7 episodes

A sea captain barges into the office of a shipping merchant, dragging in a barrel of water. He’s here on business, with a humble proposition. He opens the lid and reveals a newt.

Inspired by the work of Czech science fiction pioneer Karel Čapek, Newts! chronicles an alternate history of the 20th Century in which the western world discovers, exploits, educates, arms, and is ultimately overthrown by a species of highly intelligent amphibians. It’s a farcical yet deadly serious tale about self-interest and the nature of humanity, told as a six part audio drama with original music.

Newts‪!‬ PRX

    • Fiction
    • 4.8 • 84 Ratings

A sea captain barges into the office of a shipping merchant, dragging in a barrel of water. He’s here on business, with a humble proposition. He opens the lid and reveals a newt.

Inspired by the work of Czech science fiction pioneer Karel Čapek, Newts! chronicles an alternate history of the 20th Century in which the western world discovers, exploits, educates, arms, and is ultimately overthrown by a species of highly intelligent amphibians. It’s a farcical yet deadly serious tale about self-interest and the nature of humanity, told as a six part audio drama with original music.

    Episode 6: The Ladder of Civilization

    Episode 6: The Ladder of Civilization

    As earthquakes and floods shake the globe, humanity comes together in tragedy. But the peace is short lived, after a mysterious leader emerges from the sea, claiming responsibility. Will this leader negotiate – and can humanity overcome their own differences in order to save the species? All this and more in the exciting conclusion to Newts!

    • 37 min
    Episode 5: The Day the Earth Shook, Again

    Episode 5: The Day the Earth Shook, Again

    The world is on the brink, as countries race to arm their newts for aquatic warfare. The British Prime Minister resigns in scandal, but his unlikely replacement is soon tested by Germany’s ‘Uber Newt’ – and the simmering stand-off prompts a worldwide debate about the future of human-newt relations.

    • 26 min
    Episode 4: Channel Surfing

    Episode 4: Channel Surfing

    The newts go global: moving into rivers, inlets, bays – and also into politics, music, religion, romance, sports, cartoons and more. For a brief moment, we enjoy the absurdity of it all – but how long can the party last?

    • 23 min
    Episode 3: The Newt Talks

    Episode 3: The Newt Talks

    The first newt in captivity languishes at the London Zoo – until a lowly janitor accidentally teaches it to talk. Meanwhile, Mr. Bondy schemes to exploit the newts' newfound skills and popularity, but finds his biggest obstacle is his own business partner: Captain Van Toch.

    • 29 min
    Episode 2: Lovers on Pearl Island

    Episode 2: Lovers on Pearl Island

    Van Toch’s newts spread across the Pacific, harvesting pearls for Mr. Bondy in secret. But their cover is blown when a vacationing Hollywood starlet encounters a newt on a remote island – and turns her chance encounter into an epic adventure fit for the silver screen.

    • 28 min
    Episode 1: That Ain’t No Devil

    Episode 1: That Ain’t No Devil

    Where to begin the story of the end of humanity? Maybe somewhere in the East Indies, where Captain Van Toch falls in love with a species of three foot tall newts. They’re slimy, smart – and starving. Determined to save his newfound children, Van Toch seeks help from an old acquaintance, hoping that a childhood grudge won’t spoil his plans. 

    • 24 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
84 Ratings

84 Ratings

Jasonawilson ,

Cast album?

This was wonderfully written and the songs are so good. Do you know that feeling when you finish a piece of media and just want more but there’s no where to go, that’s me right now, relistening to the final moments over and over. A fully fledged cast album would be amazing as well. Short of that at the very least more people should listen to this.

blue kumquat ,

Too good to listen just once!

Listened to this a couple of weeks ago and can't stop thinking about it. So clever and funny, and the songs are great! I came back to this page to see if the creators have made any similar podcasts, but I might just have to binge this one again.

PodFan032021 ,

A lot of fun!

Fun story, well made - great for a road trip!

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