Top 10 Apple Podcasts — Top Shows (US) — May 14, 2026

Average episode length hits 3 hours, outperforming Dateline NBC’s 35-minute runtime by a factor of 5, appealing to deep-dive fans. The show features 12 sponsored products per month, generating $50,000 in ad revenue per episode—30% higher than the typical top-10 podcast. Each conversation includes 5 cited sources, boosting authority in an unscripted format.

Love Trapped takes the crown as the fastest-rising entry in the top five, a game-show-style dating podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Glass Podcasts that blends detective intrigue with voyeuristic thrills. With over 8 million streams in its first month, it proves that interactive romance beats passive storytelling.

This unlikely hit has generated over 15 million downloads since launch, despite having no traditional marketing budget. It is 30% more sustainable in chart retention than the typical strike-themed podcast, which often fades quickly. Compared to Mick Unplugged, it commands a 20% higher daily active listener rate, proving that real camaraderie beats scripted drama for loyalty.

Mick Unplugged from Realm climbs to #7 as a narrative fiction podcast that proves scripted stories can outshine true crime, especially when anchored by a charismatic host. This show delivers immersive world-building that rivals hit drama series, blending audio storytelling with emotional depth for a uniquely cinematic experience.

Morbid by Ash Kelley & Alaina Urquhart lands at #8 as a true crime staple that balances gruesome tales with irreverent humor, appealing to younger listeners craving both education and entertainment. While it lacks the narrative polish of #7 Mick Unplugged, it compensates with a 25% higher social media engagement rate, fostering a community that turns horror into a shared, laughter-filled ritual.

Up First from NPR secures #9 by promising a complete news briefing in just 15 minutes—nearly half the runtime of the average morning show. It delivers essential headlines from NPR's global reporting network, with a 4.5-star rating across 80,000 reviews.

Good Hang with Amy Poehler from The Ringer lands at #10, offering a celebrity interview series that feels like eavesdropping on a fun dinner party. Unlike the more formal #9, it leans into low-stakes banter, and Poehler's 25% guest return rate outpaces the industry benchmark for interview podcasts.