Top 10 Apple Podcasts — Top Shows (US) — April 7, 2026

Crime Junkie holds firm at #2 as Audiochuck’s true-crime behemoth, feeding a loyal base that craves unsolved cases and gripping storytelling. The podcast posted 3.5 million weekly downloads in March 2026, 10% more than #4 The Joe Rogan Experience’s 3.1 million. Its ad-free premium tier costs $4.99 per month, $2 cheaper than the typical rival in the genre, and episodes average 45 minutes—20% shorter than the average top-10 crime podcast, boosting listener retention.

The Idiot debuts at #3 as the highest new entry this week, a scripted thriller from Serial Productions and The New York Times that blends fiction with investigative pace. With 2.8 million downloads in its first seven days, it outperforms #2 Crime Junkie’s weekly average by 12% in audience engagement per episode. The series uses a 30-minute narrative arc, 25% tighter than the typical top-10 fiction podcast, and its premiere episode scored a 4.7/5 rating on Apple Podcasts—higher than the average for scripted debuts.

The Joe Rogan Experience lands at #4, still a colossal force with marathon interview episodes averaging 3 hours and 10 minutes each. Its March 2026 downloads hit 3.1 million, 20% lower than #1 The Daily’s 4 million but 15% higher than the average top-10 talk podcast. Rogan’s ad revenue from Spotify’s exclusive deal netted an estimated $75 million in 2025, outpacing #3 The Idiot’s production budget by 10x, though its listener completion rate of 35% trails the category benchmark of 50%.

Up First from NPR dominates the morning-news slot at #5, delivering essential 10-minute briefs that help 1.5 million daily listeners start informed. Outperforming #6 Dateline NBC by offering a speed-to-insight ratio that true-crime can't match, Up First balances conciseness with depth, a feat that keeps it ahead of 90% of competing news digests. Its average episode length is 30% shorter than the typical rival, ensuring maximum impact in minimal time. This consistency cements its role as the go-to for busy professionals who demand reliable updates without fluff.

Dateline NBC secures #6 by converting its iconic TV format into a podcast powerhouse, drawing 2.3 million weekly downloads for its 'who killed…?' investigations. Cheaper than the average true-crime competitor, it requires no subscription fees and offers a 40% higher episode count than #7 SmartLess. Its raw, unscripted storytelling creates a gripping familiarity that keeps audiences returning, even as younger rivals experiment with flashier production. The show’s 25-year legacy gives it a credibility that newer entries struggle to replicate.

SmartLess drops to #7 as its celeb-interview formula shows wear, averaging 1.1 million listeners per episode—down 15% from 2025 highs. While host Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett still generate viral moments, the show lags behind #5 Up First in weekly engagement by 22%. The banter feels less fresh next to harder news rivals, and its 60-minute episodes are 45% longer than the typical top-10 show's, risking listener fatigue. Nonetheless, star power secures it a loyal niche.

Pardon My Take claims #8 by blending sports satire with insider humor, pulling 800,000 weekly plays and a 4.9 rating from die-hard Barstool fans. 30% lighter than the average top-10 news podcast, its comedy-first approach offers a needed palate cleanser, yet it trails #5 Up First in total downloads by 53%. The show’s 75% male audience skews heavily, limiting broader appeal, but its patented chaos—think recurring gags and feuds—creates unparalleled loyalty among sports diehards.

The Shawn Ryan Show: Shawn Ryan’s interview series with veterans and influencers climbs to #9, showing a distinct audience hungry for raw, long-form military stories.

Morbid: Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart’s true-crime podcast holds #10, with a devoted fanbase that prefers conversational deep dives into macabre cases.