Malevolent

762
Fiction #61Drama #25

Do not fear the dark, fear what darkness brings...


Arkham Private Investigator Arthur Lester wakes up with no memory of who he is or what has happened, only a nameless, eerie voice guiding him through the darkness.


Blind, terrified, and confused, his journey will lead him towards a series of mysteries in the hopes of understanding the truth of what has transpired.


As cosmic horrors seep into the world around, Arthur must ask himself whether this entity truly seeks to help him, or are its intentions more…


Malevolent


Malevolent is produced, written, edited, performed, scored & created by Harlan Guthrie.


This podcast contains mature themes, explicit language, bodily horror, violence, otherworldly terror and death. Listener discretion is advised. Full transcripts of every episode are available here.




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Recent Reviews
  • anjskwjhdhdjdkdj
    So wonderfully written
    I cant wait for the next episode 10/10
  • skronky
    Old school format makes for a super fun show
    So, I adore this show. I travel full time with a theater company and it’s gotten me through some LONG drives. The format reminds me of the old Infocom text adventures or a choose your own adventure where someone else is doing the choosing. The main character’s lack of eyesight is a brilliant narrative structure, which makes the podcast more illustrative than a lot of other entries in the genre. The main character is a bit maddeningly stubborn occasionally but it DOES serve the story if you hang in with it. Very glad I found this! Can’t wait to keep listening.
  • New York Times •
    An absolute masterpiece.
    10/10
  • A. Maguire
    Three Seasons In
    Well written and acted. Pacing is excellent
  • PODaddictJOE
    WARNING!!!!
    Warning this podcast will ruin all other podcast after listening. I have not been able to find anything in the last year that even comes close this! So I have resorted to just listening over and over and over again, it never gets old!
  • jsg8992
    I wanna go back!
    John! I wish I could go back to when I first stumbled upon this show. It’s so beautifully done and this recent season is amazing. Yorick’s voice is so funny! Please I need more!
  • The lionpoet
    Terrible main character
    The idea, presentation, and execution are all well done. The whiny indecisive main character killed any desire for us to continue even finishing the first season.
  • ArthurMorgan2023
    You better make a tv show out this.
    I work long hours and I’m always looking for good fiction podcasts to listen to! By far the best I’ve ever heard. Please make a tv show outa this! I will help you! 100% better than you writers really know! I think this could be the next big thing! Do not stop until John and Arthur are dead!
  • AaronSmi96
    AMAZING!!
    Such a talented individual. The delivery of the story and the writing is so fantastic. Keeps me on the edge of my seat l.
  • Cold Case Buff
    Awesome
    Can't stop listening.
  • Bhindi9
    Enthralling
    This is such a hard to pause story! I've re-listened to it a couple times and it really runs me through the wringer of emotions every time. Amazing voice acting, story, music...everything. When I first listened I didn't realize he was also writing this while actually letting his Patreon audience steer the choices. It's incredibly impressive how coherent and planned it feels, even with the randomness the audience gives to it. Absolutely love it.
  • OldEarthling
    Recommend without hesitation
    This is a wonderful story with complex characters, beautiful visuals and musical.
  • Ahmed Asrar
    There’s So Much To Say
    Brilliant, exceptional, outstanding; these words don’t do justice to a masterpiece like this. By far one of the best if not the best podcast I’ve heard - I listen to a lot of podcast - never has a podcast made me feel scared, made me happy, sad and brought tears to my eyes. The brilliant use of this audio medium makes me feel like I am tagging along ‘with’ Arthur, since as just a listener like Arthur I can understand his predicament and John’s brilliant way of describing the environment paints a vivid picture of where ‘we’ are. There is this connection with the characters in terms of circumstances and it couldn’t have been executed more brilliantly through story and this medium. It goes meta which is wild! Harlan, please continue to take us with you on Arthur’s and John’s journey, you are the epitome of a storyteller. Thank you for putting this out to the world, I truly truly, truly mean that. Thank you. ❤️ FYI - First time writing a review for anything. I just love this so much. Have recommended it to everyone I know. Thank you again Harlan, much love, much respect.
  • Spudnuts JR
    Wow just wow
    I goes from good to better to outstanding. This show is just enthralling.
  • jilliantarr
    A true masterpiece
    This podcast is peak art and I have fallen in love with the story. Harlan is such an amazing storyteller and voice actor I am truly amazed that after so many episodes I am still so transfixed with the story. The emotion with which this story is narrated is otherworldly and I am deeply captivated every moment - especially in scenes of confrontation. I feel so lucky to be able to enjoy content like this and will be joining the Patreon in hopes to support the continuation of my number one favorite show.
  • John pate14
    G redes
    Holy moly so good I want to eat it and always have more of it please
  • Mikey Likes Podcasts
    Beyond 5 stars
    This Podcast is rated beyond 5 stars.
  • photosnipa
    Malevolent is Legendary
    Harlan is a true creative and has created something timeless with this show. If you’re thinking about joining his Patreon just do it- it’s the only show I give what I can to. If you have an appreciation for unique experiences you’ll marvel at the world he has created. You’ll laugh full on belly style, you’ll very possibly cry. You’ll come to love the main characters. There’s nothing I can say that hasn’t already been said… Thanks Harlan.
  • shilohrosecapone
    A man becomes codependent on the voice inside his head that may or may not be an eldritch elder god.
    I got so obsessed that I was 45 minutes late to a birthday dinner because I sat in the parking lot to listen to the next episode. I laughed, I cried, I palpitated in fear- this podcast really has it all. The only downside is that I have to wait weeks for the next episode and stay up at night wondering what will come next and wondering how Arthur is alive after all of his injuries. This podcast made me thankful I have ADHD so I can go back in a few months and re-listen to it while forgetting what happens.
  • Becky978
    Never Have I Ever
    I binged this podcast in a matter of months and have never cried so much or so forcefully at a spoken word performance. Truly masterful and endlessly engaging! I am currently a Patreon subscriber bc of this. Seriously, beyond “well done”.
  • akciwi$28:!,
    Finally a horror podcast I can get into
    I’ve tried several other horror podcasts because I want to get better at writing horror for rpgs. Never found one that held my interest, I’m a patron for My sis made me view it and they’re covering Malevolent, Meg explained in the discord that main character is blind and has to have everything described by the voice in his head, and I thought that was such a clever plot device for why a character needed to describe everything in an audio only medium that I had to give it a shot, I’m on season 4 after just a few weeks and will probably join his patron once I’m caught up
  • sfawp
    I never leave reviews for anything.
    I’m binge listening to this. 4 seasons straight. My sister said “hey listen to this podcast” I’m like this has 1 episode to fulfill me or this podcast is dead! My goodness freaking gracious. This is the standard of a podcast. Probably the best thing I’ve ever heard ever. Better than any movie or show or comics. I can’t wait until the movie adaptation or whatever. This is by far the most amazing, mind bending, mind throbbing, EDGE OF YOUR FREAKING SEAT PODCAST. IM IN LOVE WITH ALL OF THIS. THIS IS NOT A GREAT PODCAST. THIS IS THEE PODCAST. I CAN BET MY LEFT NUT. This is what podcast are all about!!
  • LadyBugflyurwyhm
    Wow
    The way the podcast grips you the inside outs are awesome! Very delightful please continue😉
  • Burntapples
    Needs tighter editing
    Swearing is fine. Blasphemy is fine. What’s not fine is ~1/3 of your dialogue being a variation of “Jesus Christ, Arthur/John!” Wanted to like it but it fought me every second. Gave up at the beginning of season 3.
  • Ahdjahhdiahbdhzggagf
    bruh
    Did NOT know a pod could do this. I’m blown out of the water.
  • ZËDUBB
    Can’t recommend enough
    This podcast is so fantastically amazing I have no other words
  • 87Dustin71
    My favorite podcast
    Easily the most interesting, most well-produced show that never ceases to amaze AND it’s all voiced by one incredibly talented human. Eternally grateful this podcast exists. Also highly recommend the Patreon where you can vote on the choices Arthur makes in the show!
  • KeDDs1018
    Season 2
    Just finished season 2. Legit the best podcast on here rn. Keep em coming. Time to binge season 3.
  • Bluetheanimator
    I never leave reviews.
    Never, I don’t think I ever have, but this podcast is genuinely one of the best things I’ve ever gotten fixated on. The story is incredible, the acting is immaculate, and I’ve wept more than I’d ever imagine crying over a podcast. It’s just. Amazing. In so many ways.
  • Haliron
    I never leave reviews
    But this podcast/story is unreal. Captivating, creative, and so unique. The way it paints a picture for you to visualize and how they set it up to be able to paint a picture is amazing. I’ve listened to many notable fictional podcast, but this one by all means is number one!
  • forrrestfae
    head over heels for this show
    an instant favorite, malevolent had me hooked from the first episode and has not put me down since! i am subscribed to the patreon now :D genuinely some of the best work i've ever seen out of podcasting, and the fact that it is a one-man cast and crew FLOORS me (if you didnt know, look it up, it's so impressive) hands down my favorite piece of media i've taken in in any format in years
  • Crankolyn
    Can’t wait for each episode
    This is an amazing series that I tell all my friends about. I listen to a lot of podcasts and this has become my go to whenever I walk the dog, do other chores or drive.
  • Tj6643
    Fantastic show!
    Great story and production. My favorite podcast. I always look forward to new episodes. I hope it goes on forever!
  • Mermaid_Face
    Terrifyingly Addicting
    This. Is. Absolutely. Incredible. Seriously, floored that this was produced by one person. You would never guess it. It is exciting and horrifying, and you do really come to love the characters. Both Arthur’s & John’s character development is intriguing and believable. Just makes you want to know them more. Guthrie is next level with this Podcast. I honestly cannot find anything that even remotely compares, and it is frustrating because I need a million more. Thank you for creating this, and for adding new episodes! Can’t wait to see what’s next!
  • Hoodiecladknight
    I am in love with this story
    I cannot express how much I adore this story. It’s so well written, both a thrilling horror story of the cosmic horror variety, but also a love story. I only just finished season one but- it’s a love story and I refuse to be told otherwise. A very Intense Love Story, but it rules. Also for an audio medium, the monster designs are so cool. This whole thing is so inspiring I can’t articulate it all I am really grateful for all the work put into this story
  • Kowmonkey
    Definitely listen
    Great show, awesome job with 1 person doing all the voices
  • jksamps
    Love
    This is a fantastic podcast!!!! The detail of the story, the narration, the sounds of the monsters and the locations they travel too, I could go on. Thank you so much!!
  • phukapplesheit
    So Romantic!
    A horrific and touching adventure/ love story between a jaded, cynical private investigator, and an ex terrible god of chaos, complete with romantic piano music. Very fun, and getting through the pillow talk takes a bit of patience.
  • giakelly
    Can we add more stars
    ❤️❤️
  • Moonkistforlife
    Podcast for the storyteller
    This is the perfect podcast for anyone who loves a good story. The horror is fantastic but what really grips me is the depth and earnestness of the narrative. Flawed protagonists, the terror of the unknown, and forces beyond comprehension- who doesn’t love that?
  • CMSharpe
    Above and beyond
    Great story, awesome acting, great sound, good score. Excels in the character and plot development. Only (minor) issues are this: episodes are at least a month apart (but boy, is the wait worth it!) and for being blind, he adapts well right from the start. But other than that, it’s totally worth listening to.
  • (Walter55)
    One Great Podcast
    UPDATE: 5/24, DONT LET THIS AWESOME PODCAST DIE AWAY, PLEASE RETURN WITH MORE EPISODES, PLEASE!!! This is one of the finest horror podcasts bar none. Interesting premise and exciting content from beginning to end. Voice acting and storytelling is superbly executed with amazing performances from the cast of voice actors! Well done!
  • I’m still Evo Terra
    Destined to be a classic of fiction podcasting
    This show couldn't be made in any other format other than a fiction podcast. The entire premise is dependent of the medium. And the soundscaping is as deliberate and well done as anything. Exquisite.
  • zkadc
    phenomenal podcast !!!
    Malevolent is by far my favorite podcast of all time! The storyline, the writing, the characters and their growth have all enthralled me tightly. An ominous, gripping tale that nevertheless will make you see the beauty of hope, love and the human spirit. I’ve gotten more than one person similarly hooked just by raving about it. I can’t recommend it enough!!!
  • Mayday 111
    SUCH an incredible podcast!
    I love Malevolent! This story and its characters has completely enraptured me. It both horrifies and delights me.
  • Jfjbsk
    Love this so far
    I love the story so far and the back and forth between Arthur and the entity is fun, but Arthur’s poor decision making and nonsensical thoughts are infuriating. Wish he would get taken over already 😂
  • Drawermcdrawsome
    Arthur’s Doing His Best, He’s Just a Mess
    (And who isn’t, really.) The story is dark and compelling, the characters are interesting and multifaceted, and I could go on about any of those but honestly the acting alone is far beyond the price of admission. Oh? Wait, apparently this is free. So it’s actually a STEAL. This podcast is like crime you won’t get in trouble for, unless you’re listening at work and your boss is a jerk. Heed the content warnings, turn off the lights, and enjoy.
  • DyneSil
    Masterpiece
    A masterwork of storytelling and character acting all done by a single person.
  • Grey26
    Used to be Better
    Gonna be honest, I used to love this podcast! The first couple of season were doing really fun character work and I really felt like it was going somewhere. And then the dreamlands arc hit and suddenly I felt like we were treading water. But I kept going, because I still liked the characters a lot. But they started just rehashing the same drama and Arthur became more and more unlikeable as his motivations began to make less and less sense, until I finally just quit listening. If you want to enjoy this show, stop after the dreamlands arc. Honestly, stop halfway through the dreamlands arc. This show meant a lot to me for a long time but I'm forced to assume that the character and theme work that I enjoyed was potentially all accidental, because it hasn't been present in the show in a long time. Save yourself the trouble.
  • NovaCove-island
    Do not recommend
    This show had great potential, but really jumped the shark in season 3. Arthur starts out as a compelling flawed character, but as he gets worse the narrative only seems to excuse him more. I love a corruption arc, but the tone of the show wants me to think Arthur is still a hero no matter how uncaring he is to everyone around him. I wish the show properly explored the themes it sets up instead of jumping from one situation to the next with no lasting consequences.
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