TIME 100 Best Podcasts of All Time List

In just two decades, podcasts have transformed from a niche medium into one of the most powerful platforms for storytelling, entertainment, and knowledge-sharing. What started as downloadable audio files in the early 2000s has now grown into an industry with millions of shows and billions of listeners across the globe. From true crime mysteries that keep audiences hooked to comedy shows that brighten commutes, podcasts have become an inseparable part of modern culture.

Amid this explosion of creativity, TIME magazine—a trusted authority in media and culture—has stepped in to curate something truly special: the TIME 100 Best Podcasts of All Time list. Known for its definitive rankings, TIME’s selections carry weight and credibility, shining a spotlight on shows that shaped not just podcasting but culture itself.

This list goes beyond popularity. It celebrates iconic podcasts that broke new ground, amplified diverse voices, and influenced how people consume information and entertainment. Whether you’re a casual listener or a devoted fan, exploring the best podcasts of all time offers a journey through the medium’s greatest moments.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the TIME 100 podcasts list, unpack the evolution of podcasting, highlight standout shows, and reveal why these must-listen podcasts of all time deserve a place in history.

The Evolution of Podcasting 

Podcasting traces its roots back to the early 2000s when portable media players and RSS feeds allowed people to subscribe to audio shows. The term “podcasting” itself was coined in 2004, combining “iPod” and “broadcast.” In its earliest days, podcasts were experimental, created mostly by tech enthusiasts and independent storytellers.

By the late 2000s and early 2010s, the format began to gain traction. As smartphones became mainstream, listening became easier and more accessible. Major platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube accelerated growth by offering centralized libraries. Soon, podcasts were not just hobbies—they were industries in their own right.

Podcasting’s strength lies in its diversity. Genres range from true crime and investigative journalism to comedy, news, storytelling, education, and culture. Some shows inform, others entertain, and many do both simultaneously. Unlike traditional media, podcasts provide intimacy; listeners feel as though they are part of a direct conversation.

This is where lists like the TIME 100 Best Podcasts of All Time matter. They help new listeners navigate the overwhelming sea of options while honoring shows that have had a lasting cultural impact. For long-time fans, such lists celebrate the medium’s history and evolution, reminding us how far podcasting has come.

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Criteria for TIME’s 100 Best Podcasts 

What makes a podcast worthy of being called one of the greatest podcasts ever made? TIME’s editors and curators evaluated shows using a mix of cultural, creative, and technical standards.

1. Cultural Impact: Podcasts that sparked conversations, shaped opinions, or inspired social movements.

2. Quality & Storytelling: High production values, engaging narratives, and unique voices.

3. Innovation: Formats that pushed boundaries, whether through immersive sound design, long-form interviews, or groundbreaking storytelling.

4. Diversity: Inclusion of a wide range of creators, genres, and voices—representing global perspectives.

5. Longevity & Influence: Shows that not only attracted audiences but also influenced future podcasters.

These TIME magazine podcast ranking criteria ensure the list isn’t just about popularity. Instead, it celebrates podcasts that left an indelible mark on culture and media.

The top 100 podcasts list standards emphasize both entertainment and education, proving that the best podcasts don’t just entertain us—they teach us, inspire us, and expand our worldview.

Highlights from the TIME 100 Best Podcasts of All Time

1. a) True Crime Classics

Serial – Often credited with sparking the modern podcast boom, Serial captivated audiences with its season-long deep dive into true crime. Its first season, investigating the murder of Hae Min Lee, remains one of the most iconic podcasting achievements ever. With millions of downloads, it showed how immersive storytelling could thrive in audio.

Criminal – Unlike most true crime podcasts, Criminal takes a more human approach. Hosted by Phoebe Judge, it tells unusual, often deeply emotional crime stories. Its thoughtful tone and global range of cases make it one of the must-listen podcasts of all time.

1. b) Comedy & Entertainment

The Joe Rogan Experience – With marathon-length conversations featuring everyone from comedians to scientists and politicians, Joe Rogan built one of the most influential podcasts ever. Loved and debated in equal measure, the show demonstrates the power of long-form conversation in shaping public opinion.

Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend – Former late-night host Conan O’Brien brought his humor and authenticity into the podcast world. His warm yet hilarious chats with celebrity guests blend comedy with genuine human connection, making it a fan favorite.

1. c) News & Politics

The Daily (NYT) – A concise, 20-minute news digest from The New York Times, The Daily quickly became one of the most downloaded podcasts globally. Its mix of in-depth reporting and accessibility redefined how people consume news.

Pod Save America – Hosted by former Obama staffers, this political commentary podcast offers insider perspectives with a casual, conversational style. It became particularly influential during election seasons, shaping progressive discourse in the U.S.

1. d) Storytelling & Culture

This American Life – One of the earliest and most enduring storytelling podcasts, This American Life pioneered the art of narrative audio. Hosted by Ira Glass, it presents slice-of-life stories with emotional depth and journalistic rigor.

Radiolab – A boundary-pushing podcast that blends science, philosophy, and curiosity with innovative sound design. Radiolab made complex topics accessible, changing how audiences think about learning through audio.

1. e) Education & Knowledge

TED Talks Daily – Bringing the world’s most inspiring talks into podcast form, TED Talks Daily delivers bite-sized wisdom across science, business, and creativity. It democratizes big ideas for global listeners.

Stuff You Should Know – With its casual and funny style, SYSK explores everything from historical events to quirky facts. It’s both entertaining and educational, making it one of the greatest podcasts ever made.

Why These Podcasts Stand Out 

What separates these shows from the thousands of others? It comes down to innovation, influence, and intimacy.

Podcasts like Serial and This American Life redefined audio storytelling, proving that listeners would dedicate hours to deeply reported stories. The Joe Rogan Experience challenged traditional media by offering unfiltered, long-form conversations. Meanwhile, The Daily reshaped news delivery into digestible, on-the-go updates.

These podcasts also built communities. Fans don’t just listen—they discuss episodes, share insights, and sometimes even take action based on what they’ve heard. That level of engagement is rare in other media.

Most importantly, these shows sparked global conversations. Whether it was Serial reopening debates about justice, Pod Save America fueling political discourse, or Radiolab inspiring curiosity about science, these podcasts influenced real-world thought and behavior.

That’s why TIME calls them must-listen podcasts—they’re more than entertainment. They’re cultural milestones, examples of the greatest podcasts ever made. 

Top 100 Must-Listen Picks from the TIME 100 Podcasts List

1. 2 Dope Queens
   Bold, hilarious conversations blending comedy, culture, and unfiltered authenticity.
2. 30 for 30
   Sports stories reimagined with narrative flair, beyond highlights and headlines.
3. 99% Invisible
   Exploring hidden design, architecture, and subtle influences around us always.
4. Acquired
   Deep dives into companies, acquisitions, and business stories behind success.
5. Armchair Expert With Dax Shepard
   Honest, often vulnerable talks with celebrities exploring life’s complexities.
6. Articles of Interest
   Fashion, culture, and meaning behind what we wear and why.
7. Armchair Expert: Experts on Everything
   In-depth interviews with experts sharing insights on fascinating life topics.
8. Bear Brook
   Investigative, tragic true crime unraveling cold cases from multiple angles.
9. Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People
   Strangers call in anonymously, share lives, truths, pain, and humor.
10. Bad with Money
11. Money management, financial mistakes, and lessons are told through real stories.
12. The Big Dig
    A project turned saga — engineering, politics, scandal, and secrets.
13. The Big Picture
    Film lovers’ home: deep analysis, reviews, and cultural reflections on cinema.
14. The Bill Simmons Podcast
    Sports, pop culture, and personal banter from a leading commentary voice.
15. Binge Mode
    Fandom meets analysis — deep dives into books, films, comics with love.
16. Blank Check With Griffin & David
    Directors, films, passion projects — film industry deep dives.
17. Bodega Boys
    Urban laugh-laden conversations, cultural commentary with sharp comedic chemistry.
18. Bodies
    Personal stories, medical truth, and deep explorations of health and identity.
19. Call Her Daddy
    Bold interviews on sex, relationships, and life through the female voices’ lens.
20. Call Your Girlfriend
    Conversational, smart chats between friends about politics, pop culture, and life.
21. Classy With Jonathan Menjivar
    Money, identity, culture — conversations blending finance with life stories.
22. Cocaine & Rhinestones
    Country music, scandal, and history in storytelling episodes of intrigue.
23. Code Switch
    Race, identity, culture — unpacking power and voice in everyday life.
24. Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend
    Late night in earbuds — Conan seeks deeper connections with guests
25. Criminal
    True crime with humanity: stories of people, justice, and moral complexity.
26. Call Me Candid: Authentic conversations about life, relationships, and personal growth with humor.
27. The Daily
    Your essential daily news, context, and interviews to understand today.
28. Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History
    Epic narrative histories — immersive storytelling across empires and wars.
29. Dead Eyes
    A bold take: confronting a notorious figure from Hollywood’s darker side.

30. Death, Sex & Money
    Conversations about life’s biggest questions — honest, vulnerable, and raw.
31. Decoder Ring
    Culture’s mysteries unraveled through quirky stories of symbols and trends.
32. The Dollop
    Comedic retelling of bizarre American history with fun, witty banter.
33. Dolly Parton’s America
    Exploring Dolly’s influence — music, feminism, politics, and cultural legacy.
34. Ear Hustle
    Inside prison life, stories are told by those living it daily.
35. Everything Is Alive
    Objects speak, personalities imagined, bringing humor and unexpected philosophical insight.
36. The Ezra Klein Show
    Ideas, politics, and interviews with thinkers shaping tomorrow’s discourse today.
37. Fiasco
    Immersive storytelling uncovers disasters and scandals that reshaped public consciousness.
38. FiveThirtyEight Politics
    Data-driven political analysis, polls, and insights into elections and governance.
39. Fresh Air
    NPR’s signature interviews — culture, politics, arts with unmatched depth.
40. Getting Curious With Jonathan Van Ness
    Curiosity unleashed: wide-ranging topics, humor, and heart in every chat.
41. The Giant Beastcast
    Video game talk with humor, culture, and lively crew dynamics.
42. The Guilty Feminist
    Funny, heartfelt feminist conversations acknowledging contradictions and striving toward change.
43. Heavyweight
    Stories of regret, reconciliation, and second chances delivered compassionately.
44. History Extra Podcast
    History retold: interviews with experts unpacking past events’ modern relevance.
45. How Did This Get Made?
    Comedians hilariously dissect and roast bad movies with joyful chaos.
46. How I Built This
    Entrepreneurs share journeys — struggles, risks, breakthroughs, and startup wisdom. The Happiness Lab
47. Invisibilia
    Unseen forces — psychology, ideas, emotions shaping human behavior explored narratively.
48. It’s Been a Minute With Sam Sanders
    Pop culture, politics, and life discussions in an approachable, lively style.
49. Judge John Hodgman
    Fake court, real disputes — humorously settled with wisdom and wit.
50. Keep It
    Cultural criticism, politics, Hollywood, and sharp commentary with unfiltered voices.
51. La Brega
    Stories of Puerto Rican life — resilience, struggle, and cultural identity.
52. Latino USA
    America’s Latino voices — news, culture, and storytelling centered authentically.
53. The Longform Podcast
    Writers, journalists, and creators discuss storytelling, process, and truth-seeking craft.
54. Love + Radio
    Experimental, intimate interviews with strangers reveal surprising, profound human experiences.
55. Maintenance Phase
    Health, diet culture, myths debunked with humor and evidence.
56. Marc Maron’s WTF Podcast
    Raw, candid celebrity conversations — honesty, humor, and emotional resonance.
57. Marketplace
    Economics made accessible — daily stories shaping business, money, and policy.
58. The Moth
    True stories told live — raw, emotional, funny, inspiring moments shared.
59. My Favorite Murder
    True crime meets comedy — quirky hosts discuss infamous murder cases.
60. Myths and Legends: Ancient myths retold with humor and insight for modern listeners.
61. The Michelle Obama Podcast: Former First Lady explores relationships, community, and personal growth authentically.
62. No Such Thing As A Fish
    Trivia lovers deliver a weekly, bizarre, funny, and enlightening fact-sharing show.
63. Normal Gossip
    Strangers’ gossip retold anonymously — hilarious, relatable, and deeply human.
64. On Being With Krista Tippett
    Philosophy, spirituality, and meaning are explored through deep, soulful conversations weekly.
65. On Our Watch
    Accountability journalism — police misconduct exposed through gripping audio storytelling.
66. Planet Money
    Economics explained simply — stories making markets fun, accessible, and relatable.
67. Poetry Unbound
    Poetry read aloud — short, soulful reflections bringing meaning and clarity.
68. Political Gabfest
    Lively weekly political debate with sharp analysis from seasoned journalists.
69. Radiolab
    Science, philosophy, wonder — storytelling blending curiosity with innovative sound design.
70. Reply All
    The internet’s mysteries explained through human stories, humor, and empathy.
71. Revolutions
    Detailed historical series exploring revolutions across centuries, politics, and struggles.
72. The Right Time With Bomani Jones
    Sports and culture analysis with sharp wit and thought-provoking commentary.
73. Rough Translation
    Stories connecting cultures worldwide — surprising, intimate human experiences shared globally.
74. Science Vs
    Science battles fads and myths — evidence separating fact from fiction.
75. Scriptnotes
    Screenwriters’ insights — craft, Hollywood, creativity explained for aspiring storytellers.
76. Serial
    Groundbreaking true crime storytelling — each season redefines investigative audio journalism.
77. Slow Burn
    Immersive political history — scandals and moments reshaping America revisited.
78. Song Exploder
    Musicians deconstruct songs, revealing the creative process and inspiration behind hits.
79. Spectacle: An Unscripted History of Reality TV
    Reality television’s evolution unpacked — culture, history, and lasting influence revealed.
80. Spooked
    True supernatural encounters retold — eerie, chilling, unforgettable ghostly stories.
81. StartUp Podcast
    Behind the scenes of launching companies — failures, struggles, and entrepreneurial journeys.
    
82. Stay Tuned With Preet
    Legal insights, politics, and justice are explored by former prosecutor Preet Bharara.
83. Still Processing
    Culture, race, technology, and identity — smart analysis with humor.
84. Strangers
    Emotional, intimate storytelling — real people share transformative life experiences.
85. Stuff You Should Know
    Everyday topics explained clearly — curiosity and humor fuel learning.
86. Switched on Pop
    Pop music’s structure explained — trends, creativity, and hidden craft revealed.
87. The Teacher’s Pet
    Investigative true crime — unraveling cold cases with persistence and empathy.
88. This American Life
    Legendary storytelling — ordinary lives told with depth, humor, and heart.
89. This Land
    Indigenous rights, law, and identity — explored through powerful narrative journalism.
90. Throughline
    History’s echoes in today’s events — storytelling with sharp contextual clarity.
91. Time to Walk (Apple Fitness+)
    Celebrities share reflections, stories, and walking inspiration in an intimate audio format.
92. Tom Brown’s Body
    Investigative crime podcast — small-town Texas mystery unraveled with gripping detail.
93. Too Dope Teachers and a Mic
    Education, race, and activism are discussed passionately by two dynamic teacher voices.
94. Toxic
    Environmental disasters, pollution, and systemic failures are exposed through gripping journalism.
95. Traditions
    Exploring cultural traditions worldwide — meaning, practices, and personal connections shared.
96. Trump, Inc.
    Investigative deep dive into Trump’s businesses, politics, and complex networks.
97. Uncivil
    Untold Civil War stories — race, resistance, and forgotten narratives.
98. Unlocking Us With Brené Brown
    Conversations on vulnerability, courage, and connection with inspiring global guests.
99. Unspooled
    Film classics dissected — critics debate cinema masterpieces with humor.
100. The Untold Story
     Human stories hidden from headlines,

These 100 represent the must-listen podcasts of all time, combining diversity, influence, and staying power.

Impact of TIME’s List on the Podcasting Industry 

Being featured in the TIME 100 podcasts list is more than an honor—it’s transformative. A spot on this ranking often results in increased visibility, higher listener counts, and industry recognition. For smaller shows, it can mean the difference between obscurity and mainstream success.

TIME’s endorsement also validates podcasting as a serious medium. By placing podcasts alongside books, films, and music in cultural significance, TIME strengthens the medium’s credibility. New podcasters are inspired to aim higher, knowing their work might one day be recognized as one of the best podcasts of all time.

Compared to other awards, such as the Webby Awards or iHeartRadio Podcast Awards, TIME’s list carries unique weight due to the brand’s cultural authority. It doesn’t just honor podcasts—it helps shape their legacy.

How to Access & Listen to the TIME 100 Podcasts 

Wondering how to listen to the TIME 100 best podcasts? The good news is that most are easily available on major platforms:

• Spotify – Offers free and premium streaming with curated podcast playlists.

• Apple Podcasts – One of the oldest and most widely used platforms.

• YouTube – Increasingly popular for video podcasts and accessible listening.

• Audible & Amazon Music – Great for exclusive storytelling and audiobook-style shows.
  

To enjoy them, simply search for the show’s name, hit subscribe, and organize episodes into your playlist. Many apps allow you to download episodes for offline listening, making it convenient for commutes or workouts.

Whether you prefer comedy, true crime, or news, you can easily stream the top 100 podcasts on your device.

Future of Podcasting – Beyond the TIME 100

Podcasting is still evolving. The future promises AI-powered voices, interactive episodes, and video podcasting that merges YouTube with traditional audio. Young creators, with fresh perspectives and tools, are pushing the boundaries further than ever before.

In the next decade, we may see entirely new formats and technologies that create another generation of timeless classics. Just as Serial or Radiolab defined an era, emerging creators could produce the next iconic podcasts in 2025 and beyond.

The journey doesn’t stop with the TIME 100 best podcasts—it’s just the beginning of what this medium can achieve.

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Podcasts are more than entertainment—they are the modern-day campfires where stories are shared, debates are sparked, and knowledge is passed on. The TIME 100 Best Podcasts of All Time list reminds us of how far the medium has come, celebrating shows that left a lasting imprint on culture.

From true crime thrillers to comedy gems, from political insights to scientific explorations, these podcasts have shaped the way we listen, learn, and connect. They are the greatest podcasts ever made, and their influence will be felt for decades.

Whether you’re new to podcasting or a longtime listener, exploring the TIME magazine podcast ranking is the perfect way to discover must-listen podcasts that have stood the test of time.

Now it’s your turn—grab your headphones, subscribe to a few shows, and experience the timeless power of storytelling in audio form.