The 15 Most Popular Podcasts in the UK
The UK’s podcast landscape is buzzing as the top 15 shows continue to dominate ears nationwide, according to Edison Research’s Q1 2025 data. Here's a look at them, what makes each shine and why you’ll want to give them a listen:
1. The Joe Rogan Experience
The global behemoth: long-form interviews with everyone from Elon Musk to sports stars. It remains firmly at #1 in the UK, with around 14.5 million Spotify followers.
2. The Rest Is Politics
Hosted by Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell, this centrist political duo has surpassed 100 million downloads. Sharp, engaging dialogue keeps them firmly at #2.
3. The Diary of a CEO (Steven Bartlett)
Bartlett’s candid entrepreneur interviews have vaulted to #3, with 10.3 million YouTube subscribers and exceptional engagement.
4. The Rest Is History
Historian duo Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook combine wit and depth—11 million downloads a month, landing them at #4.
5. That Peter Crouch Podcast
A unique blend of sport, humour and insight breaks into the top five (#5) with loyal football audiences.
6. Saving Grace
A rising star at #6, an irreverent comedy podcast earning serious fan love.
7. The Rest Is Football
From the makers of Politics and History, football fans are tuning in for this insightful breakdown (@#7) .
8. Off Menu with Ed Gamble & James Acaster
Comedy meets food with 120 million+ downloads—this warm, foodie gem is at #8.
9. The Rest Is Entertainment
A newcomer to the top ten (#9) from Goalhanger, dissecting TV and film with flair.
10. Newscast
BBC’s flagship news podcast, reliable and in-depth, sits snugly at #10.
🎙️ Honorable Mentions: 11–15
-
The Archers(#11): A popular drama podcast that has made its debut in the top 20
- The News Agents (#12): Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel & Lewis Goodall, with over 100 million downloads
- Shagged Married Annoyed (#13): Chris & Rosie Ramsey’s candid comedy has 170+ million downloads
- Crime Junkie (#14): A US crossover hit in the UK true-crime boom.
- The Therapy Crouch (#15): Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy’s engaging relationship podcast
🎯 Why These Podcasts Capture Our Ears
- Star-quality hosts - From Steven Bartlett’s candour to Rogan’s curiosity, recognisable figures lead the way.
- Diverse genres - Politics, crime, comedy, business, sport… there’s something for every taste.
- Deep listener connection - Long-form builds intimacy; live spin-offs add community; big-name guests add appeal.
And Here’s Where We Come In…
We’re just starting our own podcast—but why should you follow us now? Because we believe in curating conversations that matter, mixing insight with humour, knowledge with honesty. We study the best so we can bring you fresh voices, undiscovered stories and content that resonates!
So, whether you love the intensity of Rogan’s long-form deep dives, the clever banter of The Rest Is Comedy shows, or the heartfelt honesty of The Diary of a CEO, follow us now to see where we’ll take things next.
👉 Follow our journey, be among the first to discover our guests, ideas and unique style. We’re learning from the top, so together we can create something unforgettable!
