The gods are trading their lightning bolts for lyric sheets as the award-winning podcast Live from Mount Olympus returns for its seventh season. Premiering May 12, 2026, this latest installment marks a historic milestone for the series: its first-ever full musical season. Produced by the Onassis Foundation and PRX, the show continues its tradition of bringing ancient Greek myths to life for tweens and families through high-fidelity audio drama.
The new season, titled “Apollo & Artemis,” shines a spotlight on the divine twins of Olympus. Listeners will follow the adventures of Apollo, the god of music, and Artemis, the goddess of the hunt and the moon. The story kicks off with a modern twist, as Apollo has just dropped his latest hit single, “Dragon Slayer,” setting the stage for a series of tales involving monsters, greedy kings, and jealous deities.
At its core, this season explores the complex dynamics of siblinghood. While Apollo and Artemis are fiercely loyal and ready to fight back-to-back in battle, they also drive each other crazy. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Apollo’s impulsive bravado and jealousy lead to a cruel act against his sister, forcing him to seek her forgiveness to prevent the very destruction of Olympus itself.
Tony Winner André De Shields Returns for Season 7
The production boasts an elite roster of Broadway talent, led by Tony, Emmy, and Grammy winner André De Shields. De Shields returns as the charismatic host Hermes, the god of storytellers, and takes on the additional role of Eris, the goddess of discord. Joining him is Tony nominee Ato Blankson-Wood, who lends his voice to the title role of Apollo, and Christina Liberus as the level-headed Artemis.
Behind the scenes, a powerhouse creative team is steering the Flyboat. The season is created and produced by Peabody Award-winner Julie Burstein and directed by Tony winner Rachel Chavkin and Josiah Davis. Chavkin noted that the musical format was a perfect fit for a season focused on the god of music, allowing characters to sing when their feelings become too intense for mere words.
The auditory landscape of Olympus has been completely reimagined with original songs and a score composed by Magdalini Giannikou. These emotionally resonant tracks allow the gods to show their hearts in new ways, from Apollo’s boasts of slaying the Python to Artemis’s expressions of deep grief. The inclusion of these songs elevates the podcast into a sophisticated “Broadway-for-your-ears” experience.
“When I floated the unorthodox idea that this season would be a musical, Apollo is god of music after all, I was so grateful for guidance from the great Rachel Chavkin, who told me that a character should sing when it’s impossible to express his or her feelings any other way,” said Burstein. “What a deep pleasure to create a Live from Mount Olympus season unlike any other with our extraordinary team.”
‘Live From Mount Olympus’ Is Getting Attention Across The Kid Space
This season comes on the heels of major industry recognition, as Live from Mount Olympus recently secured the 2026 Kidscreen Award for Best Podcast (Kids). With over 2.3 million downloads to date, the series has proven that ancient oral traditions can find a massive, engaged audience in the digital age. It has even evolved into a classroom staple, used by teachers nationwide as an inquiry-based learning tool.
Ensuring the content remains both educational and age-appropriate is Dr. Michael Cohen, a developmental psychologist and the show’s educational advisor. By weaving timeless myths with contemporary sound design and professional theater artistry, the production team ensures that the stories are “learning-rich” without sacrificing the thrill of the adventure.
As the first episode debuts on May 12, fans can look forward to new releases every Tuesday through June 23. Whether you are a longtime fan of Hermes’s stories or a newcomer looking for a musical escape, the gates of Olympus are officially open.
