Murder in Studio One

by Norman Corwin

There’s been a murder in studio one and everyone’s a suspect. Recorded live at the Minetta Lane Theatre, a dozen TODAY and NBC News anchors take center stage in this hilarious radio play. First released in 1941, Murder in Studio One is a whodunit following a female private-eye and her fast-talking sidekick as they reluctantly take the case of a murder in a New York radio station. Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb lead an all-star NBC News cast in the comedic mystery produced in partnership with Audible. Dateline’s Keith Morrison lends his iconic voice as the narrator. Written by Norman Corwin, Murder in Studio One has been adapted with permission from the Norman Corwin Administrative Trust.

Length: 37 mins

Genres: Mystery, Plays, Audiobook, Fiction, Detective, Mystery Thriller

Audible Audio

Published May 17, 2022

Reviews

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 1 out of 5]

Murder in Studio One was recorded as a 1940s style radio play, complete with a radio announcer and piano intervals. Good thing, too, because Hoda Kotb, portraying Inspector Cameo Klopf, chewed up any scenery you’d need for a television production.

The late Norman Corwin wrote this murder mystery for CBS Radio in 1941, and it might have been a hit then, but this over-the-top play fails both as a humorous play and as farce for a modern audience. I’m pretty sure that The Today Show staff thought this project would be hilarious, but they had a silly script to deal with and the over-acting didn’t help. Don’t waste 37 minutes you’ll never get back.

[Chelsea Skinner · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I really wanted to like this audio drama. It has a-list newscasters, Al Roker, and TOM LLAMAS. (Okay little backstory I always call him "the llama guy" because I love llamas and yes I know it is pronounced yamas, but still).

However, in wanting to be a 1950's radio drama, some of the people just tried a little too hard and it came off more slapstick than gumshoe. I can't remember who plays the female cop from Brooklyn, but by god does her affected Brooklyn accent and gum-chewing make for a miserable time.

The story however, is redeeming of the cast. A cute audio mystery with enough Clue-esque red herrings that when the big reveal is done, you didn't quite expect it.

[RONI FIELDS-OWEN · Rating 3 out of 5]

This audiobook just didn’t do it for me. I like to feel if I there or I can picture the whole story unfold in front of me. “Murder in Studio One” didn’t make me feel like that. The actors seem like they were reading their lines straight from the script. They didn’t come off realistic. The whole group of characters needed more round table rehearsals, so that they would sound more natural. My recommendations are that you can listen for yourself and come to your own conclusion.

#ronigirl

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an Audible exclusive "book" that is a parody of the old-time radio murder mysteries. It stars many celebrities, mostly from the Today show, including Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie, Jenna Bush Hager, and Al Roker. It is a short listen at about 30 mins. It was good, but I didn't think it was outstanding. Very kitschy and definitely a parody.

[Glenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not just a full-cast recording, it is a celebrity full cast. This revival of a decades-old radio presentation is brought to life by stars of NBC's Today Show. Recommended to liven up a road trip.

[Angela Zhao · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook through Audible.

Plot was a complete misdirect with an unrealistic motivation. Includes homages and references to Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes.

Performances were the star. Plot - okay.

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this audible production. Had lots of big names in the radio drama, but the story was campy, lame and they told you the answer to the murder without sharing all the clues, so you didn’t get a chance to try to solve it yourself.

[Katrina Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute mystery. Very enjoyable story! Hoda Kotb killed…definitely not literally. She and Savannah Guthrie did a great job. It was a fun way to getaway and get lost in a story.

[Patti · Rating 2 out of 5]

A drive home distraction. Not fantastic.

[Krissie]

Too funny!

[Melisse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay. I usually love these full cast productions but the voice accents were a little too much and made it difficult to understand and follow along.

[Quanita · Rating 3 out of 5]

A comedic take on the old time radio shows. Funny, but not the best. A quick listen.

[Sydney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rather silly, but not a bad way to pass a half an hour.

[Simon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pretty bad.

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's just meant for silly fun. And it does that. But most of its fun is in it being known personalities getting to play dress up. It has the feel of having had one table read and then doing it.

[charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

hoda kotb and keith morrison are my parents.

[Katherine R · Rating 2 out of 5]

Felt like they spent more time tripping over the meta writing instead of creating characters or a clear storyline. The whole thing needed more time and felt rushed.

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

What TF did I just listen to?

[Emma Dargue · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a short radio play played for laughs that raised a few smiles but not much else. The performances were good but I have heard better.