know why?? I always loved Horror. In the break in between Archives and Protocol I tried listening to a ton of other podcasts. You guys have made all the other ones seem hokey and not at all something to be feared! I have nothing but your podcasts now. Let me say I will be the first backer for the third series (hint hint) 👏. This podcast gives me chills down my spine and I love it! Thank you Jonny, Alex and company for the fears! 🙀🙀
  • FawnDoe234
    I hate life
    my soul has been ripped from my body, thrown on the ground and pummeled into an unrecognizable heap on the ground 10/10 would listen to again
  • PurpleSocksInTheDark
    raahhhh
    Listening to this pod is like being repeatedly stabbed with a knife but the knife is your best friend and loves you so much.
  • ShadowMoonlightKitty
    you have to listen to this podcast. i hope rusty quill checks these
    TMA changed my view on the world. the writing is amazing and the storytelling is absolutely incredible. i've been listening since like.. last year and i've listened to this podcast like six times, and im NEVER gonna get tired, that's for sure. i listen to this podcast on my way to school, on my way back, secretly during class, when i sleep, during homework, ect and that's NOT even an exaggeration. Jonny Sims, you have saved my life. The voice acting is amazing, the cast is so funny, the effects are GRAND. jonny, you didn't eat. you absolutely DEVOURED, you gobbled, you ingested, you inhaled. you CONSUMED. and i appreciate that. I LOVE YOU TMA!!!! i even bought the perfume. i am a true fan.
  • blc826
    Fourteen minutes of ads
    I’m sorry but my enjoyment of this show is being hampered by the extremely excessive ads. Doesn’t the show get crowdfunding money? Why do we need FOURTEEN minutes of ads?!? That’s insulting!
  • Lorena Targaryen
    This is such an amazing podcast!!!!!!
    Instantly Hooked.
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