podcast review: "wooden overcoats"

WOODEN OVERCOATS is an award-winning British audio drama created by David K. Barnes. Originally released in 2015, this sitcom has become a beloved classic in the narrative podcasting world through its inventive premise, clever writing, and high-quality production. In this review, we’ll break down what makes the show stand out, who it’s best suited for, and whether it’s worth adding to your queue.

SYNOPSIS

Rudyard Funn and his equally miserable sister Antigone run their family’s failing funeral parlour, where they get the body in the coffin in the ground on time. But one day they find everyone enjoying themselves at the funerals of a new competitor – the impossibly perfect Eric Chapman! With their dogsbody Georgie, and a mouse called Madeleine, the Funns are taking drastic steps to stay in business…

QUICK FACTS

• Genre: Fictional audio comedy / Sitcom / Audio Drama
  
  

• Average Episode Length: 30 - 60 Minutes
  
  

• Release Frequency: With Season 4 finished, the creators occasionally release bonus content.
  
  

• Available On: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major podcast platforms.
  
  

• First Released: 2015

WHAT MAKES IT STAND OUT

I believe the greatest strength that Wooden Overcoats possesses is its effortless blend of humor and pathos. While often hilariously funny, the show still finds moments to weave in themes of grief and heartbreak that feel very appropriate for a show revolving around dueling funeral homes. The characters are fun and well written, the setting is intriguing, and the evolution of the story keeps you engaged throughout. 

WHO WILL LOVE IT (AND WHO MIGHT NOT)

• ✅ Great for: Listeners who enjoy witty banter and clever storytelling. Fans of BBC radio shows like "Cabin Pressure" or "Bleak Expectations."
  
  

• ❌ Maybe skip if: You're squeamish about death/dead bodies. While not over the top, the story does take place primarily in a funeral home.

OUR TAKE

Wooden Overcoats is a fun romp on the strange and stylistic island of Piffling, filled with engaging storylines and memorable characters. This production takes me back to my teen years, where I spent many a car ride listening to BBC radio comedies to while away the time. In this writer's humble opinion, Wooden Overcoats is well worth the plunge.

LISTEN HERE

https://open.spotify.com/show/0SRyjj6HufFmijSeLaBs3f

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wooden-overcoats/id1039662268

https://www.woodenovercoats.com/listen

RELATED PODCASTS YOU MIGHT ENJOY

If you like Wooden Overcoats, you might also enjoy:

• The Amelia Project – Follow the highs and lows of a secret agency that fakes it's clients deaths.
  
  

• Midnight Burger – Gloria finds herself waitressing in a time-traveling diner.
  
  

• Tales of Etheriel – Jerry Berger is swept away onto a fantastical quest to save his homeland.