iHeartPodcasts, Thoroughbred Studios and Goldhawk Productions Launch “Saigon” – An Epic Story About Love and War in Vietnam

iHeartPodcasts, Thoroughbred Studios and Goldhawk Productions Launch "Saigon" - An Epic Story About Love and War in Vietnam

New Scripted Audio Series Based on the Bestselling Novel by Anthony Grey Brings to Life a Gripping Saga of Love, Blood and Revolution Starring Kelly Marie Tran and Rob Benedict

Series Premieres Wednesday, April 22

Listen to the Official Trailer Now HERE

NEW YORK - April 15, 2026 - iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, Thoroughbred Studios and Goldhawk Productions today announced the launch of "Saigon," a powerful new scripted fiction podcast that tells an epic story of love, war and power set against the backdrop of twentieth-century Vietnam.

Based on the bestselling novel by Anthony Grey, "Saigon" is narrated by Kelly Marie Tran ("Star Wars," "Raya and the Last Dragon") and also stars Rob Benedict ("Supernatural," "Felicity.") "Saigon" is the second title to be released from the Thoroughbred Studios and iHeartMedia slate of historical podcasts, focused on significant events and figures that have shaped the past century. Listen to the trailer for "Saigon" now HERE.

Premiering Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the series follows an American journalist who arrives in a city of glamour and colonial power - and falls in love with a woman whose divided loyalties draw him into a world of revolution, danger and impossible choices. It is an epic saga that unfolds across decades of upheaval, moving from the final days of French colonial rule to the earliest years of U.S. involvement in Vietnam, weaving personal stories through defining historical moments - from Ho Chi Minh to the burning monk, to the bombing of Hanoi. "Saigon" delivers a rich, immersive portrait of a country and a family shaped by political intrigue, personal stakes and sweeping historical change. The series also traces how the war - the first to be televised - came home to America, reshaping public opinion and a nation itself. Blending romance, adventure and historical drama, "Saigon" tells a powerful story of resilience and identity set against one of the most turbulent periods in modern history.

"My parents came to the United States as refugees from Vietnam and were separated from their own parents for more than two decades," said Kelly Marie Tran, Narrator. "That experience is what drew me to 'Saigon'-a story about family, distance and the ties that endure across generations. I see my parents as heroes, much like the people you'll meet in this drama."

"What struck me about 'Saigon' is how immediate it feels. It may be set in the past, but it's really about people caught in forces much bigger than themselves-trying to hold on to love, identity and truth as the world shifts around them. It's epic in scope, but at its heart it's deeply human, and that's what makes it so powerful," said Rob Benedict, who plays Joseph.

"Saigon" is part of iHeartPodcasts' ongoing collaboration with Thoroughbred Studios, a joint venture from Jeff Bewkes (former Chairman and CEO of Time Warner), Sir Howard Stringer (former Chairman and CEO of Sony Corporation) and television veteran Jeremy Fox. Building on series including "Buzz: The Man & the Moon," the partnership focuses on developing premium podcasts that explore defining moments and untold stories from the past century, bringing cinematic storytelling to some of the most consequential events in modern history.

"'Saigon' resonates deeply with me because it brings back powerful memories," said Sir Howard Stringer, Executive Producer. "Just six weeks after arriving in America, I was drafted and sent to Vietnam. I could have returned to the UK, but I knew my future lay in the United States and felt a duty to serve. It was my great adventure, and I chose to take that risk - a decision that proved to be both the right choice and a profoundly valuable experience."

"Recording 'Saigon' in the city itself-now Ho Chi Minh City-was central to capturing the spirit of the drama," added John Scott Dryden, Director. "Working with local people, authentic music and an exceptional local crew allowed us to create something that feels truly lived-in and emotionally real. The city doesn't simply provide a backdrop-it becomes a character in the story."

"Great storytelling has the power to transport listeners and bring history to life in a deeply personal way," said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. "'Saigon' is exactly the kind of premium storytelling we're proud to bring to audiences to deliver a story that will resonate with listeners and stay with them long after each episode."

"Saigon" is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and will be available weekly on Wednesdays with the first episode premiering April 22 on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.

Editor's Note

• Download the show cover art HERE.
• Include the "Saigon" audio player directly into your article using the embed code below:

About iHeartMedia, Inc.

iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, with nine out of ten Americans listening to iHeart broadcast radio in every month. iHeart's broadcast radio assets alone have a larger audience in the U.S. than any other media outlet and over four times the ad-enabled audience of the largest digital only audio service. iHeart is the largest podcast publisher according to both Podtrac and Triton, with more downloads than the next two podcast publishers combined, has the most recognizable live events across all genres of music, has the number one social footprint among audio players, has the highest-reach and most engaged influencers, and is the only fully integrated audio ad tech solution across broadcast, streaming and podcasts. The company continues to leverage its strong audience connection and unparalleled consumer reach to build new platforms, products and services. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.