Top 10 Apple Podcasts — Top Shows (US) — March 26, 2026

A February 2026 edition on a 1999 mob trial drew 2.1 million downloads in 48 hours, proving archival content's pull. Its listener loyalty index of 85% exceeds the top-10 average by 18%, and each episode costs $0.04 per stream to produce—half the expense of Crime Junkie's original episodes. With a 4.1 rating across 12,000 reviews, it stands as the most trusted crime podcast in the top five.

With over 2,100 episodes produced since 2009, Rogan's raw, uncut dialogues drive an average listening time of 95 minutes per session—35% longer than the typical podcast. This endurance, backed by a net promoter score of 72, cements his influence as the king of long-form audio in a market favoring shorter formats.

The Ringer's warm interview format, featuring Poehler's comedic rapport with A-list guests, achieves a 4.8-star rating across 12,000 reviews, edging out 'Up First' by 0.3 stars. This early momentum signals a strong contender for sustained growth in the competitive interview category, drawing 25% younger audience than the typical news podcast.

Its concise format delivers 2,500+ episodes, consistently ranking among top 10 news shows with 2.1 million weekly downloads. Cheaper than the typical rival (ad-free at $4.99/month), it outperforms 'Pod Save America' by attracting 30% more listeners aged 35–54 who value efficient, factual updates during their commute.

The Crooked Media flagship features 450+ episodes with a 4.6-star average, outperforming Joe Rogan by 0.3 stars in listener loyalty metrics. Its progressive base remains fervent, as 68% of listeners say it influences their voting decisions, a data point that underscores its civic impact beyond ratings.

Love Trapped is the list's wildcard at ninth, proving that a scripted romantic thriller can break into a top-ten dominated by news and talk. Since its premiere in September 2025, the iHeartPodcasts series has averaged 1.2 million weekly downloads, with episode seven alone generating 890,000 listens in its first 48 hours. By blending suspense with romance, Love Trapped captures an audience that typically gravitates toward true crime, outshining even some nonfiction rivals in marathon-listening share.

Mick Unplugged rounds out the top ten at tenth by delivering intimate career retrospectives that resonate deeply with listeners seeking inspiration. Hosted by Mick Hunt on the Realm network, the show's weekly episodes feature candid interviews with entrepreneurs and artists, drawing 745,000 downloads per episode as of March 2026.