Apple Podcasts picks 20 shows that ‘define this medium’ at two-decade milestone

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Apple Podcasts is marking 20 years of podcasting today, with the first podcasts in iTunes debuting back in 2005. As part of the celebration, it’s chosen 20 shows from over the decades that “helped define this medium we know and love.”

20 podcasts selected by Apple for 20-year podcasting anniversary

Apple’s editorial teams for services are no strangers to making lists of favorites from over the years. Last year, for example, Apple Music picked its top 100 albums of all time.

Now it’s Apple Podcasts’ turn. As the company marks 20 years of podcasting by highlighting 20 shows.

Here’s the criteria used:

Since the medium came to iTunes in 2005, our team has dedicated countless hours to helping people discover new shows. To celebrate 20 years, here are 20 favorites that best exemplify how far podcasting has come—and where it can go in the next two decades.

This list is a love letter to the podcasts that left a lasting impact on us and the ones we continue to recommend again and again. They are shows with hosts that feel like friends, and shows that make us press play immediately on the latest episode to hear what happens next. These shows have measurably improved our lives and helped define this medium we know and love.

Each of the 20 shows includes its own editorial note explaining why it was selected.

Podcasts selected include titles like Serial, This American Life, and The Daily, with the most recent show premiere being Therapuss with Jake Shane from 2024.

You can browse the full list here on Apple’s dedicated website or find it inside the Apple Podcasts app, which can load the list in a web view.

What do you think of Apple Podcasts’ 20 selections? Let us know in the comments.