The War of the Worlds Panic of 1938

In this episode of Hysterical, we delve into the infamous War of the Worlds broadcast panic of 1938. When Orson Welles’ radio adaptation of H.G. Wells' novel aired, listeners across the United States were thrown into a frenzy, convinced that Martians were invading. We explore how this broadcast became one of the most talked-about episodes of mass hysteria in history, examining the psychological effects on the public and the media's role in amplifying the panic. Tune in to uncover the chaos, confusion, and cultural impact of this unprecedented moment in broadcast history.