Los Angeles – In a landmark moment for the podcasting industry, comedian and actress Amy Poehler's "Good Hang with Amy Poehler" was crowned the inaugural winner of the Best Podcast category at the 83rd Annual Golden Globes on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The award, presented by Snoop Dogg, marks the first time the prestigious ceremony has recognized excellence in audio storytelling, highlighting the growing cultural and entertainment influence of podcasts.
Poehler, best known for her roles in "Parks and Recreation," "Saturday Night Live," and as a former three-time Golden Globes host, launched "Good Hang" in March 2025 through The Ringer and Paper Kite Productions. The weekly comedy interview series features casual, heartfelt conversations with celebrities, friends, and fellow comedians, emphasizing authentic "good hangs" filled with laughter, stories, and unfiltered moments. The podcast quickly rose to prominence, topping charts and earning praise for its refreshing, positive vibe amid a landscape dominated by celebrity interviews.
In her acceptance speech, Poehler expressed gratitude and humor, thanking producer Jenna Weiss-Berman as "the best podcast producer in the biz" and sharing the win with her team. She quipped about the nominees, joking, "I am big fans of all of you except NPR — just a bunch of celebs phoning it in. Try harder." The lighthearted jab at NPR's "Up First" drew laughs from the audience. Poehler also reflected on the significance of the win, noting the joy of creating content that brings laughter during challenging times and the thrill of being the first podcast honored at the Globes.
The competitive field included a strong lineup of popular shows: "Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard" (Wondery), known for deep, introspective celebrity conversations; "Call Her Daddy" hosted by Alex Cooper (SiriusXM), a bold take on relationships and culture; "The Mel Robbins Podcast" (SiriusXM), focused on personal development and motivation; "SmartLess" co-hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett (SiriusXM), a surprise-guest format blending comedy and surprise; and "Up First" from NPR, delivering daily news summaries. Notably, Poehler's victory came over "SmartLess," co-hosted by her ex-husband Will Arnett, with whom she maintains a friendly co-parenting relationship—she has even appeared as a guest on the show.
The nominees were selected from a pool of 25 eligible podcasts based on listenership data from Luminate, the Golden Globes' data partner, underscoring the category's emphasis on both popularity and impact. The inclusion of podcasting in the Golden Globes reflects the medium's explosive growth, with millions tuning in for entertainment, news, and personal stories.
Poehler's win has been celebrated widely as a fitting tribute to her comedic legacy and the podcast's genuine, engaging style. Launched with an iconic first episode featuring Tina Fey, the show has featured guests like Olivia Colman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Paula Pell, Ana Gasteyer, Molly Gordon, and Rachel Sennott, blending humor with vulnerability.
This historic award arrives amid a year when "Good Hang" has consistently ranked among the top podcasts on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, further solidifying its status as a breakout hit. Industry observers note that the Golden Globes' decision to add the category signals mainstream validation for podcasting as a legitimate form of entertainment on par with film and television.
As the first recipient, Poehler's triumph sets a high bar for future podcast honors and underscores the power of authentic conversations in connecting with audiences. "Good Hang with Amy Poehler" continues weekly, inviting listeners to join the fun and laughter that made it a winner.
