# Apple Podcasts Declares “Hysterical” as Show of the Year for 2024
Apple Podcasts has proudly announced its Show of the Year for 2024, granting this distinction to the enthralling limited series **Hysterical**. Since its premiere in July, this seven-part series, produced by Wondery, has swiftly captivated audiences with its compelling storyline.
## The Concept of Hysterical
Hysterical explores a mysterious condition that affects a group of high school girls in upstate New York. The series examines the psychological and social ramifications of this occurrence, drawing connections to other real-life cases of inexplicable illnesses, like the well-documented “Havana syndrome” that impacted diplomats and CIA personnel around the world.
Creator Dan Taberski found inspiration for this narrative after discovering information about the Havana syndrome and recalling a similar event involving high school girls in Le Roy, New York, who experienced strange symptoms several years earlier. This link prompted him to contemplate the nature of “hysterical illness” and its various manifestations across different situations.
## Immediate Popularity
Upon its launch, Hysterical rapidly ascended the rankings, debuting as the #1 show on Apple Podcasts. By year’s end, it claimed the #9 position among the top shows of 2024, highlighting its broad appeal and the resonance of its themes with listeners.
## Thoughts from the Creator
In a recent discussion with Apple, Dan Taberski provided insights into the creative journey behind Hysterical. The dialogue encompassed a variety of topics pertinent to burgeoning podcasters, such as:
– **Tips for Crafting a Limited-Run Series**: Taberski underscored the necessity of having a defined vision and framework for the series, which allows for a captivating narrative that keeps listeners engaged across episodes.
– **Finding Your Unique Voice**: He shared advice on how podcasters can discover and convey their distinct voice in audio storytelling, emphasizing the subtleties of writing for audio compared to visual platforms.
– **Evaluating Series Concepts**: Taberski elaborated on the factors that help determine whether a story merits a multipart series or can be conveyed effectively in a single installment.
– **Structuring Serialized Narratives**: He offered techniques for plotting a serialized story, including methods to sustain tension and evolve characters through multiple episodes.
– **Podcasting Compared to Other Mediums**: Drawing on his experience in television and film, Taberski examined what podcasting uniquely contributes to storytelling, especially the closeness and immediacy of audio.
## Prior Winners and Suggestions
The previous year’s Show of the Year was **Wiser Than Me**, hosted by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. For those in search of more podcast suggestions, Apple has unveiled a list of the most popular podcasts of 2024, showcasing a diverse array of categories and genres.
## Tune into Hysterical
Listeners are invited to enjoy Hysterical now on [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hysterical/id1753789609) or through their preferred podcast platforms. The series not only entertains but also stimulates vital conversations regarding health, psychology, and the societal elements that shape our comprehension of illness.
Have you had a chance to listen to Hysterical? What are your impressions of the series? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
