To most people, the idea of podcasts calls up images of either a group of men talking about their opinions from their apartment or some old-fashioned, boring radio shows. But podcasts have so much more to offer.

For example, audio dramas make up an innovative, diverse genre that doesn’t get anywhere near enough credit. Audio dramas are podcasts that operate similarly to television shows, with actors playing scripted characters, but simply without the visual element.

With nearly 150 million subscribers, Netflix has gained a reputation as the best way to binge a show. However, for those who don’t have the time or money for a Netflix subscription, audio dramas are a perfect alternative. The stories are just as compelling and binge-able as many shows on Netflix, and it’s easy and convenient to listen to them on a commute or while doing chores.

It can be daunting to switch to an entirely new medium of storytelling, but audio dramas are not as hard to access as they seem. All audio dramas can easily be accessed for free on a podcast platform, and many podcasts, such as Wolf 359, use a storytelling style similar to television, making the transition into a new medium easier.

However, many other audio dramas take full advantage of their unique medium and use it to tell creative stories that may not be able to exist in a visual form. For example, EOS 10 is a science fiction podcast that is creative with the technology and aliens species it includes, which would be impossible to create visually with a small budget. Similarly, King Falls AM takes the form of a radio show in a fictional town, and manages to convey a story in a way that television could not.

In addition, audio dramas surpass most television shows in terms of diversity. There are a multitude of podcasts with well-written female main characters, such as Alice Isn’t Dead and Girl in Space, as well as great LGBTQ representation, such as in The Penumbra Podcast or The Strange Case of Starship Iris.

The fact that podcasts can easily be made inexpensively, with free editing software available and microphones on every smartphone, means that the audio drama industry is full of independent creators. The endless creativity in the genre is compounded by the diversity of creators, from young writers and actors to adults with a hobby. It also means that it’s possible for everyone to find one that appeals to them.

Another perk of the small community and fanbases of audio dramas means that creators are more accessible to their fans. While it’s almost impossible to get a television star to notice a fan on Twitter, podcast creators are constantly interacting with their small fanbases.

Audio dramas are wonderful as a small community, but they also deserve far more appreciation than they get. Those who are looking for a new show to binge but finding nothing appealing should instead consider trying podcasts. They’re far more than the stereotype makes them seem.