Colin Morgan and Katie Leung will narrate a new Gothic horror podcast for BBC Studios titled 'The Haunted Library', debuting September 21.
Colin Morgan and Katie Leung are set to narrate the new podcast series titled The Haunted Library, which is an exciting exploration of classic horror stories. This BBC Studios Audio production is scheduled to premiere on September 21, 2026.
The podcast features a unique premise where Morgan and Leung will take listeners on a journey through a fictional Gothic library, reading tales from celebrated authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, Bram Stoker, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The series will kick off with Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, and will continue with classics like Frankenstein, The Turn of the Screw, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Carmilla, and The Invisible Man. Each story aims to revive the chilling allure of these timeless tales, allowing the narratives to resonate with contemporary audiences through an auditory format.
Both narrators have expressed palpable excitement about the project. Colin Morgan highlighted his long-standing fascination with exploring the darker aspects of the human psyche through storytelling. He stated, "I've always been drawn to stories that explore the darker corners of the imagination, and it’s been a real pleasure to spend time with so many of the great works of Gothic literature. I hope The Haunted Library gives listeners the chance to lose themselves in these extraordinary worlds and perhaps discover a few stories they haven’t encountered before."
Katie Leung shared her enthusiasm about collaborating with Morgan, noting, "There’s something irresistible about the idea of a mysterious library filled with stories that have frightened and fascinated readers for centuries. I love the atmosphere of The Haunted Library and the way it draws you into this strange, spooky world."
Lydia Shamah, the Creative Director for Fiction at BBC Studios Audio, emphasized that Morgan and Leung’s narration captures the haunting essence of these timeless stories. She added, "These stories are the foundations on which all subsequent horror—in literature and on film—has been built. We can't wait for listeners to discover how Colin and Katie have brought them to life in such a fresh and immersive way."
The Haunted Library comes at a time when adaptations of classic literature are highly sought after, particularly in the realms of Gothic literature and horror. The dual narration by Morgan and Leung is likely to draw in audiences familiar with their previous roles in renowned series like Merlin and Harry Potter. This podcast not only promises to engage existing fans but also seeks to attract new listeners interested in the dramatic retelling of classic horror tales.
While specific promotional strategies and audience engagement tactics have not been disclosed, the podcast's initial storytelling approach suggests a strong build-up to its release. With classic horror tales being revitalized in modern formats, there's significant anticipation surrounding how these narratives will resonate with today’s audiences.
Fans can look forward to embarking on a narrated journey through classic horror literature when the series launches on September 21. As The Haunted Library taps into the timeless fascination with Gothic narratives, it also raises questions about how modern storytelling techniques can enhance these age-old tales. Stay tuned for further updates on the series and its reception upon release.
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