Are you on the lookout for the cream of the crop in the realm of podcast entertainment? Look no further! Here, we’ve meticulously curated a list of the top 10 highest-subscribed podcast channels on Apple that promise an unrivaled listening experience. From riveting storytelling to insightful discussions and everything in between, these podcasts have secured their place as the best of the best.
Wondery
Discover an exceptional collection of podcasts on Wondery, an Amazon-affiliated platform offering a diverse array of emotionally captivating stories across various genres. With a library spanning True Crime, Business, Comedy, Sports, History, and Family-Friendly themes, Wondery ensures an immersive listening experience. Dive into ad-free audio shows like RedHanded, Morbid, Something Was Wrong, Small Town Murder, SmartLess, and This is Actually Happening. iOS users can enjoy Wondery+ podcasts enhanced with Dolby Atmos, providing unparalleled spatial audio for genres like News, History, True Crime, Comedy, and Sports. Revisit timeless favorites such as Dr. Death, Over My Dead Body, The Shrink Next Door, or delve into compelling audiobooks like American History Tellers & Against the Odds. True Crime enthusiasts can indulge in Morbid, This Is Actually Happening, and Killer Psyche, while comedy lovers can find joy in SmartLess, Bad Dates with Jameela Jamil, Life is Short with Justin Long, Queen of Hearts, and Even the Rich. Expand your horizons with thought-provoking episodes from The Generation Why Podcast, Business Wars, Flipping the Bird: Elon vs. Twitter, and American Scandal.
Dateline NBC
Immerse yourself in the world of true crime with Dateline NBC, an authoritative hub for gripping mysteries. Discover a trove of both current and classic episodes, along with original series crafted in Dateline’s signature storytelling style. Dive into riveting tales of intrigue and suspense, experiencing these narratives uniquely presented by Dateline.
For an enhanced listening experience, consider subscribing to Dateline Premium on Apple Podcasts. Gain access to every episode ad-free, including early access to new original series. Additionally, unlock exclusive bonus content that delves deeper into the captivating stories that only Dateline can unravel. Stay ahead of the curve and indulge in a premium podcasting experience tailored for true crime enthusiasts.
Pushkin
At Pushkin, a galaxy of distinguished minds graces our shows, with luminaries such as Malcolm Gladwell, Michael Lewis, Tim Harford, Jill Lepore, Ibram X. Kendi, Laurie Santos, Rick Rubin, and Anita Hill contributing their brilliance. This esteemed lineup fuels captivating podcasts like Revisionist History, Cautionary Tales, The Last Archive, and Against the Rules, each offering fresh perspectives on historical narratives and contemporary fairness concepts. For enthusiasts of gripping mysteries, Lost Hills, Bad Women, and Deep Cover meticulously craft true crime tales, thrilling audiences worldwide.
Delving into wellness and relationships, The Happiness Lab with Laurie Santos, A Slight Change of Plans hosted by cognitive scientist Maya Shankar, and Double Date featuring Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas provide insightful explorations. Meanwhile, Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso delivers intimate dialogues with influential figures from the realms of art, activism, and politics. Music aficionados rejoice in Broken Record’s interviews by Rick Rubin, Bruce Headlam, and Justin Richmond with iconic artists such as Andre 3000, The Beastie Boys, and Brandi Carlisle. Book lovers find solace in Glory Edim’s Well-Read Black Girl, where luminaries like Viola Davis share their literary passions.
Every week on What’s Your Problem?, entrepreneurs and engineers discuss the innovative futures they strive to build. To further explore pressing societal issues, Be Antiracist with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi envisions an antiracist society, while Getting Even with Anita Hill confronts challenging questions about equality. If these shows resonate with your interests, dive deeper into our offerings by subscribing to Pushkin+. This exclusive podcast subscription, priced at $4.99 a month or $39.99 a year, grants ad-free listening and access to subscriber-only bonus episodes. Get started with a 7-day free trial to experience the enriching world of Pushkin’s premium content.
iHeart True Crime
Indulge in your true crime fascination with iHeart True Crime from iHeartPodcasts, your ultimate destination for gripping and immersive storytelling. Dive into a treasure trove of captivating podcasts catering to every crime aficionado, whether you prefer tuning in during your commute or devouring thrilling episodes during those late-night scrolling sessions. Explore an extensive range of mysteries, including unsolved murders, enigmatic disappearances, daring heists, intriguing conspiracies, tales of organized crime, and gripping narratives of marital infidelity. With an abundance of binge-worthy content, iHeart True Crime promises an enthralling listening experience. For an uninterrupted and enhanced journey into the world of crime narratives, consider subscribing to iHeart True Crime+ for exclusive perks such as ad-free listening, early access to select episodes, and exclusive bonus content.
Lemonada
Lemonada Media stands out as an award-winning, independent podcast network committed to enhancing life’s quality. Founded by Jessica Cordova Kramer and Stephanie Wittels Wachs, Lemonada pursues its mission to alleviate life’s challenges. Their inaugural podcast, Last Day, spearheaded by Steph, tackles significant societal epidemics with a blend of empathy, humor, and a relentless pursuit of solutions. As the company rapidly expands its reach and loyal audience, Lemonada fulfills its pledge to alleviate life’s burdens through its diverse range of podcasts.
Featuring an array of influential hosts such as Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Meghan Trainor, Jay Ellis, Elyse Myers, Julián Castro, Kristen Bell, Kulap Vilaysack, SuChin Pak, and Andy Slavitt, Lemonada podcasts delve into critical issues with compelling guests including John Legend, Dan Levy, Tina Fey, Chelsea Clinton, DeRay Mckesson, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and Peppermint of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Lemonada also offers an exclusive subscription service, Lemonada Premium, priced at $4.99 per month. By subscribing, audiences not only support Lemonada’s shows and talents but also gain early access to content ahead of peers, along with exclusive bonus material available solely on this platform.
Tenderfoot TV
Discover an enthralling realm of storytelling through Tenderfoot TV’s gripping podcasts, featuring captivating true crime narratives like “Up and Vanished” and “To Live and Die in LA.” Dive into their diverse originals, such as the style-blending sensation, “Radio Rental.” Immerse yourself in a multitude of award-winning podcasts, exploring compelling tales that keep you on the edge of your seat. Unveil an array of stories to binge on Tenderfoot’s extensive collection.
Be among the first to engage with their latest exclusive limited series, “Dear Alana,” delving into Alana Chen’s poignant journey as she grapples to reconcile faith with her sexuality. Embrace an ad-free binge experience exclusively for Tenderfoot+ subscribers. Elevate your listening with TenderfootPlus+, granting early access to select shows and bonus episodes. Experience the latest lineup featuring TF+ exclusives: “Dear Alana,” “High Strange,” “Freeway Phantom,” and “Rattled & Shook.”
Explore an impressive catalog of existing shows including “Up and Vanished,” “Radio Rental,” “To Live and Die in LA,” “Culpable,” “This Day in Crime,” “Dead and Gone,” “Facing Evil,” “Algorithm,” “The MLK Tapes,” “Sworn,” and “Whistleblower.” Don’t miss out on their freshest addition, “The Vanishing Point.” With over 200 episodes available ad-free, your subscription offers an extensive vault of immersive content awaiting your discovery.
TED Audio Collective
TED Audio Collective, an amalgamation of thought-provoking podcasts designed for the insatiably curious. This collective caters to individuals enthusiastic about diverse subjects encompassing psychology, design, science, technology, and beyond, providing a profound exploration of today’s most compelling concepts.
Discover an ad-free auditory journey through various channels under the TED Audio Collective+. Immerse yourself in episodes from TED Talks Daily, TED Business, TED Health, TED Tech, TED Climate, The TED Interview, and Far Flung while relishing ad-free experiences and early access to fresh content from episodes of Body Stuff and Good Sport. Engage with this treasure trove of knowledge and ideas curated to satiate your intellectual curiosity, offering an uninterrupted exploration of fascinating topics within the TED Audio Collective+ experience.
Freakonomics Radio
Delve into the depths of curiosity and unravel the mysteries of the world with Freakonomics Radio, hosted by Stephen J. Dubner, co-author of the acclaimed book “Freakonomics.” This podcast is a captivating journey into the concealed facets of various subjects. From the comparative safety of air travel versus driving to the intricate decision-making process in choosing a life partner, Stephen explores an array of compelling questions. Unveiling the overlooked connections between diverse topics like wolves, bananas, pollution, search engines, and human behavior quirks, Freakonomics Radio promises an intellectually stimulating and enlightening experience.
Elevate your listening experience by becoming a part of the Freakonomics Radio Plus membership program. Gain exclusive access to weekly member-only episodes filled with riveting content. By joining, you’ll also enjoy an ad-free experience across the entire network of shows. Take a deeper dive into the realms of knowledge and gain valuable insights into the intriguing aspects of life through this thought-provoking podcast.
Radiolab
Radiolab, hosted by Lulu Miller and Latif Nasser, embarks on a profound curiosity journey that delves into inquisitive inquiries. This innovative podcast engages in investigative journalism to unravel profound answers to deep-seated questions. Each episode is an enthralling blend of science, legal history, and immersive storytelling that transcends geographical boundaries. Renowned for its groundbreaking sound design, Radiolab expertly weaves information seamlessly into music, captivating audiences with its unique approach to storytelling and exploration.
BBC Podcasts
Explore a rich tapestry of content through BBC Podcasts, a carefully curated array of the BBC’s finest audio productions spanning global news, true crime, pop culture, science, history, and sports. With a legacy of delivering award-winning audio for over a century, the BBC remains a trusted source of global news, offering unparalleled insights and storytelling.
Dive into a diverse range of captivating shows within BBC Podcasts, including the Global News Podcast and The Global Story, ensuring listeners stay abreast of worldwide events. Engage in gripping true-crime narratives like World of Secrets, The Lazarus Heist, Believe in Magic, and The Missing Cryptoqueen. History aficionados can revel in series such as In Our Time, You’re Dead to Me, and Lady Killers featuring Lucy Worsley, while those fascinated by science and culture can explore tailored content.
For an uninterrupted listening experience, audiences outside the UK can access BBC Podcasts Premium, offering ad-free content and monthly exclusives. Connect with the BBC’s extensive audio library, indulging in a world of diverse, informative, and entertaining podcasts.
Whether you’re a true crime enthusiast, a self-improvement seeker, or simply someone who enjoys a good laugh, there’s something for everyone among these top-rated podcasts on Apple. So, grab your headphones and immerse yourself in the captivating world of audio storytelling.
Looking for your next podcast obsession? Look no further than these highly acclaimed shows on Apple Podcasts. Discover why millions of listeners worldwide tune in regularly to these top-ranking podcasts that promise entertainment, education, and inspiration.
If you are interested in listening to a variety of podcasts, you may want to check out the best podcasts in various genres such as cricket, true crime, horror, sci-fi, motivational, spiritual, food, parenting, entrepreneurship, for kids, World War II, home automation, learning new languages, starting a podcast, history, finance, cryptocurrency, football, mental health, and wildlife
About Author
The Podcasting Research Team is a dynamic and passionate group of young researchers who are dedicated to exploring the world of podcasting. Whether you’re a podcast creator, a marketer, or simply a curious listener, the work of The Podcasting Research Team can provide valuable insights into the trends and best practices in the podcasting world.
