Golden Globes Best Podcast Awards overlook prominent political commentators this year.

The nominees for the inaugural Golden Globe Award for Best Podcast have been announced, featuring six prominent shows that have captivated audiences in the podcasting space. The nominated programs are “Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard,” Alex Cooper’s “Call Her Daddy,” “Good Hang with Amy Poehler,” “The Mel Robbins Podcast,” NPR’s “Up First,” and the comedy-driven “Smartless,” hosted by actors Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Sean Hayes.

Despite their broad appeal and large followings, several notable podcasts were overlooked for nominations. Programs that focus on political commentary, including “The Joe Rogan Experience,” “The Ben Shapiro Show,” “The Megyn Kelly Show,” “The Tucker Carlson Show,” Candace Owens’s “Candace,” and the liberal-leaning “Pod Save America,” were absent from the list. This has sparked discussions regarding the selection criteria for the new category, particularly concerning the exclusion of political voices which often generate significant audience engagement.

The finalists for this prestigious award were selected from an initial pool of 25 podcasts that met the eligibility criteria. In order to qualify, shows were required to produce original content consisting of at least six episodes between January 1, 2025, and September 30, 2025, with a minimum runtime of 30 minutes per episode. The Golden Globe Awards will announce the winner on January 11, 2026.

The selection process is designed to evaluate the quality, creativity, audience engagement, and the overall impact of the nominated programs. This marks a significant moment in the evolution of podcasting, recognizing it as a formal component of the entertainment industry. The Golden Globes aim to present themselves as an inclusive platform, potentially avoiding controversial figures who could detract from the celebratory nature of the awards ceremony.

Ben Bogardus, the professor and chair of the journalism department at Quinnipiac University, suggested that the voting body is likely keen to maintain a non-political atmosphere. He noted the organization’s apparent desire to position itself as an awards show that honors popular entertainment while steering clear of divisive topics that could spark controversy.

As the podcasting landscape continues to grow, this new award category reflects the medium’s increasing significance in broader cultural dialogues. Media News Source provides further coverage of this event as it unfolds, highlighting the intersection of media, art, and audience interaction in an evolving entertainment environment.