After 16 years and nearly 1,700 episodes, Marc Maron's influential podcast WTF is coming to an end. The show, which launched in 2009, is widely credited with shaping the modern podcasting landscape through its long-form interview format.
Maron announced the decision in June, saying: 'We've decided that we had a great run. Basically, it's time, folks. It's time. WTF is coming to an end.' The final episode is now available, marking the end of an era for the show that featured conversations with comedians, musicians and actors.
Listeners have expressed an outpouring of sadness on social media and streaming platforms. One comment on Spotify read: 'Sixty-year-old carpenter in south London, sat in his van in tears … thanks for the years, Marc …' Another noted: '1685 episodes. You could listen to one a day and it would take 4.5 years to listen to them all.'
Many fans described the podcast as a constant companion through life changes, from raising children to coping with grief. One listener said losing WTF was like losing the voice of a goofy uncle, while another compared it to losing a friend.
Maron's interviews often included personal reflections on his own life, including the death of his partner Lynn Shelton in 2020, as well as broader topics such as the climate crisis and politics. The show's intimate and vulnerable tone helped define the podcast medium.
