Apple is marking a major milestone—20 years since podcasts first launched on iTunes. To celebrate, the company released a curated list of 20 influential podcasts that defined the genre and connected deeply with listeners across the globe.
The list, titled “20 Years, 20 Podcasts We Love,” features a mix of news, storytelling, comedy, and culture. According to Apple, these shows are ones “we continue to recommend again and again” because they “measurably improved our lives and helped define this medium we know and love.”
Fan Favorites and Industry Shapers
Among the standout titles are This American Life, Serial, and The Daily, each known for pushing narrative boundaries and attracting millions of loyal followers. Apple also recognized Call Her Daddy, 99% Invisible, Song Exploder, and The Read—highlighting the diversity of content that podcasting has made possible.
These shows were not just popular; they had a significant impact. Many helped redefine how people consume media, turning passive listening into active engagement.
A Global Stage for Independent Voices
From true crime thrillers like Sweet Bobby to cultural deep dives like Las Culturistas and Dolly Parton’s America, the list showcases how podcasts have evolved. It also reflects the medium’s power to uplift underrepresented voices and create global communities around niche topics.
The celebration isn’t just about nostalgia. Apple wants to spotlight how the podcast world continues to grow and innovate. The curated list serves both as a trip down memory lane and a guide for new listeners who want to explore the best of the best.
