Apple has recently unveiled its list of the most popular podcasts for the year 2024, providing a comprehensive look at the audio programs that have captivated audiences around the globe. This announcement includes specialized year-end charts for listeners in nearly 100 countries and regions. The 2024 charts, accessible through the Browse tab until the end of the year, highlight the top podcasts overall, the best new shows of the year, the most-followed podcasts, the most shared episodes, and the leading free and subscriber channels. Additionally, listeners in more than 15 markets can explore "Shows We Love," a curated collection of standout narrative and episodic series that resonated throughout the year.
On December 3rd, Apple Podcasts will announce the recipient of the "Show of the Year" title, a distinction that acknowledges exceptional quality and impact in podcasting.
Most Popular Podcasts in the U.S. for 2024
Top Shows
- The Daily: A staple for news enthusiasts, providing a daily dose of current events and analysis.
- Crime Junkie: This gripping podcast dives into true crime stories, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats.
- The Joe Rogan Experience: Known for its long-form interviews and discussions that span a wide range of topics.
- Dateline NBC: Bringing the popular TV show format to podcasting, covering true crime and investigative journalism.
- SmartLess: Hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, this show combines comedy with engaging interviews.
- Huberman Lab: A podcast focusing on neuroscience and health, offering insights into optimizing mental and physical well-being.
- This American Life: Celebrated for its storytelling, this podcast explores various aspects of American culture and human nature.
- New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce: A sports-centric podcast offering insights and stories from the NFL.
- Up First from NPR: A quick, morning news update, perfect for listeners who want to stay informed.
- Morbid: A true crime and horror podcast that delves into morbid tales and mysteries.
Top New Shows
- The Tucker Carlson Show: Known for its political commentary and interviews.
- Three: A captivating narrative series that has quickly found a dedicated audience.
- Mortal Sin: A true crime series exploring complex cases and mysteries.
- Drowning Creek: A podcast that combines storytelling with investigative elements.
- The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke: Chronicles the intriguing story of Ruby Franke.
- Blood is Thicker: The Hargan Family Killings: A deep dive into a chilling true crime case.
- Noble: A podcast that explores themes of bravery and moral complexity.
- Murder in the Hollywood Hills: Unraveling the secrets and scandals of Hollywood’s past.
- Hysterical: A series that blends humor with personal storytelling.
- Who Killed JFK?: Investigating the enduring mystery of JFK’s assassination.
Top Series
- Serial: Known for setting the standard in serialized podcast storytelling, particularly in true crime.
- Up and Vanished: Investigates cold cases and unsolved mysteries.
- Three: Continues to capture attention with its engaging narrative style.
- The Bakersfield Three: A true crime series exploring a mysterious case in California.
- CounterClock: A deep dive into unsolved crimes with a fresh perspective.
- Something Was Wrong: Examines stories of personal betrayal and deception.
- Dr. Death: Investigates medical malpractice through chilling stories.
- The Binge Cases: Offers a binge-worthy collection of true crime stories.
- Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra: Focuses on political intrigue and hidden stories from history.
- The Binge Crimes: Delivers a series of compelling true crime narratives.
Top Episodes
- Crime Junkie: “SERIAL KILLER: The Alphabet Murders Part 1”: A detailed exploration of a notorious series of crimes.
- The Joe Rogan Experience: “#2219 – Donald Trump”: A high-profile interview with the former president.
- The Daily: “Harris Baits Trump: Inside Their Fiery Debate”: Analyzing a significant political event.
- Dateline NBC: “Dangerous Secret”: A gripping narrative from Dateline’s archives.
- The Bakersfield Three: “Episode 1: Fight Like a Mother”: The introductory episode to a compelling true crime case.
- SmartLess: “Vince Vaughn”: An entertaining interview with the popular actor.
- Three: “Skylar Is Missing | Chapter 1”: The beginning of a suspenseful series.
- Serial: “Serial S04 – Ep. 1: Poor Baby Raul”: An episode that sets the stage for a season of intrigue.
- Mortal Sin: “1 – Ashes to Ashes”: Kicking off a series that promises suspense and mystery.
- New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce: “Travis Wins on the Road, Jason Celebrates Shirtless and Full Divisional Round Recap | Ep 75”: A lively sports discussion.
Most Shared Shows
- Huberman Lab: Known for its valuable insights into health and wellness.
- Scamanda: Explores scams and the stories behind them.
- Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus: Offers wisdom and humor from the acclaimed actress.
- The Daily: Continues to be a go-to for news and current events.
- The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz): Provides daily Bible readings and reflections.
- The Bible Recap: A companion to reading through the Bible, offering context and insight.
- The Mel Robbins Podcast: Motivational content focusing on personal growth.
- Sold a Story: Investigates the stories behind infamous scams.
- Who Killed JFK?: Engages listeners with theories and evidence about the JFK assassination.
- Crime Junkie: A persistent favorite among true crime enthusiasts.
Most Shared Episodes
- The Tucker Carlson Show: “Calley & Casey Means: The Truth About Ozempic, the Pill, and How Big Pharma Keeps You Sick”: A controversial discussion on health and pharmaceuticals.
- The Mel Robbins Podcast: “The #1 Menopause Doctor: How to Lose Belly Fat, Sleep Better, & Stop Suffering Now”: Health advice tailored for women in menopause.
- The Daily: “The Year of Taylor Swift”: A look into the cultural phenomenon surrounding the pop icon.
- Huberman Lab: “Dr. Stacy Sims: Female-Specific Exercise & Nutrition for Health, Performance & Longevity”: Focuses on health strategies for women.
- The Joe Rogan Experience: “#2219 – Donald Trump”: Continues to be a widely-discussed episode.
- The Ezra Klein Show: “Is Tim Walz the Midwestern Dad Democrats Need?”: Political analysis and discussion.
- Honestly with Bari Weiss: “Why the Kids Aren’t Alright”: Examines challenges facing today’s youth.
- We Can Do Hard Things: “263. Healing from Emotionally Immature Parents with Lindsay C. Gibson”: Offers advice on overcoming familial challenges.
- Call Her Daddy: “Vice President Kamala Harris”: A candid conversation with the Vice President.
- Good Inside with Dr. Becky: “The Anxious Generation with Jonathan Haidt”: Discusses anxiety and mental health concerns.
Most Followed Shows
- The Joe Rogan Experience: Continues to draw a massive following with its diverse content.
- New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce: Attracts sports fans with its engaging format.
- Huberman Lab: Gaining popularity for its focus on neuroscience and health.
- Call Her Daddy: Known for its candid interviews and discussions.
- The Tucker Carlson Show: Maintains a strong following with its political commentary.
- The Mel Robbins Podcast: Inspires listeners with motivational content.
- SmartLess: Keeps audiences entertained with celebrity interviews.
- Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus: Offers a mix of humor and insight.
- Crime Junkie: A consistent favorite for true crime aficionados.
- The Daily: Remains a staple for news consumers.
Top Subscriber Shows
- Apple News+ Narrated: Provides narrated news stories for subscribers.
- Morbid: Offers exclusive content for subscribers.
- Dateline NBC: Brings subscriber-only episodes to its audience.
- The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke: Delivers additional content for fans.
- Dr. Death: Offers subscriber-exclusive episodes and stories.
- SmartLess: Provides bonus content for subscribers.
- Something Was Wrong: Offers in-depth episodes for paying listeners.
- Scamtown: Delivers additional scam-related content for subscribers.
- American Scandal: Offers exclusive stories for its audience.
- Mortal Sin: Provides extra episodes for subscribers.
Top Channels
- Wondery: Known for its high-quality storytelling and production.
- iHeartPodcasts: Offers a wide array of popular podcasts.
- The New York Times: Features podcasts with a journalistic edge.
- audiochuck: Specializes in true crime storytelling.
- SiriusXM Podcasts: Offers a diverse range of content from music to talk shows.
- Dateline NBC: Known for its investigative journalism and true crime content.
- Dear Media: Focuses on lifestyle and culture podcasts.
- iHeart True Crime: Offers a dedicated lineup of true crime podcasts.
- Scicomm Media: Specializes in science communication podcasts.
- Cumulus Podcast Network: Offers a variety of popular shows across genres.
Apple Podcasts remains a leading platform for discovering and enjoying a wide variety of podcasts. With millions of shows covering all imaginable topics, it provides an unmatched experience for fans and supports the creators behind these shows. Listeners can easily access their favorite podcasts on devices like the iPhone, iPad, Mac, CarPlay, Apple Watch with AirPods, and on the web at podcasts.apple.com.
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