2025 has delivered an extraordinary year for podcasting, with producers pushing creative boundaries across every genre. From groundbreaking investigative journalism that rivals prestige television to intimate celebrity conversations and immersive audio dramas, this year’s standout shows represent the medium at its finest.
Our editorial team has listened to hundreds of new releases to curate this definitive list of the best podcasts of the year. We’ve prioritized shows that demonstrate exceptional storytelling, cultural impact, and production quality—these are the critically acclaimed series you won’t want to miss.
How We Chose the Best Podcasts of 2025
Our selection process combines rigorous editorial standards with cultural awareness. Each podcast on this list was evaluated based on:
Critical Reception & Awards: We prioritized shows that garnered industry recognition, including Pulitzer Prize nominations and major podcast awards, as well as those praised by leading critics and publications.
Storytelling Innovation: Format-busting narratives, brave investigative journalism, and fresh approaches to familiar genres earned top consideration.
Cultural Impact: Shows that sparked important conversations, reached beyond podcast enthusiasts, or provided essential perspectives on 2025’s defining moments.
Production Excellence: From sound design to host chemistry, we assessed technical quality and listener experience.
Editorial Expertise: Our team brings decades of combined experience covering audio storytelling, ensuring each recommendation reflects genuine editorial authority rather than algorithmic popularity alone.
The Top 10 Must-Listen Podcasts of 2025
1. Wisecrack
Why It’s a Top Pick
Wisecrack delivers the year’s most format-busting true crime experience, seamlessly blending standup comedy with gripping investigative journalism in a way that shouldn’t work—but absolutely does.
The Story & Host
This addictive series follows a comedian-turned-detective as they unravel a mystery that begins at the Edinburgh Festival and expands into something far darker. The show’s unique perspective transforms traditional true crime conventions into something genuinely fresh and mind-bending.
Perfect For Listeners Who Love
True crime with a twist, narrative innovation, shows that challenge genre expectations, investigative journalism with personality, cerebral storytelling that entertains.
Listen Here
- Apple Podcasts: Available now
- Spotify: Full series streaming
- Google Podcasts: Subscribe for weekly episodes
- Format: Limited series, 8 episodes
2. Missing in the Amazon
Why It’s a Top Pick
This meticulously researched investigative series from The Guardian represents journalism at its finest, combining in-depth reporting with deeply human storytelling about a disappearance that captivated global attention.
The Story & Host
Award-winning journalists piece together the complex circumstances surrounding a vanishing in one of Earth’s most unforgiving environments, balancing ecological context with intimate personal details.
Perfect For Listeners Who Love
Investigative journalism, international stories, environmental narratives, detailed reporting, shows similar to Serial, culturally significant true crime.
Listen Here
- The Guardian website: Free with registration
- Apple Podcasts: Available
- Spotify: Full series
- Format: 6-part limited series
3. Blood Relatives
Why It’s a Top Pick
This gripping examination of self-defense laws and familial violence stands out for its balanced, accessible approach to a legally and morally complex subject, earning widespread critical acclaim.
The Story & Host
Hosted by veteran legal journalists, the series explores cases at the intersection of family dynamics and the justice system, providing listeners with nuanced perspectives rarely found in true crime.
Perfect For Listeners Who Love
Legal investigations, thoughtful true crime analysis, social justice narratives, balanced reporting, shows that educate while entertaining.
Listen Here
- NPR: Free streaming
- Apple Podcasts: Subscribe now
- Spotify: Available
- Format: Weekly series, Season 1 complete (12 episodes)
4. Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky
Why It’s a Top Pick
Monica Lewinsky brings her unique perspective and warm interviewing style to intimate conversations with public figures who’ve faced scandal, redemption, and reinvention—creating the year’s most empathetic interview show.
The Story & Host
Each episode features Lewinsky in conversation with celebrities, activists, and cultural figures discussing resilience, public shaming, and personal transformation. Her credibility and vulnerability as a host create extraordinary candor.
Perfect For Listeners Who Love
Celebrity interviews, personal storytelling, cultural commentary, shows about redemption, intimate conversations, pop culture analysis with depth.
Listen Here
- Spotify: Exclusive content
- Video version: Available on YouTube
- Format: Ongoing weekly series
5. Flesh and Code
Why It’s a Top Pick
This groundbreaking narrative explores AI relationships and digital intimacy with surprising emotional depth, making it one of 2025’s most culturally prescient and discussion-worthy series.
The Story & Host
Through a blend of personal narrative and expert interviews, the show examines our evolving relationship with artificial intelligence in ways that feel both immediate and eerily futuristic.
Perfect For Listeners Who Love
Technology and society, speculative narratives, cultural psychology, innovative storytelling, shows that predict where we’re heading.
Listen Here
- Audible: Original exclusive
- Format: 7-part limited series
- Note: Requires Audible subscription
6. Ill-advised by Bill Nighy
Why It’s a Top Pick
Beloved actor Bill Nighy brings his distinctive charm to this delightful series where he offers deliberately terrible advice with perfect comedic timing—it’s the year’s most unexpectedly addictive comedy podcast.
The Story & Host
Nighy’s understated delivery transforms absurd guidance into pure entertainment, with celebrity guests playing along brilliantly in this warmly funny format.
Perfect For Listeners Who Love
Comedy podcasts, British humor, celebrity personalities, light entertainment, shows for commuting, accessible comedy.
Listen Here
- BBC Sounds: Available now
- Apple Podcasts: Subscribe
- Spotify: Streaming
- Format: Half-hour episodes, weekly
7. Fela Kuti: Fear No Man
Why It’s a Top Pick
This immersive biographical series on the legendary Afrobeat pioneer is both a masterclass in music history and a powerful exploration of artistic courage, earning universal critical acclaim.
The Story & Host
Combining archival audio, expert interviews, and Fela’s own music, the series brings the revolutionary musician’s story to vivid life while exploring his lasting cultural impact.
Perfect For Listeners Who Love
Music history, biographical deep dives, cultural documentaries, world music, stories about artistic resistance.
Listen Here
- Apple Podcasts: Available
- Spotify: Full series
- Audible: High-quality audio
- Format: 6-part limited series
8. Good Hang with Amy Poehler
Why It’s a Top Pick
Amy Poehler’s natural warmth and curiosity make this the year’s most genuinely enjoyable celebrity interview podcast, where conversations feel less like promotion and more like eavesdropping on friends.
The Story & Host
Poehler invites comedians, actors, and creatives for extended, free-flowing conversations that prioritize connection over soundbites, resulting in surprisingly revealing moments.
Perfect For Listeners Who Love
Comedy interviews, relaxed conversations, celebrity culture, shows with heart, entertainment industry insights.
Listen Here
- Apple Podcasts: Subscribe now
- Spotify: Weekly episodes
- Video podcast: Available on YouTube
- Format: Hour-long weekly episodes
9. Allison After NXIVM
Why It’s a Top Pick
This brave and detailed examination of cult deprogramming through the story of actress Allison Mack represents some of the year’s most important investigative journalism, handled with remarkable sensitivity.
The Story & Host
Journalists Susan Burton and team navigate complex psychological territory, providing insight into how intelligent people get drawn into destructive organizations and the difficult path to recovery.
Perfect For Listeners Who Love
Investigative journalism, psychological narratives, cult stories, thoughtful true crime, shows about human behavior.
Listen Here
- The New Yorker: Free with subscription
- Apple Podcasts: Available
- Spotify: Full series
- Format: 5-part limited series
10. Jerry Springer: Final Thoughts
Why It’s a Top Pick
This surprisingly moving tribute reexamines the controversial host’s legacy with nuance and depth, offering fresh perspective on a cultural phenomenon that defined a television era.
The Story & Host
Through archival interviews and conversations with those who knew him, the series balances criticism with genuine appreciation, creating a complex portrait.
Perfect For Listeners Who Love
Pop culture history, biographical narratives, cultural commentary, shows about television, nostalgic deep dives.
Listen Here
- Audible: Exclusive original
- Format: 4-part limited series
- Note: Requires Audible subscription
More Outstanding Podcasts by Genre (2025)
Best Investigative & True Crime Podcasts
The Retrievals: A meticulously reported investigation into medical ethics and institutional failure that rivals the best investigative journalism across any medium.
- Listen on: Serial Productions, NYT Audio
Camp Swamp Road: Exploring the Satanic panic through a modern lens, this series uncovers how moral hysteria shapes communities with chilling relevance to current events.
- Listen on: CBC Podcasts, Apple Podcasts
Best Celebrity Interview & Culture Podcasts
Cannonball: Fresh voices bring energetic cultural analysis to this fast-paced show about what’s shaping Gen Z perspectives.
- Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Ronan Farrow’s Narrative Series: The Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist brings his investigative rigor to longform audio storytelling.
- Listen on: The New Yorker, podcast apps
Best Narrative & Fiction Series
Havoc Town: This immersive fiction podcast creates an addictive world with compelling characters and cinematic sound design.
- Listen on: Audible Original
You Feeling This?: For horror fans, this series delivers genuinely scary storytelling with exceptional voice acting.
- Listen on: QCode, Apple Podcasts
Best Music & History Deep Dives
The Rise and Fall of Indie Sleaze: A nostalgic yet critical examination of 2000s hipster culture that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.
- Listen on: Spotify, podcast platforms
How to Find and Listen to These Podcasts
Popular Podcast Platforms & Apps
Apple Podcasts: The largest podcast directory with seamless iOS integration. Free to use, supports subscriptions for premium content, and offers excellent discovery features.
Spotify: Combines music and podcasts with exclusive shows and video podcast support. Free tier available, premium removes ads from Spotify originals.
Google Podcasts: Simple, free platform with strong Android integration and automatic syncing across devices.
Overcast: Premium iOS app favored by podcast enthusiasts for Smart Speed, Voice Boost, and superior playlist features.
Audible: Amazon’s platform for exclusive podcast originals and audiobooks. Requires subscription but offers high production value content.
Understanding Podcast Formats
Free Shows: Most podcasts are completely free and supported by advertising. Simply subscribe through any podcast app.
Subscription Models: Platforms like Spotify Premium and Apple Podcasts+ offer ad-free listening and exclusive content for monthly fees.
Exclusive Content: Shows on Audible, Luminary, or other premium platforms require platform-specific subscriptions.
Video Podcasts: Many shows now offer video versions on YouTube, allowing you to watch while you listen.
Offline Listening: All major apps let you download episodes for offline playback—perfect for commutes and travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the best podcast overall in 2025?
Wisecrack takes our top spot for its innovative format and exceptional storytelling. It successfully merges comedy with true crime investigation in a way that feels genuinely fresh while maintaining journalistic integrity. However, “best” is subjective—if you prefer investigative journalism, Missing in the Amazon might be your winner; interview fans should start with Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky.
Are these podcasts free to listen to?
Most podcasts on this list are free and available on major platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. However, some are exclusive to paid services: Jerry Springer: Final Thoughts and Havoc Town require Audible subscriptions, while Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky has Spotify-exclusive episodes. The New Yorker content may require a publication subscription for full access.
I love Serial, what 2025 podcast is similar?
Try Missing in the Amazon or Blood Relatives. Both share Serial’s commitment to thorough investigative journalism and compelling narrative structure. The Retrievals also delivers that same level of detailed reporting with a focus on institutional accountability. All three will satisfy fans of thoughtful, well-researched true crime.
Which 2025 podcast is best for a long drive?
For maximum engagement during long drives, we recommend immersive narrative series like Wisecrack, Missing in the Amazon, or Fela Kuti: Fear No Man. These are bingeable, story-driven podcasts with episode lengths (30-60 minutes) perfect for extended listening. Their compelling narratives will keep you engaged without requiring intense concentration.
Where can I find podcasts from previous years?
Check our archives for “Best Podcasts of 2024” and earlier years. Most podcast platforms maintain complete back catalogs, so you can explore award-winning shows from any year. Many of the best podcasts remain timeless—don’t hesitate to dive into acclaimed series from 2023 or 2024 if you’ve missed them.
Conclusion
2025 has proven to be a landmark year for podcasting, with creators across genres delivering groundbreaking storytelling that rivals any entertainment medium. From the investigative depth of Missing in the Amazon to the innovative format of Wisecrack, these shows demonstrate how podcasts continue to evolve and captivate audiences worldwide.
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John Authers is a seasoned and respected writer whose work reflects the tone, clarity, and emotional intelligence that readers value in 2025. His writing blends deep insight with a natural, human voice—making complex ideas feel relatable and engaging. Every piece he crafts feels thoughtful, original, and genuinely worth reading.