On July 25, Joe Rogan’s podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience (JRE), was dethroned as the top podcast in the United States by former Fox News host and previous JRE guest, Tucker Carlson. Carlson’s show, The Tucker Carlson Show, surged to the number one spot on Spotify’s podcast charts, pushing Rogan’s long-reigning podcast to second place.
The Tucker Carlson Show made its debut on Spotify in December 2023, following Carlson’s departure from Fox News. He transitioned to creating content for his show on X, formerly known as Twitter. His podcast quickly gained popularity, featuring guests that sometimes overlapped with Rogan’s own roster. For example, Carlson has hosted UFC fighter Colby Covington and comedian Tim Dillon, both of whom have also appeared on JRE.
The catalyst for Carlson’s ascent to the top spot was his episode featuring former US Presidential candidate Ben Carson, uploaded on July 25. The popularity of this episode pushed The Tucker Carlson Show to the pinnacle of Spotify’s podcast rankings on the same day.
Interestingly, Rogan had hosted Tucker Carlson on his podcast back in April 2024. The two engaged in a lively three-hour conversation, reflecting the mutual influence and crossover appeal they share with their audiences. Despite this camaraderie, Carlson’s latest success marks a significant shift in the competitive podcast landscape.
This isn’t the first time Rogan’s podcast has been displaced from the number one position on Spotify. Over the years, several creators have temporarily claimed the top spot. In 2021, the It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia crew launched The Always Sunny Podcast, which provided insights into the making of the show’s episodes, and briefly overtook JRE. Similarly, in 2023, TikTok star Alix Earle’s Hot Mess podcast managed to climb to the top of the charts, dethroning Rogan’s podcast for a time.
Despite these occasional dips, The Joe Rogan Experience has consistently bounced back to reclaim its position as the leading podcast on Spotify. Rogan’s ability to engage in diverse and often controversial discussions with a wide range of guests has maintained his podcast’s appeal and dominance.
The rise of The Tucker Carlson Show highlights the dynamic nature of the podcast industry, where shifts in popularity can occur rapidly. Carlson’s ability to leverage his existing audience from his television days and attract new listeners with engaging content demonstrates the evolving landscape of media consumption. As the competition heats up, it remains to be seen whether Carlson can maintain his lead or if Rogan will reclaim the top spot once again.
As we look forward to the top podcasts of 2024, it will be interesting to see how other new and emerging podcasts will perform. The podcast industry remains highly competitive, with new shows constantly entering the arena and shaking up the rankings. The ongoing rivalry between Joe Rogan and Tucker Carlson on Spotify, along with the entry of fresh voices, ensures that listeners will have a wealth of content to choose from.
