Dateline NBC

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.