Black Box: The Chatbots
Black Box: The Chatbots, published by The Guardian, investigates people who become convinced they have made scientific breakthroughs or cured diseases using AI chatbots. The serial has 51 episodes across several series since 2022, mostly 35 to 50 minutes long, released in batches. Estimated downloads are 5,000 to 25,000 per episode (estimated), with a rate of $90 to $625 per episode.
Serious Guardian investigative serial reaching engaged, high-trust technology listeners
- Published by The Guardian with 768 Apple ratings averaging 4.8 stars
- Episodes run around 35 to 50 minutes, giving room for a full host-read or produced ad
- Technology and AI subject matter attracts listeners interested in emerging tools
Brand fit report
Content
- Formats
- narrative, documentary, interview
- Tone
- serious, investigative
- Language
- English
- Production
- Studio production
- Typical length
- 35 to 50 minutes
Audience
Commercial
- Brands seen
- None yet
- Categories promoted
- None yet
- Affiliate links
- No
No sponsor mentions found in the feed
Suitability GARM Brand Safety Floor + Suitability
Episode titles such as 'Spirals' and 'The Line' and the subject of mental health crises suggest heavy themes, with no explicit flag in the feed.
We classify content, never people. No age, gender, ethnicity, religion or political views are inferred about the creator. Audience figures are estimates unless marked verified. Creators can correct anything on their profile.
Where to listen
| Platform | Link |
|---|---|
| Website | www.theguardian.com/technology/series/blackbox |
| Apple Podcasts | podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1731314182 |
| RSS feed | www.theguardian.com/technology/series/blackbox/p… |
Benchmark score: 32 / 100
Public rule, same for everyone. How it works.
Recent episodes
| Episode | Date | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Black Box: The Chatbots | What I Saw at the Double Six Ranch | Ep 6 | 2026-09-03 | 47 min |
| Black Box: The Chatbots | The Line | Ep 5 | 2026-09-03 | 48 min |
| Black Box: The Chatbots | Life Raft | Ep 4 | 2026-09-03 | 44 min |
| Black Box: The Chatbots | Happy Accident | Ep 3 | 2026-09-03 | 47 min |
| Black Box: The Chatbots | 14 days | Ep 2 | 2026-09-03 | 47 min |
| Black Box: The Chatbots | Spirals | Ep 1 | 2026-09-03 | 39 min |
Last six episodes from the show's feed, latest 46 days ago.
People are becoming convinced they have made scientific breakthroughs, cured diseases or invented new technologies using AI chatbots. What does this reveal about a technology now used by more than a billion people? A new series from the Guardian Investigates
Do you make Black Box: The Chatbots? Claim or remove this page.
About Black Box: The Chatbots
Black Box: The Chatbots is a serial investigative podcast from The Guardian that examines people who become convinced they have made scientific breakthroughs using AI chatbots. According to the show's feed and website, the series is part of Guardian Investigates, and the feed lists 51 episodes since September 2022, with episodes typically running 35 to 50 minutes and released in batches.
The show is hosted on theguardian.com and carries a Documentary and Society & Culture classification. Apple Podcasts lists 768 ratings with a 4.8 average, and the feed does not name individual hosts. Listeners are likely adults interested in technology and investigative journalism; these audience figures are estimates, not published data.
The feed shows no sponsors. Based on an estimated 5,000 to 25,000 downloads per episode, a host-read mid-roll would cost roughly $90 to $625 per episode. The show suits technology brands seeking a serious, high-trust environment.
Written from the show's public RSS feed, its Podcast Index listing and episode titles. Numbers updated 2026-10-19. Black Box: The Chatbots can edit or remove this page at any time.
Questions about Black Box: The Chatbots
How much does Black Box: The Chatbots charge for a podcast sponsorship?
Based on an estimated 5,000 to 25,000 downloads per episode, a host-read mid-roll is estimated at roughly $90 to $625 per episode. Rates are estimates derived from listener signals and are not published by the show.
What is Black Box: The Chatbots about?
The podcast investigates people who become convinced they have made scientific breakthroughs or cured diseases using AI chatbots, and what this reveals about the technology's effects.
How do I contact Black Box: The Chatbots about sponsoring an episode?
The show's contact email unlocks on Starbooked for $0.80, and boosted shows can be booked through Starbooked.
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