Wolf 359
Life's not easy for Doug Eiffel, the communications officer for the U.S.S. Hephaestus Research Station, currently on Day 448 of its orbit around red dwarf star Wolf 359. He's stuck on a scientific survey mission of indeterminate length, 7.8 light years from Earth. His only company on board the station are stern mission chief Minkowski, insane science officer Hilbert, and Hephaestus Station's sentient, often malfunctioning operating system Hera. He doesn't have much to do for his job other than monitoring static and intercepting the occasional decades-old radio broadcast from Earth, so he spends most of his time creating extensive audio logs about the ordinary, day-to-day happenings within the station. But the Hephaestus is an odd place, and life in extremely isolated, zero gravity conditions has a way of doing funny things to people's minds. Even the simplest of tasks can turn into a gargantuan struggle, and the most ordinary-seeming things have a way of turning into anything but that. Wolf 359 is a radio drama in the tradition of Golden Age of Radio shows. Take one part space-faring adventure, add one part character drama, and mix in one part absurdist sitcom, and you get Wolf 359.
Our Editor's Take
Wolf 359 is a science fiction podcast. It is an old-school series done in the style of radio serials in the 1930s. The podcast aired from 2014 to 2016 and had over 60 episodes. The name "Wolf 359" comes from a real-life star. It's located 7.9 light years away from Earth, which is close as far as the universe goes.
The podcast's setting is the fictional USS Hephaestus Research Station. The space station circles around the Wolf 359red dwarf star. Zach Valenti, a coproducer of the show, also portrays Douglas Eiffel, the show's lead character. Eiffel is both funny and flawed. It makes him easy to relate to and fun to listen to.
Eiffel does audio logs about his life in space, as he has plenty of free time. He starts out in the series putting off doing his job when things start to get weird. Each podcast episode follows in sequential fashion to tell a compelling story. Besides Eiffel, other Wolf 359 characters include Minkowski and Hilbert. They also work in the space station. Hera is the station's operating system, which has its own issues.
Listeners rave about the writing, sound design, and acting quality of this podcast. This makes Wolf 359 one of the most popular audio dramas in its genre. But the show also has lighter moments. Each episode has complex relationships and fascinating characters. The multifaceted plot lines keep fans fascinated.
New listeners should start with the Wolf 359 preview episode titled "New to Wolf 359? Start Here!" Then they can move to "Episode 1: Succulent Rat-Killing Tar," the first full episode.
Wolf 359 mixes drama, humor, and great storytelling. While the show has completed its run, these episodes are timeless. When fans finish listening to the series, they can hear the cast reunite in a holiday-themed reunion episode.
Season 4
