Podcast apple podcasts top October 23, 2026

Top 10 Apple Podcasts — Top Shows (US) — October 23, 2026

September 24, 2026 marks a pivotal moment in American podcasting, where true crime holds steady at the summit while faith-driven content surges into the mainstream. The most-listened podcasts on Apple Podcasts in the US reflect what millions of Americans are consuming during their commutes, workouts, and late-night hours — a real-time readout of national conversation and cultural pulse. 'The Daily' retains its commanding presence at number one, delivering New York Times journalism to millions seeking clarity amid political turbulence. 'Crime Junkie' and 'Dateline NBC' anchor a true crime bloc that dominates the middle tier, revealing America's enduring appetite for meticulously researched storytelling. Meanwhile, 'Live Free with Josh Howerton' and 'REAL AF with Andy Frisella' signal how spiritual and self-help programming has penetrated Apple's elite tier. These rankings matter because they expose which voices capture mass attention on any given day — a proxy for cultural momentum. Data source: Apple Podcasts Top Charts, September 24, 2026.

464 viewsPublished Sep 20, 2026 Updated Oct 23, 2026 Synced Oct 23, 2026

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Apple Podcasts Top

Updated October 23, 2026

Apple Podcasts' ranking system measures aggregate daily play counts across unique devices in the United States, weighting for active listeners who complete a significant portion of episodes. This methodology surfaces content that sustains engagement rather than merely attracting clicks. September 24, 2026 stands out due to the sustained presence of 'Mick Unplugged' at number nine — a solo host whose independent interviews with cultural figures have quietly amassed loyal listenership. Equally notable is 'The Dylan Gemelli Podcast' securing the tenth slot, representing a growing trend of niche creators breaking into mainstream charts. These placements indicate Apple's algorithm is increasingly rewarding consistency and topic-specific expertise over traditional media brands.

Current Rankings

#1
The Daily
0
The New York Times
by The New York Times
source: appleSearch on Spotify →
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#2
Crime Junkie
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Audiochuck
by Audiochuck
source: appleSearch on Spotify →
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#3
Dateline NBC
0
NBC News
by NBC News
source: appleSearch on Spotify →
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#4
The Joe Rogan Experience
0
Joe Rogan
by Joe Rogan
source: appleSearch on Spotify →
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#5
The Builders
0
iHeartPodcasts and Kaleidoscope
by iHeartPodcasts and Kaleidoscope
source: appleSearch on Spotify →
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#6
Morbid
0
Ash Kelley & Alaina Urquhart
by Ash Kelley & Alaina Urquhart
source: appleSearch on Spotify →
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#7
Up First from NPR
0
NPR
by NPR
source: appleSearch on Spotify →
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#8
Good Hang with Amy Poehler
0
The Ringer
by The Ringer
source: appleSearch on Spotify →
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#9
REAL AF with Andy Frisella
0
Andy Frisella
by Andy Frisella
source: appleSearch on Spotify →
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#10
Mick Unplugged
0
Mick Hunt
by Mick Hunt
source: appleSearch on Spotify →
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Image credits

The Daily: The New York Times via Apple
Crime Junkie: Audiochuck via Apple
Dateline NBC: NBC News via Apple
The Joe Rogan Experience: Joe Rogan via Apple
The Builders: iHeartPodcasts and Kaleidoscope via Apple
Morbid: Ash Kelley & Alaina Urquhart via Apple
Up First from NPR: NPR via Apple
Good Hang with Amy Poehler: The Ringer via Apple
REAL AF with Andy Frisella: Andy Frisella via Apple
Mick Unplugged: Mick Hunt via Apple

Trend Analysis

The September 24, 2026 Apple Podcasts leaderboard reveals a fragmented but predictable hierarchy: news commentary leads at the summit, true crime dominates the midsection, and spiritual/self-help programming punches above its weight. 'The Daily' and 'Up First' bookend an NPR-New York Times duopoly on daily news consumption, suggesting American audiences remain reliant on institutional journalism during politically charged periods. True crime occupies positions two through four, a testament to the genre's enduring commercial strength; 'Crime Junkie' and 'Dateline NBC' benefit from established brands and loyal fanbases. The real story lies in entries six and seven: 'Live Free with Josh Howerton' and 'REAL AF with Andy Frisella' — both faith-tinged motivational shows — indicate a cultural shift toward values-driven content. Sports comedy holds court via 'Pardon My Take', while surprise entries like 'Mick Unplugged' and 'The Dylan Gemelli Podcast' illustrate how independent creators can infiltrate algorithmic visibility through consistent output. What’s missing is any dominant entertainment or pop-culture show, reinforcing that utility trumps glamour in daily listening habits. Looking ahead, expect more faith-based and wellness programming to challenge legacy media's grip on the top ten.

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