Classic literature finds a new generation of listeners as Noiser's serialised audiobooks reach 50 million annual listens

Noiser has announced its catalogue of classic free audiobook adaptations has surpassed 50 million annual listens, as audiences increasingly discover timeless literary works through podcast-style storytelling.   

Since launching in 2020, Noiser has become one of the UK’s leading independent podcast producers and their cinematic productions have earned widespread critical acclaim, with national newspapers praising the company’s high production values, meticulous research and immersive storytelling.

More recently, Noiser has expanded into serialised literary adaptations, introducing some of the world’s most enduring stories to millions of listeners through performances by some of Britain’s most celebrated actors. 

Its growing collection of classics includes Sherlock Holmes Short Stories narrated by Hugh Bonneville, Pride and Prejudice narrated by Dame Julie Andrews, and Charles Dickens’ Ghost Stories narrated by Sir David Suchet. Released episodically, the productions bring classic literature into the listening habits of modern audiences, making timeless stories feel more accessible than ever.

Available as free audiobooks across all major podcast platforms, the adaptations remove many of the traditional barriers to discovering classic literature. Rather than asking audiences to seek out one single lengthy audiobook, Noiser presents each story as a serialised listening experience in the podcast apps people already use every day. Combined with its acclaimed narrators, original music and cinematic sound design, the productions offer a fresh way to experience some of literature’s greatest works. With a forthcoming slate of adaptations for audiences of all ages currently in development, Noiser is continuing its mission to bring the world’s greatest stories to a new generation of listeners.

Pascal Hughes, CEO of Noiser, said: “Over the past year, Noiser has evolved from a history podcast producer into a destination for premium audio storytelling. Seeing listeners embrace our adaptations of Sherlock Holmes and Jane Austen alongside shows like Short History Of… demonstrates there’s a real appetite for beautifully crafted storytelling, whatever the format. If we’re helping someone enjoy Jane Austen or Sherlock Holmes for the very first time through audio, then we’re doing exactly what we set out to achieve.”

The audiobook milestone comes as Noiser continues to grow its overall audience. In the past year, the British podcast network has recorded a 39% increase in UK listens alone. Across its wider catalogue, Noiser’s flagship shows include Short History Of, Real Dictators and Real Survival Stories continuing to attract millions of listeners every month. 

Pascal adds: “We’re incredibly proud of the growth in listeners that we’ve achieved over the past year, particularly here in the UK. For a business that initially found much of its audience overseas, it’s rewarding to see more people discovering Noiser at home. As we continue to invest in ambitious new productions, we’re excited to keep growing our audience both here and internationally."

Noiser recently launched their latest original history series Founding Fathers: An American Dream, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. Narrated by the actor and writer Clarke Peters (The Wire, Treme, Da 5 Bloods), the eight-part series explores the people, ideas and conflicts that shaped the birth of the United States through Noiser’s signature blend of expert insight, dramatic storytelling and cinematic sound design.