Radio Classics (Ch. 148): Old Time Radio Comedies & Dramas

Radio Classics

Classic radio dramas & comedy

Channel 148Radio Classics is the home for the quality programs from The Golden Age Of Radio. Before television, before audio books, before podcasts, great storytelling dominated the realm of radio. It's where imagination ruled. Superman, Dragnet, Gunsmoke, plus comedies from Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, George Burns & Gracie Allen all originated on radio. Those ageless shows (and so much more) can be found on Radio Classics. Timeless stories and laughs from the past for today's SiriusXM listeners.Connect with

Shows, Schedules & Info

Featured Show

When Radio Was

Radio Spirits' nationally syndicated radio program hosted by old-time radio expert Greg Bell.

All times listed EDT
Romance of the Ranchos

Romance of the Ranchos

Next Airs Sunday at 7 am
30 mins

This historical drama told tales of early Southern California in "the days of the dons". Stories were based on records from

This historical drama told tales of early Southern California in "the days of the dons". Stories were based on records from Title Insurance, the show's sponsor. History was made as land changed hands and purposes, causing listeners to think twice about the stories behind their own West Coast land the in mid-1940s.

Gunsmoke

Gunsmoke

Now Playing
30 mins

Radio’s greatest adult western told the story of Matt Dillon, U.S. Marshal, "the first man they look for and the last they w

Radio’s greatest adult western told the story of Matt Dillon, U.S. Marshal, "the first man they look for and the last they want to meet." Gunsmoke grew out of a request from CBS founder William Paley for a "Philip Marlowe in the Old West," and featured grimly realistic stories set in the vicinity of Dodge City, the "Gommorrah of the West," with William Conrad as Dillon.

Fort Laramie

Fort Laramie

Next Airs Today at 8 am
30 mins

Specially transcribed tales of the dark and tragic ground of the wild frontier. The saga of fighting men who rode the rim of

Specially transcribed tales of the dark and tragic ground of the wild frontier. The saga of fighting men who rode the rim of empire and the dramatic story of Lee Quince, Captain of Cavalry. Premiering in January 1956, Raymond Burr starred as Captain Quince-a soldier who followed orders and a leader who lived by his own rules of fairness and honesty.

Have Gun, Will Travel

Have Gun, Will Travel

Next Airs Today at 8:30 am
30 mins

Have Gun, Will Travel debuted on television on September 14, 1957 and moved to radio November 23, 1958. The program was an

Have Gun, Will Travel debuted on television on September 14, 1957 and moved to radio November 23, 1958. The program was an oddity, a western that began on television and moved to radio, featuring an ethical anti-hero whose mysterious origins were left untold until the fifth and final TV season.

Six Shooter

Six Shooter

Next Airs Today at 9 am
30 mins

The Six Shooter aired started movie star James Stewart rode the radio range from September 20, 1953 through June 24, 1954 as

The Six Shooter aired started movie star James Stewart rode the radio range from September 20, 1953 through June 24, 1954 as Britt Ponset, "the Texas plainsman who wandered through the western territories, leaving behind a trail of still-remembered legends."

Martin & Lewis Show

Martin & Lewis Show

Next Airs Today at 10 am
1 hr 30 mins

Comedy/variety show starring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis.

Comedy/variety show starring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis.

Charlie McCarthy Show

Charlie McCarthy Show

Next Airs Today at 11:30 am
30 mins

Ventriloquist Edgar Bergen developed his Charlie McCarthy character in high school. Bergen performed with the newsboy dummy

Ventriloquist Edgar Bergen developed his Charlie McCarthy character in high school. Bergen performed with the newsboy dummy while attending Northwestern University and eventually left college to tour vaudeville. With the decline of vaudeville during the Great Depression, Bergen moved into night spots like New York’s trendy Rainbow Room but feared his friend wouldn’t be appreciated by high society. So he gave Charlie a monocle and top hat and a "man about town" was born. Following a three-month guest stint on Rudy Vallee’s show, Edgar Bergen was signed as headliner of The Chase and Sanborn Hour. The series premiered May 9, 1937 and ended the next three seasons as radio’s top-rated series.

Lux Radio Theatre

Lux Radio Theatre

Next Airs Today at 12 pm
1 hr

The Lux Radio Theatre was one of radio's most popular series attracting Hollywood's top stars and boasting a lavish budget.

The Lux Radio Theatre was one of radio's most popular series attracting Hollywood's top stars and boasting a lavish budget. The Lux Radio Theatre began in 1934 featuring dramas from Broadway, but there was not enough material to support the show. In an attempt to reverse the slipping ratings, the show was moved to Hollywood in 1936, where there was plenty of material and talent.

Columbia Presents Corwin

Columbia Presents Corwin

Next Airs Today at 1 pm
30 mins

This CBS series adapted stories penned by Norman Corwin to radio.

This CBS series adapted stories penned by Norman Corwin to radio.

Walter Winchell Show

Walter Winchell Show

Next Airs Today at 1:30 pm
30 mins

TBD

TBD

Damon Runyon Theatre

Damon Runyon Theatre

Next Airs Today at 2 pm
1 hr

This anthology series dramatized the stories of fiction author Damon Runyon and aired in various forms from the late 1940s t

This anthology series dramatized the stories of fiction author Damon Runyon and aired in various forms from the late 1940s to the mid 1950s. John Brown starred as "Broadway," a fluent "Brooklynese" speaker who spun tales of old Manhattan.

Life of Riley

Life of Riley

Next Airs Today at 3 pm
30 mins

The Life of Riley featured the comic misadventures of riveter Chester A. Riley. Riley was a devoted family man with a talent

The Life of Riley featured the comic misadventures of riveter Chester A. Riley. Riley was a devoted family man with a talent for flying off the handle and a penchant for being worse. Movie star William Bendix played the title role of the lovable hardhat throughout the series.

My Friend Irma

My Friend Irma

Next Airs Today at 3:30 pm
30 mins

Marie Wilson created and starred as Irma Peterson, a loopy but lovable secretary. Irma's best friend and roommate was Jane S

Marie Wilson created and starred as Irma Peterson, a loopy but lovable secretary. Irma's best friend and roommate was Jane Stacy, played by Cathy Lewis. The sitcom aired from April 11, 1947 - August 23, 1954.

Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar

Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar

Next Airs Today at 4 pm
1 hr 30 mins

Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar told the story of the freelance insurance investigator with the "action-packed expense account."

Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar told the story of the freelance insurance investigator with the "action-packed expense account." Radio’s last great detective series, Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar ended its run September 30, 1962 during the final week of network radio drama.

Escape - Radio Classics

Escape - Radio Classics

Next Airs Today at 5:30 pm
30 mins

Radio's greatest series of high adventure debuted over the CBS network on July 7,1947. Escape's protagonists faced life-and-

Radio's greatest series of high adventure debuted over the CBS network on July 7,1947. Escape's protagonists faced life-and-death situations each week, as the show careened from classic adventure to Western drama to science fiction. The program was broadcast as a sustainer (unsponsored) series during most of its seven-year run.

When Radio Was

When Radio Was

Next Airs Today at 6 pm
1 hr

Radio Spirits' nationally syndicated radio program hosted by old-time radio expert Greg Bell.

Radio Spirits' nationally syndicated radio program hosted by old-time radio expert Greg Bell.

CBS Radio Workshop

CBS Radio Workshop

Next Airs Today at 7 pm
30 mins

The CBS Radio Workshop aired from January 27, 1956 through September 22, 1957 and was a revival of the prestigious Columbia

The CBS Radio Workshop aired from January 27, 1956 through September 22, 1957 and was a revival of the prestigious Columbia Workshop from the 1930s and 1940s. The CBS Workshop regularly featured the works of the world’s greatest writers. including Ray Bradbury, Archibald MacLeish, William Saroyan, Lord Dunsany and Ambrose Bierce.

Let George Do It

Let George Do It

Next Airs Today at 7:30 pm
30 mins

Let George Do It, stars Bob Bailey, who plays George Valentine who was a detective whose cases came from the newspaper.

Let George Do It, stars Bob Bailey, who plays George Valentine who was a detective whose cases came from the newspaper.

This Is Your F.B.I

This Is Your F.B.I

Next Airs Today at 8 pm
2 hrs

This Is Your F.B.I. came to the Blue Network on April 6, 1945, created, produced and directed by Jerry Devine, a former chil

This Is Your F.B.I. came to the Blue Network on April 6, 1945, created, produced and directed by Jerry Devine, a former child actor. Like Philips H. Lord before him, Devine got special permission from bureau head J. Edgar Hoover to dramatize older cases using fictitious names and locales. Frank Lovejoy was the program's first narrator, followed by Dean Carlton and later William Woodson.

Pat Novak for Hire

Pat Novak for Hire

Next Airs Today at 10 pm
30 mins

Pat Novak for Hire was broadcast from San Francisco and debuted in 1946 as an ABC Sunday night West Coast series. Ben Murphy

Pat Novak for Hire was broadcast from San Francisco and debuted in 1946 as an ABC Sunday night West Coast series. Ben Murphy starred as the hard-boiled Novak during the West Coast run, but Jack Webb made the role his own when series was revived on February 13, 1949 over the entire ABC national network.

Jeff Regan, Investigator

Jeff Regan, Investigator

Next Airs Today at 10:30 pm
30 mins

This crime noir series featured Jack Webb as Jeff Regan, a private eye who always had a bone to pick with his boss. Frank Gr

This crime noir series featured Jack Webb as Jeff Regan, a private eye who always had a bone to pick with his boss. Frank Graham took over in the second and last season, as Webb moved on to star in and produce Dragnet.

Dragnet

Dragnet

Next Airs Today at 11 pm
30 mins

Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent. One

Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent. One of the most popular police dramas in the history of broadcasting, Dragnet aired on NBC Radio from June 10, 1949 through February 7, 1957 and on television from 1952-59 and 1967-72. Dragnet introduced a new era of documentary-style realism.

Police Headquarters

Police Headquarters

Next Airs Today at 11:30 pm
30 mins

This police procedural series was syndicated on NBC stations in 1932. It features quarter-hour stories typically based on tr

This police procedural series was syndicated on NBC stations in 1932. It features quarter-hour stories typically based on true crimes.

Tom Corbett, Space Cadet

Tom Corbett, Space Cadet

Next Airs Tomorrow at 12 am
1 hr

Tom Corbett, Space Cadet

Tom Corbett, Space Cadet

Gangbusters

Gangbusters

Next Airs Tomorrow at 1 am
1 hr

Gangbusters first came to radio under the title G-Men beginning July 20, 1935. The long-running series was created by Philip

Gangbusters first came to radio under the title G-Men beginning July 20, 1935. The long-running series was created by Philip H. Lord and produced "in cooperation with police and federal law enforcement departments throughout the U.S. Gangbusters was one of radio's longest-running dramatic series, running from January 15, 1936 through November 27, 1957, and its classic opening gave rise to the expression "coming on like gangbusters."

Phillip Marlowe

Phillip Marlowe

Next Airs Tomorrow at 2 am
30 mins

Phillip Marlowe

Phillip Marlowe

Philo Vance

Philo Vance

Next Airs Tomorrow at 2:30 am
30 mins

Philo Vance was the most popular fictional detective during the late 1920s and early 1930s and influenced the creation of ma

Philo Vance was the most popular fictional detective during the late 1920s and early 1930s and influenced the creation of many later detectives. S.S. Van Dine's legendary creation was first brought to radio on July 5, 1945 in an NBC summer series starring Jose Ferrar and was also briefly portrayed by John Emery.

Richard Diamond, Private Detective

Richard Diamond, Private Detective

Next Airs Tomorrow at 3 am
30 mins

Richard Diamond, Private Detective premiered over the NBC network on April 24, 1949 and ran through 1952 starring Dick Powel

Richard Diamond, Private Detective premiered over the NBC network on April 24, 1949 and ran through 1952 starring Dick Powell as "radio's singing detective." Powell had first achieved movie stardom as a baby-faced crooner, and later matured to hardboiled roles, including Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe in the 1944 film Murder My Sweet.

Boston Blackie

Boston Blackie

Next Airs Tomorrow at 3:30 am
30 mins

Boston Blackie was created by Jack Boyle, a hard-drinking opium addict who served three prison terms. While in prison, Boyle

Boston Blackie was created by Jack Boyle, a hard-drinking opium addict who served three prison terms. While in prison, Boyle began writing true-crime confession stories that were published in The American Magazine under the byline 6006, his convict number. Boyle's stories were collected in his 1919 book, Boston Blackie, and inspired a popular series of B-films, the radio series and a 1951 video version.

Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Next Airs Tomorrow at 4 am
1 hr

Jim French wrote this modern adaptation of mystery's most famous detective as part of the Imagination Theatre productions. T

Jim French wrote this modern adaptation of mystery's most famous detective as part of the Imagination Theatre productions. These plays were produced and aired in the 2000s. John Patrick Lowrie plays Holmes and Lawrence Albert portrays Watson.

Adventures of Harry Nile

Adventures of Harry Nile

Next Airs Tomorrow at 5 am
30 mins

This series is one of a few modern series featured by Radio Classics. A creation of writer Jim French, Harry Nile first came

This series is one of a few modern series featured by Radio Classics. A creation of writer Jim French, Harry Nile first came to radio in 1976 and continued to be adapted into the late 90s as part of the "Imagination Theatre" productions. Harry Nile, a former Chicago cop turned private detective, was played by Phil Harper for more than 20 years.

The Avenger

The Avenger

Next Airs Tomorrow at 7 am
30 mins

Jim Brandon is a biochemist, a scientific marvel, a master of the Black Light of Invisibility. He's The Avenger! This classi

Jim Brandon is a biochemist, a scientific marvel, a master of the Black Light of Invisibility. He's The Avenger! This classic pulp hero was adapted for radio, continuing to fight evil-doers with the help of the Telepathic Indicator and the Diffusion Capsule. James Monks and Richard Janaver portray the inimitable scientist, with Helene Adamson as his lovely assistant Fern Collier (his only confidant). James LaCurto and Lawson Zerbe are heard as the gruff Inspector White.

The Sealed Book

The Sealed Book

Next Airs Tomorrow at 7:30 am
30 mins

This mystery/horror series aired on Mutual from March-September of 1945. Philip Clarke played the cackling "keeper of the bo

This mystery/horror series aired on Mutual from March-September of 1945. Philip Clarke played the cackling "keeper of the book," who told spooky tales of black magic, not unlike in The Witch's Tale or The Hermit's Cave

Family Theater Classic Radio

Family Theater Classic Radio

Next Airs Tomorrow at 8 am
30 mins

The Family Theater radio series, which featured hundreds of famous actors, was broadcast on the Mutual Broadcasting System f

The Family Theater radio series, which featured hundreds of famous actors, was broadcast on the Mutual Broadcasting System from 1947 to 1969, making it one of the longest running weekly dramatic radio programs in history.

Screen Director's Playhouse

Screen Director's Playhouse

Next Airs Tomorrow at 8:30 am
30 mins

The Screen Director's Playhouse featured adaptations of famous movies and called upon the screen directors to introduce and

The Screen Director's Playhouse featured adaptations of famous movies and called upon the screen directors to introduce and highlight their work. After each show, the director and stars gathered around the microphones to reminisce about the actual making of the film.

Broadway is My Beat

Broadway is My Beat

Next Airs Tomorrow at 10 am
30 mins

Broadway Is My Beat debuted over CBS on February 27, 1949 and continued through August 1, 1954. Anthony Ross starred as Clov

Broadway Is My Beat debuted over CBS on February 27, 1949 and continued through August 1, 1954. Anthony Ross starred as Clover during the first two seasons, with Thor taking over the role on July 3, 1950. Homicide detective Clover pounded the Broadway beat for five years in one of radio's last great detective series.

The Line-Up

The Line-Up

Next Airs Tomorrow at 10:30 am
30 mins

This CBS cop procedural pulls back the curtain on crime fighting in San Francisco. The Shadow's Bill Johnstone starred as co

This CBS cop procedural pulls back the curtain on crime fighting in San Francisco. The Shadow's Bill Johnstone starred as cool-mannered Lt. Ben Guthrie, foil to hot-tempered Sgt. Matt Grebb. Director Elliot Lewis was one of the busiest men in radio, having a hand in the Phil Harris & Alice Faye Show, Suspense, Broadway Is My Beat, and many more.

Tales of the Texas Rangers

Tales of the Texas Rangers

Next Airs Tomorrow at 11 am
30 mins

Tales of the Texas Rangers was broadcast over NBC from July 8 1950 through September 14, 1952 and was later revived on telev

Tales of the Texas Rangers was broadcast over NBC from July 8 1950 through September 14, 1952 and was later revived on television. Western film star Joel McCrea portrayed Ranger Jace Pearson in NBC's Tales of the Texas Rangers.

The Chase

The Chase

Next Airs Tomorrow at 1 pm
30 mins

This NBC thriller ran for about a year from the spring of 1952 to the summer of 1953. Each unique story entails suspense, ac

This NBC thriller ran for about a year from the spring of 1952 to the summer of 1953. Each unique story entails suspense, action and, of course, a protagonist on the run. The series often featured guest stars who were announcers or actors for other suspenseful series, and many of the scripts were also used in other dramas like The Clock and Inner Sanctum Mysteries.

The Falcon

The Falcon

Next Airs Tomorrow at 1:30 pm
30 mins

Michael Waring was a freelance detective who was also known as the Falcon. Waring's detective techniques were a cross betwee

Michael Waring was a freelance detective who was also known as the Falcon. Waring's detective techniques were a cross between Ellery Queen and Richard Diamond. He had a certain eye for detail but was frequently on the outs with the police.

Bulldog Drummond

Bulldog Drummond

Next Airs Tomorrow at 2 pm
1 hr

Bulldog Drummond was a crime series based on the novels by H.C. McNeile- the stories were also made into a film series in th

Bulldog Drummond was a crime series based on the novels by H.C. McNeile- the stories were also made into a film series in the 30s. The radio show was originally set in England, however, Bulldog crossed the Atlantic and came to America after two months. It ran on Mutual from April 1941 - March 1953.

Hopalong Cassidy

Hopalong Cassidy

Next Airs Tomorrow at 3:30 pm
30 mins

Hopalong Cassidy's millions of fans got a New Year's Day present in 1950 when William Boyd brought the famous Bar-20 Ranch o

Hopalong Cassidy's millions of fans got a New Year's Day present in 1950 when William Boyd brought the famous Bar-20 Ranch onto the Mutual radio range. In 1950, Clarence Mulford's classic cowboy was heard on 152 radio stations, seen on 63 television outlets and appeared as a comic strip in 155 newspapers.

Adventures of Sam Spade

Adventures of Sam Spade

Next Airs Tomorrow at 5:30 pm
30 mins

Dashiell Hammett's Sam Spade walked out of the pages of Black Mask and into his own CBS radio series of July 12, 1946. Howar

Dashiell Hammett's Sam Spade walked out of the pages of Black Mask and into his own CBS radio series of July 12, 1946. Howard Duff starred as the hardboiled detective for the first three seasons. Lurene Tuttle was Sam's secretary Effie Perrine and Jerry Hausner was his lawyer Sid Weiss. CBS dropped the series in 1950 when Hammett ran afoul of Congress' Un-American Activities investigators, but the show was quickly revived by NBC.

Hall Of Fantasy

Hall Of Fantasy

Next Airs Tomorrow at 8 pm
30 mins

Dark, supernatural forces lurk around every corner in the Hall of Fantasy. The frightening mystery serires aired first for a

Dark, supernatural forces lurk around every corner in the Hall of Fantasy. The frightening mystery serires aired first for a short time in 1946 on a Salt Lake City station, featuring voices by Richard Thorne and Carl Greyson and stories written/adapted by Robert Olson. A few years after the team parted ways, the series was reimagined on WGN in Chicago when Greyson and Thorne found themselves working together again, with Thorne doing most of the writing and adapting.

The Hermit's Cave

The Hermit's Cave

Next Airs Tomorrow at 8:30 pm
30 mins

This horror series aired in multiple iterations from 1930-1944. It consisted of standalone tales told by "The Hermit," a mys

This horror series aired in multiple iterations from 1930-1944. It consisted of standalone tales told by "The Hermit," a mysterious, cackling storyteller. It was first broadcast on a Detroit radio station before moving to Los Angeles, where the show would be produced by William Conrad (creator and voice of Gunsmoke's Marshall Matt Dillon)

The Whistler

The Whistler

Next Airs Tomorrow at 9 pm
30 mins

The Whistler whistled its way onto the airwaves beginning May 16, 1942 and its eerie 13-note theme set the tone for West Coa

The Whistler whistled its way onto the airwaves beginning May 16, 1942 and its eerie 13-note theme set the tone for West Coast radio mystery for the next decade. "I am the Whistler and I know many things, for I walk by night. I know many strange tales hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows. Yes, I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak."

Suspense

Suspense

Next Airs Tomorrow at 9:30 pm
30 mins

Suspense debuted on June 17, 1942 as a sustaining summer replacement, returned that fall and continued in the CBS lineup Sep

Suspense debuted on June 17, 1942 as a sustaining summer replacement, returned that fall and continued in the CBS lineup September 30, 1962. "Radio's outstanding theatre of thrills" is recognized as one of the finest dramatic series in the history of broadcasting.

Adventures of Nero Wolfe

Adventures of Nero Wolfe

Next Airs Tomorrow at 10 pm
1 hr 30 mins

Nero Wolfe solved crimes with an attention to detail that rivaled the great Sherlock Holmes, although the overweight detecti

Nero Wolfe solved crimes with an attention to detail that rivaled the great Sherlock Holmes, although the overweight detective physically resembled Holmes' obese older brother Mycroft. The adventures of Rex Stouts's "gargantuan gourmet" first came to radio over the New England Network beginning April 7, 1943. The series moved onto the Blue Network on July 5, 1943 starring Santos Ortega and later Luis Van Rooten.

The Cisco Kid

The Cisco Kid

Next Airs Tuesday at 12:30 am
30 mins

The Cisco Kid rode onto the Mutual airwaves on October 2, 1942, in a series that starred the versatile Jackson Beck. Cisco a

The Cisco Kid rode onto the Mutual airwaves on October 2, 1942, in a series that starred the versatile Jackson Beck. Cisco and his partner Pancho rode off the Mutual trail on December 14, 1945, but the characters returned to the airwaves two years later in a new version that was broadcast over the Don Lee Pacific Coast Network. Jack Mather and Harry Lang (later replaced by Mel Blanc) portrayed Cisco and Pancho in the later series, which ran for a decade.

The Black Museum

The Black Museum

Next Airs Tuesday at 1 am
30 mins

This crime drama was first produced by the BBC in 1951, and aired in the US the following year. Narrator Orson Welles told t

This crime drama was first produced by the BBC in 1951, and aired in the US the following year. Narrator Orson Welles told tales of this "mausoleum of murder," with ordinary objects and the murder mysteries behind them.

Behind The Mike

Behind The Mike

Next Airs Tuesday at 1:30 am
30 mins

"Radio's own show" first ran in 1931 as a 15-minute show, then revamped in 1940 as a half-hour program, hosted by Graham McN

"Radio's own show" first ran in 1931 as a 15-minute show, then revamped in 1940 as a half-hour program, hosted by Graham McNamee. Episodes could feature interviews with inventors, producers, show runners and actors, sharing behind-the-scenes stories of how radio shows get made.

Michael Shayne

Michael Shayne

Next Airs Tuesday at 4 am
30 mins

Detective Michael Shayne was created by Davis Dresser (writing under the pen name Brett Halliday). "Dividend of Death," the

Detective Michael Shayne was created by Davis Dresser (writing under the pen name Brett Halliday). "Dividend of Death," the first of more than 60 novels featuring the Miami-based private detective was published in 1939. The adventures of the "reckless red-headed Irishman," played by Wally Maher, came to radio October 16, 1944 and aired for 3 years.

Mr. District Attorney

Mr. District Attorney

Next Airs Tuesday at 4:30 am
30 mins

Phillips H. Lord, creator of Gang Busters, worked with creator/writer/director Ed Byron to develop this series, which is ins

Phillips H. Lord, creator of Gang Busters, worked with creator/writer/director Ed Byron to develop this series, which is inspired by the early years of New York Governor Thomas E. Dewey. It aired on NBC and ABC from April 3, 1939 to June 13, 1952. The nameless title role was played by several actors throughout the run: Raymond Edward Johnson, Jay Jostyn, and David Brian. A key figure in the show was the D.A.'s secretary, Edith Miller (played by Vicki Vola).

Burns & Allen Show

Burns & Allen Show

Next Airs Tuesday at 5 am
30 mins

George and Gracie first performed on air over the BBC while touring England after an NBC executive rejected their act insist

George and Gracie first performed on air over the BBC while touring England after an NBC executive rejected their act insisting that "Gracie’s voice is unfit for radio." Burns and Allen won a regular spot on The Robert Burns Panatella Program February 22, 1932 and moved into the top spot when Guy Lombardo left the series. The Burns and Allen Show aired through May 17, 1950 on radio and for another decade on television. Jack Benny and George Burns were best friends in real life and often were guests on each other’s programs.

Jack Benny Program

Jack Benny Program

Next Airs Tuesday at 5:30 am
30 mins

For more than 20 years, Jack Benny reigned as the king of radio comedy. His show ran on nearly every network from 1932 to th

For more than 20 years, Jack Benny reigned as the king of radio comedy. His show ran on nearly every network from 1932 to the mid 1950s. How he turned a miserable, self-absorbed cheapskate into a beloved icon ranks among the great achievements in entertainment history. Benny revolutionized the way humor was played on radio by introducing the situation comedy and by giving most of the best lines to his supporting cast.

Mystery In The Air

Mystery In The Air

Next Airs Tuesday at 6 am
1 hr

This 1947 NBC crime series dramatized literary mysteries and suspenseful classics, starring Peter Lorre. Mystery in the Air

This 1947 NBC crime series dramatized literary mysteries and suspenseful classics, starring Peter Lorre. Mystery in the Air was a summer replacement series for Abbott & Costello. Lorre was often supported by Hollywood greats like Agnes Moorehead and Peggy Webber. NBC aired a similar series with by same name in 1945.

I Was A Communist for the FBI

I Was A Communist for the FBI

Next Airs Tuesday at 9:30 am
30 mins

The 1952 syndicated series starred Dana Andrews as real-life undercover agent Matt Cvetic, whose book of the same title prov

The 1952 syndicated series starred Dana Andrews as real-life undercover agent Matt Cvetic, whose book of the same title provided the inspiration for the radio series and a Hollywood film. Growing out of the communist paranoia of the McCarthy era, the Cold War drama featured red spies portrayed in the same stereotypical manner of the Nazis during World Ward II propaganda programs.

Inner Sanctum Mysteries

Inner Sanctum Mysteries

Next Airs Tuesday at 11 am
30 mins

Inner Sanctum's sinister host welcomed listeners "through the squeaking door to another night of horror." The show’s "squea

Inner Sanctum's sinister host welcomed listeners "through the squeaking door to another night of horror." The show’s "squeaking door" was one of radio’s most-remembered openings and was inspired by the creaking hinges on a sound effects door at the radio studio.

Quiet, Please

Quiet, Please

Next Airs Tuesday at 11:30 am
30 mins

Quiet Please was one of radio’s most imaginative series, created and written by Wyllis Cooper, the talented writer/director

Quiet Please was one of radio’s most imaginative series, created and written by Wyllis Cooper, the talented writer/director who created radio’s legendary Lights Out in 1934 and scripted the 1939 horror film The Son of Frankenstein. Ernest Chappell starred in the series, narrating the stories in a quiet, underplayed conversational tone. Quiet Please aired over the Mutual airwaves from June 8, 1947 through September 13, 1948 and over ABC from September 19, 1948 through June 25, 1949.

Chase & Sanborn Hour

Chase & Sanborn Hour

Next Airs Tuesday at 2 pm
1 hr

This was a long-running comedy and variety show on NBC - it ran in several formats from 1929-1948. Some seasons featured mus

This was a long-running comedy and variety show on NBC - it ran in several formats from 1929-1948. Some seasons featured musical variety broadcasts, comedic skits and big-name hosts like Eddie Cantor and Haven MacQuarrie. Between 1937-1948, Edgar Bergan starred and hosted with his dummy Charlie McCarthy and the show was known as the Charlie McCarthy Show.

The Casebook Of Gregory Hood

The Casebook Of Gregory Hood

Next Airs Tuesday at 3:30 pm
30 mins

The Casebook of Gregory Hood came to radio in 1946 as a summer replacement for Sherlock Holmes and took over the great detec

The Casebook of Gregory Hood came to radio in 1946 as a summer replacement for Sherlock Holmes and took over the great detective's Mutual time spot. The series featured the adventures of San Francisco-based importer-turned-sleuth Gregory Hood with his friend and ally, attorney Sanderson Taylor. The program lasted a year in its initial run but was resurrected several times in a variety of time spots, often as a summer replacement. Gale Gordon was the first actor to portray Gregory Hood and the series would also feature Elliott Lewis, Bill Johnstone, George Petrie, Martin Gabel, Paul McGrath and Jackson Beck.

The Alan Young Show

The Alan Young Show

Next Airs Tuesday at 4 pm
30 mins

This sitcom aired from 1944-1949, first as a summer replacement series for Eddie Cantor's show. Then, after signing on as a

This sitcom aired from 1944-1949, first as a summer replacement series for Eddie Cantor's show. Then, after signing on as a regular on the Jimmy Durante show, young scored his own show with Tums as a sponsor. Today he is best known as TV's Wilbur Post, who talked with Mr. Ed the horse.

The Abbott and Costello Show

The Abbott and Costello Show

Next Airs Tuesday at 4:30 pm
30 mins

Bud Abbott and Lou Costello made their radio debut on CBS’ The Kate Smith Show as replacements for Hollywood-bound Henny You

Bud Abbott and Lou Costello made their radio debut on CBS’ The Kate Smith Show as replacements for Hollywood-bound Henny Youngman. The former burlesque comics reintroduced and preserved the classic comedy sketches of vaudeville in their films and radio and television series. The Abbott and Costello Show debuted as a 1940 summer replacement for Fred Allen and later aired from October 8, 1942 through June 29, 1949.

The Green Hornet

The Green Hornet

Next Airs Tuesday at 5:30 pm
30 mins

The Green Hornet debuted over the Detroit station on January 31, 1936. The Green Hornet was well-served by his valet Kato an

The Green Hornet debuted over the Detroit station on January 31, 1936. The Green Hornet was well-served by his valet Kato and a supercharged roadster, the Black Beauty. Al Hodge portrayed The Green Hornet during the series' first seven seasons, followed by Donovan Faust, Robert Hall and Jack McCarthy. The show ran on radio through December 5, 1952.

Dimension X

Dimension X

Next Airs Tuesday at 8 pm
1 hr

Dimension X aired over NBC from April 8, 1950 through September 29, 1951 featuring "adventures in time and space told in fu

Dimension X aired over NBC from April 8, 1950 through September 29, 1951 featuring "adventures in time and space told in future tense." The series adapted stories by the modern masters of science fiction adapting works by Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Robert Heinlein, Clifford Simak, Theodore Sturgeon and many others.

Blackstone, Magic Detective

Blackstone, Magic Detective

Next Airs Tuesday at 9:30 pm
30 mins

This magical mystery show aired from 1948-1949 on the Mutual Broadcasting System. Ed Jerome starred as Harry Blackstone, a s

This magical mystery show aired from 1948-1949 on the Mutual Broadcasting System. Ed Jerome starred as Harry Blackstone, a skilled magician who told his tales of adventure and escape in flashbacks. At the end of each episode, Blackstone would perform and describe a new magic trick for his kid listeners to practice at home. Ted Osborne and Fran Carlon also starred as Blackstone's friends John and Rhonda.

Box 13

Box 13

Next Airs Tuesday at 10 pm
1 hr

Alan Ladd stars as Dan Holiday, a fiction writer and retired reporter with a taste for adventure. The show was also produced

Alan Ladd stars as Dan Holiday, a fiction writer and retired reporter with a taste for adventure. The show was also produced by Alan Ladd's company, Mayfair Productions. Sylvia Picker portrayed Suzy, his scatterbrained office manager.

Man Called X

Man Called X

Next Airs Tuesday at 11:30 pm
30 mins

Wherever there is mystery, adventure, intrigue, in all the strange and dangerous places in the world, there you will find--T

Wherever there is mystery, adventure, intrigue, in all the strange and dangerous places in the world, there you will find--The Man Called X! Debonair British actor Herbert Marshall stars as FBI agent Ken Thurston, "the man who crosses the ocean as readily as you and I cross town; he is the man who fights today's war in his unique fashion, so that tomorrow's peace will make the world a neighborhood for all of us." The Man Called X debuted over CBS on July 10, 1944, moved to NBC in 1950 and continued through May 20, 1952.

Phil Harris & Alice Faye Show

Phil Harris & Alice Faye Show

Next Airs Wednesday at 2:30 am
30 mins

The Phil Harris & Alice Faye Show grew out of the popular Fitch Bandwagon series. Phil Harris played himself, continuing the

The Phil Harris & Alice Faye Show grew out of the popular Fitch Bandwagon series. Phil Harris played himself, continuing the egotistical, smart-alec characterization he had perfected during his years as Jack Bennys' bandleader. Alice Faye, Phil's movie star wife, recreated her real-life role as a film star turn devoted housewife.

Mystery Is My Hobby

Mystery Is My Hobby

Next Airs Wednesday at 3 am
30 mins

Glen Langan starred as the lead character Barton Drake in this detective series that aired on Mutual Radio from 1947 to 1948

Glen Langan starred as the lead character Barton Drake in this detective series that aired on Mutual Radio from 1947 to 1948. Drake is an author and amateur crime solver fascinated by the minds of criminals. This series is full of good ole "whodunnit" storylines.

Bob Hope Show

Bob Hope Show

Next Airs Wednesday at 6:30 am
30 mins

Bob Hope was born in England in 1903 and immigrated to the U.S. four years later. After an early career in vaudeville and m

Bob Hope was born in England in 1903 and immigrated to the U.S. four years later. After an early career in vaudeville and musical revues, Hope made his radio debut on Rudy Vallee’s Fleischmann Hour in 1933 and joined the cast of James Melton’s Intimate Revue in 1935. After introducing his "Thanks for the Memory" theme song in Paramount’s The Big Broadcast of 1938, Hope returned to radio as star of NBC’s The Pepsodent Show beginning September 27, 1938.

Red Skelton Show

Red Skelton Show

Next Airs Wednesday at 7:30 am
30 mins

The Red Skelton Show came to NBC on October 7, 1941 after years as a mainstay on Cincinnati's powerhouse station WLW. Red sc

The Red Skelton Show came to NBC on October 7, 1941 after years as a mainstay on Cincinnati's powerhouse station WLW. Red scored with radio audiences as Junior, "the mean widdle kid," a character he originated in vaudeville. Some of his other memorable characters included Deadeye, J. Newton Numbskull, Willie Lump-Lump, Bolivar Shagnasty and Clem Kadiddlehopper.

Murder By Experts

Murder By Experts

Next Airs Wednesday at 2 pm
30 mins

Murder By Experts

Murder By Experts

The Mysterious Traveler

The Mysterious Traveler

Next Airs Wednesday at 2:30 pm
30 mins

The Mysterious Traveler was one of radio's greatest omniscient storytellers, introducing tales of mystery, science fiction a

The Mysterious Traveler was one of radio's greatest omniscient storytellers, introducing tales of mystery, science fiction and horror from the typewriters of writers/producers Robert A. Arthur and David Kogan. The Mysterious Traveler rode the Mutual rails from December 5, 1943 through September 23, 1952.

The Weird Circle

The Weird Circle

Next Airs Wednesday at 3:30 pm
30 mins

This horror series consisted mostly of adapted supernatural tales from greats like Edgar Allen Poe and Robert Louis Stevenso

This horror series consisted mostly of adapted supernatural tales from greats like Edgar Allen Poe and Robert Louis Stevenson. It aired for two seasons from 1943-1945, first on Mutual and then on NBC's Red network.

Lum and Abner

Lum and Abner

Next Airs Wednesday at 4 pm
1 hr

Chester Lauck and Norris Goff were first heard as Lum and Abner on a radio fundraiser for flood victims. Improvising the spo

Chester Lauck and Norris Goff were first heard as Lum and Abner on a radio fundraiser for flood victims. Improvising the spot, they went on the air as the "fellers from the hills" and won a regular spot on KTHS beginning April 26, 1931. Lum and Abner moved into an NBC summer berth July 27, 1931 and aired nationally from May 22, 1933 through May 7, 1954.

All times listed EDT

Greg Bell

From his native Illinois to a number of Rocky Mountain years in Colorado and Idaho, Greg Bell has done it all in radio—program director, news director, sports director, anchor, and reporter. Bell’s goal with Radio Classics is to take you back to the time when the family gathered around the radio.

All times listed EDT
7 am

Now Playing

Romance of the RanchosThis historical drama told tales of early Southern California in "the days of the dons". Stories were based on records from Title Insurance, the show's sponsor. History was made as land changed hands and purposes, causing listeners to think twice about the stories behind their own West Coast land the in mid-1940s.
7:30 am

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GunsmokeRadio’s greatest adult western told the story of Matt Dillon, U.S. Marshal, "the first man they look for and the last they want to meet." Gunsmoke grew out of a request from CBS founder William Paley for a "Philip Marlowe in the Old West," and featured grimly realistic stories set in the vicinity of Dodge City, the "Gommorrah of the West," with William Conrad as Dillon.
8 am

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Fort LaramieSpecially transcribed tales of the dark and tragic ground of the wild frontier. The saga of fighting men who rode the rim of empire and the dramatic story of Lee Quince, Captain of Cavalry. Premiering in January 1956, Raymond Burr starred as Captain Quince-a soldier who followed orders and a leader who lived by his own rules of fairness and honesty.
8:30 am

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Have Gun, Will TravelHave Gun, Will Travel debuted on television on September 14, 1957 and moved to radio November 23, 1958. The program was an oddity, a western that began on television and moved to radio, featuring an ethical anti-hero whose mysterious origins were left untold until the fifth and final TV season.
9 am

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Six ShooterThe Six Shooter aired started movie star James Stewart rode the radio range from September 20, 1953 through June 24, 1954 as Britt Ponset, "the Texas plainsman who wandered through the western territories, leaving behind a trail of still-remembered legends."
9:30 am

Now Playing

Have Gun, Will TravelHave Gun, Will Travel debuted on television on September 14, 1957 and moved to radio November 23, 1958. The program was an oddity, a western that began on television and moved to radio, featuring an ethical anti-hero whose mysterious origins were left untold until the fifth and final TV season.
10 am

Now Playing

Martin & Lewis ShowComedy/variety show starring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis.
11:30 am

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Charlie McCarthy ShowVentriloquist Edgar Bergen developed his Charlie McCarthy character in high school. Bergen performed with the newsboy dummy while attending Northwestern University and eventually left college to tour vaudeville. With the decline of vaudeville during the Great Depression, Bergen moved into night spots like New York’s trendy Rainbow Room but feared his friend wouldn’t be appreciated by high society. So he gave Charlie a monocle and top hat and a "man about town" was born. Following a three-month guest stint on Rudy Vallee’s show, Edgar Bergen was signed as headliner of The Chase and Sanborn Hour. The series premiered May 9, 1937 and ended the next three seasons as radio’s top-rated series.
12 pm

Now Playing

Lux Radio TheatreThe Lux Radio Theatre was one of radio's most popular series attracting Hollywood's top stars and boasting a lavish budget. The Lux Radio Theatre began in 1934 featuring dramas from Broadway, but there was not enough material to support the show. In an attempt to reverse the slipping ratings, the show was moved to Hollywood in 1936, where there was plenty of material and talent.
1 pm

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Columbia Presents CorwinThis CBS series adapted stories penned by Norman Corwin to radio.
1:30 pm

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Walter Winchell ShowTBD
2 pm

Now Playing

Damon Runyon TheatreThis anthology series dramatized the stories of fiction author Damon Runyon and aired in various forms from the late 1940s to the mid 1950s. John Brown starred as "Broadway," a fluent "Brooklynese" speaker who spun tales of old Manhattan.
3 pm

Now Playing

Life of RileyThe Life of Riley featured the comic misadventures of riveter Chester A. Riley. Riley was a devoted family man with a talent for flying off the handle and a penchant for being worse. Movie star William Bendix played the title role of the lovable hardhat throughout the series.
3:30 pm

Now Playing

My Friend IrmaMarie Wilson created and starred as Irma Peterson, a loopy but lovable secretary. Irma's best friend and roommate was Jane Stacy, played by Cathy Lewis. The sitcom aired from April 11, 1947 - August 23, 1954.
4 pm

Now Playing

Yours Truly, Johnny DollarYours Truly, Johnny Dollar told the story of the freelance insurance investigator with the "action-packed expense account." Radio’s last great detective series, Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar ended its run September 30, 1962 during the final week of network radio drama.
5:30 pm

Now Playing

Escape - Radio ClassicsRadio's greatest series of high adventure debuted over the CBS network on July 7,1947. Escape's protagonists faced life-and-death situations each week, as the show careened from classic adventure to Western drama to science fiction. The program was broadcast as a sustainer (unsponsored) series during most of its seven-year run.
6 pm

Now Playing

When Radio WasRadio Spirits' nationally syndicated radio program hosted by old-time radio expert Greg Bell.
7 pm

Now Playing

CBS Radio WorkshopThe CBS Radio Workshop aired from January 27, 1956 through September 22, 1957 and was a revival of the prestigious Columbia Workshop from the 1930s and 1940s. The CBS Workshop regularly featured the works of the world’s greatest writers. including Ray Bradbury, Archibald MacLeish, William Saroyan, Lord Dunsany and Ambrose Bierce.
7:30 pm

Now Playing

Let George Do ItLet George Do It, stars Bob Bailey, who plays George Valentine who was a detective whose cases came from the newspaper.
8 pm

Now Playing

This Is Your F.B.IThis Is Your F.B.I. came to the Blue Network on April 6, 1945, created, produced and directed by Jerry Devine, a former child actor. Like Philips H. Lord before him, Devine got special permission from bureau head J. Edgar Hoover to dramatize older cases using fictitious names and locales. Frank Lovejoy was the program's first narrator, followed by Dean Carlton and later William Woodson.
10 pm

Now Playing

Pat Novak for HirePat Novak for Hire was broadcast from San Francisco and debuted in 1946 as an ABC Sunday night West Coast series. Ben Murphy starred as the hard-boiled Novak during the West Coast run, but Jack Webb made the role his own when series was revived on February 13, 1949 over the entire ABC national network.
10:30 pm

Now Playing

Jeff Regan, InvestigatorThis crime noir series featured Jack Webb as Jeff Regan, a private eye who always had a bone to pick with his boss. Frank Graham took over in the second and last season, as Webb moved on to star in and produce Dragnet.
11 pm

Now Playing

DragnetLadies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent. One of the most popular police dramas in the history of broadcasting, Dragnet aired on NBC Radio from June 10, 1949 through February 7, 1957 and on television from 1952-59 and 1967-72. Dragnet introduced a new era of documentary-style realism.
11:30 pm

Now Playing

Police HeadquartersThis police procedural series was syndicated on NBC stations in 1932. It features quarter-hour stories typically based on true crimes.

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