Amy Poehler is gaining attention in Hollywood after her podcast, Good Hang, became a leading candidate for the new Golden Globe category, Best Podcast. In 2026, the Golden Globes will recognize podcasting for the first time, considering only the top 25 most-listened-to podcasts in the United States for six nomination slots, according to the organization. While eligibility criteria are still pending, the industry is buzzing about which creators may make the shortlist—and Amy Poehler’s unique approach to podcasting is positioning her as a serious contender.
Good Hang, featuring Amy Poehler at its center, is distinct for its blend of light-hearted conversations and big-name celebrity guests, creating an environment where laughter and storytelling are encouraged but advice is off the table. Amy Poehler, already established as a former Golden Globe host and as a winner for her work in Parks and Recreation, uses her signature warmth and humor to engage listeners and guests alike. This format has helped propel Good Hang into the upper echelons of the U.S. podcast charts, making it a standout as the field adapts to new levels of recognition from prestigious award shows.
The decision by the Golden Globes to introduce a Podcast category signals a dramatic shift in how the entertainment industry acknowledges audio content. Only the top 25 podcasts, as measured by platforms including Spotify, will be eligible for consideration, narrowing the pool and focusing attention on established industry names. Alongside Amy Poehler, other leading creators, such as Joe Rogan of The Joe Rogan Experience, are frequently cited as probable nominees. Rogan’s show, known for its blend of comedy and cultural commentary, remains the nation’s most-listened-to podcast, while facing continuing debates about its political content and influence.
Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy, another major contender for the Best Podcast award, has found consistent success by focusing on issues important to women and by entering mainstream conversation during high-profile news events. When Cooper interviewed Vice President Kamala Harris after President Biden’s decision not to seek reelection in 2024, the podcast demonstrated its ability to create culturally resonant moments. SmartLess, hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, is also strong in the race. Bateman, who has previously secured a Golden Globe, and Hayes, a frequent nominee, bring high visibility and comedic depth to their show, which links diverse audio experiences.
Amy Poehler’s Good Hang benefits from Poehler’s television background, which lends both insider perspective and entertainment value to her podcast. Her transition from the screen to audio storytelling demonstrates the adaptability and appeal of her comedic talents. Listeners are drawn to the casual, genuine nature of her interactions as well as the star power she consistently brings to each episode. While other contenders lean into controversy, politics, or deep-dives, Amy Poehler’s podcast stands out for its lighter, more universally enjoyable tone, which could resonate with voters as the Golden Globes moves to legitimize podcasts alongside traditional categories.
Industry response to the Best Podcast category has been turbulent and conflicted. Some see the addition of podcasting as a necessary acknowledgment of changing entertainment habits, while others question the value and direction of such innovation. “Is this an insane choice?” one anonymous forum poster wrote in reaction to the news. Additional new Golden Globe categories, like Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television and Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, were introduced at the 2024 ceremony, generating similarly complex reactions and ongoing debate about what forms of entertainment deserve televised recognition.
Meanwhile, distinguished honors such as the Cecil B. DeMille Award and the Carol Burnett Award were relegated to non-televised presentations, further highlighting shifting priorities within the organization. Last year, these awards went to Viola Davis and Ted Danson. With Amy Poehler’s Good Hang emerging as a favorite, all eyes are on how the Golden Globes’ expansion into podcasting will influence not only the industry’s perception of digital audio but also the future of audience engagement and cultural storytelling. The coming announcements about eligibility rules, and the eventual nominations list, are expected to intensify conversation about what—and who—defines excellence in modern entertainment.
