Burger chain, Wendy’s UK, has launched podcast miniseries highlighting the scary reality of competitor fast food experiences with a comedic spin.

The Burger Files, created by VMLY&R London and produced by Fresh Air, turns real stories found and submitted on social media into a seven-episode true crime-style podcast, each focusing on poor fast-food experiences, from being served soggy buns and barely-melted cheese to frozen beef.

With an estimated 21.2m people in the UK listening to podcasts each year, according to Statista, this growing media channel was chosen to help Wendy’s maximise reach through a trusted and popular cultural medium. Each of the stories dramatises a category that lacks quality and care. They leave Brits in no doubt that their fast-food options have let them down, and heroes Wendy’s Baconator (menu item) as the option to avoid these horror stories.

The tongue-in-cheek episodes are hosted by American comedian Sara Barron and were developed in partnership with comedy writer Joel Morris – known for his work on shows and films such as ‘Paddington’, ‘8 out of 10 Cats’, and ‘That Mitchell and Webb Look’.

“To do this properly, we had to form an ace team,” said Dayoung Yun, Creative Director at VMLY&R London. “Joel crafted over 100 pages of scripts, breathing life into our cases and building the characters. While our host, Nina – portrayed by Sara – embarks on a relentless quest for the truth behind burger crimes. Conducting a full-scale investigation, leading listeners down the proverbial rabbit hole in a thrilling, action-packed narrative. It’s a true crime podcast like no other.”

The miniseries is live now, with new episodes landing each week throughout the month, culiminating in a Halloween special on 30 October. Clips of the podcast will be appearing across Wendy’s UK social channels throughout the series.

“We work to ensure Wendy’s delivers exceptional experiences for British consumers and brand fans across each platform we use, showing up as more than just a brand,” said Liz Geraghty, Chief Marketing Officer (International) at Wendy’s. “The Burger Files embodies this philosophy, taking on one of the most popular podcast genres out there – true crime! We can’t wait to unleash the hamburger horrors and showcase Wendy’s as the best choice to enjoy fresh, high-quality, differentiated food.’’

The Burger Files is running across Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and is further supported by paid social, display and out-of-home locations near Wendy’s UK restaurant locations. Media planning and buying is led by Spark and PR by BCW.