Ranked · Culture
Best history podcasts
The ten best history podcasts to listen to in 2026, from Hardcore History and The Rest Is History to Revolutions and In Our Time, with style and who each suits.
Bitezine Editorial TeamRankings, reviews & guides 9 min read
AI generatedThe best history podcasts turn the past into gripping stories you can enjoy on a commute, a run or a long drive. The ten shows below cover everything from ancient empires and medieval Byzantium to the great revolutions of the modern world, and they range from long form history podcasts to quick, funny history podcasts.
We compared podcast charts, critics' recommendations and listener rankings, and chose history podcasts in 2026 that are well researched, well presented and easy to find on major podcast apps. We looked for variety in format, from a single storyteller to conversations between historians, and we note which shows have a finished back catalogue you can work through from the start.
At a glance
#1 · Best for Long drives and deep dives
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History
The king of long-form history
Dan Carlin tells big stories in episodes that can last several hours, often spread across multi-part series such as Blueprint for Armageddon on the First World War and Wrath of the Khans on the Mongols. His dramatic, questioning style makes distant events feel close. New episodes are rare but very ambitious.
- Multi-hour episodes
- Multi-part epic series
- Recent episodes free, back catalogue for sale
- Gripping storytelling
- Host
- Dan Carlin
- Format
- Long-form narrative
- Episode length
- Often several hours
#2 · Best for Regular listening
The Rest Is History
Two historians, endless curiosity
Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook talk through everything from ancient empires to 20th-century politics, often in multi-part series. The chemistry between the two hosts makes serious history fun. Frequent new episodes make it an easy weekly habit, and a paid club offers extras.
- Two expert hosts
- Frequent new episodes
- Popular multi-part series
- Optional club membership
- Hosts
- Tom Holland, Dominic Sandbrook
- Format
- Conversation
- Producer
- Goalhanger
#3 · Best for Politics and modern history fans
Revolutions
The great revolutions, told in depth
Mike Duncan, creator of The History of Rome, works through the revolutions that shaped the modern world, including the English, American, French, Haitian and Russian revolutions. Each season is a detailed, well-paced narrative. With more than 350 episodes, it is a huge resource that still feels easy to follow.
- Season-by-season narratives
- Clear, calm delivery
- More than 350 episodes
- By the host of The History of Rome
- Host
- Mike Duncan
- Format
- Narrative series
- Focus
- Modern political revolutions
#4 · Best for Fans of Hardcore History
Fall of Civilizations
Atmospheric stories of collapse
Paul M. M. Cooper explores how societies fell, from Rome and the Bronze Age to the Maya and the medieval Majapahit Empire. Episodes are long and carefully produced, with readings and music, and video versions appear on YouTube. It feels closer to an audio documentary than a chat show.
- Long, documentary-style episodes
- Readings and sound design
- Video versions on YouTube
- Wide range of civilisations
- Host
- Paul M. M. Cooper
- Format
- Narrative documentary
- Focus
- Collapse of societies
#5 · Best for Lifelong learners
In Our Time
A weekly seminar with experts
This BBC Radio 4 programme brings three academics together to discuss a single subject, from a historical event to a scientific idea or a work of literature. Misha Glenny now presents the show, after Melvyn Bragg's long run as host. Its archive of more than a thousand episodes is a treasure for curious listeners.
- Three expert guests per episode
- Huge back catalogue
- History, science and ideas
- BBC Radio 4 production
- Host
- Misha Glenny
- Format
- Expert discussion
- Broadcaster
- BBC Radio 4
#6 · Best for Beginners who want laughs
You're Dead to Me
The comedy podcast that takes history seriously
Greg Jenner pairs a historian with a comedian in each episode to explore a person, place or period. The result is funny and full of solid facts, and it covers topics from around the world rather than just British history. It is a great entry point for newcomers and families.
- Historian and comedian guests
- Funny but well researched
- Global range of topics
- Self-contained episodes
- Host
- Greg Jenner
- Format
- Comedy and conversation
- Broadcaster
- BBC Radio 4
#7 · Best for Curious commuters
Stuff You Missed in History Class
Lesser-known stories, well told
Hosts Holly Frey and Tracy V. Wilson dig into overlooked people and events, from forgotten inventors to unusual court cases. Episodes are well researched, list their sources and are a manageable length. The show has built a large archive over many years.
- Overlooked people and events
- Two friendly hosts
- Sources listed
- Large archive
- Hosts
- Holly Frey, Tracy V. Wilson
- Format
- Conversational narrative
- Network
- iHeartPodcasts
#8 · Best for Keen readers of history
HistoryExtra Podcast
Interviews with leading historians
The podcast from the team behind BBC History Magazine interviews historians and authors about their research. Topics range from ancient Egypt to the Second World War, and themed series offer structured introductions. New episodes arrive often.
- Interviews with historians
- Themed series
- Frequent new episodes
- Linked to a history magazine
- Publisher
- HistoryExtra
- Format
- Interviews
- Focus
- All periods
#9 · Best for Language lovers
The History of English Podcast
How the English language grew
Kevin Stroud traces English from its ancient roots through the Middle Ages to the early modern period, mixing linguistics with political and social history. Episodes explain where everyday words and sounds come from. The long-running series goes into remarkable detail.
- Language and history combined
- Origins of everyday words
- Chronological narrative
- Long-running series
- Host
- Kevin Stroud
- Format
- Narrative series
- Focus
- History of the English language
#10 · Best for Binge-listening from the start
The History of Byzantium
The Roman Empire's second act, complete
Robin Pierson tells the story of the Eastern Roman Empire from 476 to the fall of Constantinople in 1453. The series finished in 2026 with its 355th episode, so you can listen to the whole saga from start to finish. It is an ideal follow-on after The History of Rome.
- Complete series
- Covers 476 to 1453
- Chronological storytelling
- Maps and bibliography online
- Host
- Robin Pierson
- Format
- Narrative series
- Status
- Complete (355 episodes)
How to choose
Pick a format first. If you like one strong narrator, choose a narrative history podcast such as Revolutions, Fall of Civilizations or The History of Byzantium. If you prefer conversation, The Rest Is History and In Our Time bring together hosts and experts, and You're Dead to Me mixes comedy with scholarship. For best history podcasts for beginners, short and lively episodes are the easiest start.
Then think about time. Hardcore History episodes can run for several hours, which suits long drives, while Stuff You Missed in History Class and History Extra are shorter. Most of these are free history podcasts, though some offer extra episodes or early access through paid memberships, and Dan Carlin sells older Hardcore History episodes on his website. If you enjoy one show, look for history podcasts like Hardcore History in our list, such as Fall of Civilizations, which share its long, immersive style.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best history podcast?
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Dan Carlin's Hardcore History and The Rest Is History are the two shows most often named. Hardcore History offers long, immersive episodes, while The Rest Is History releases conversational episodes regularly and covers a huge range of topics.
What is a good history podcast for beginners?
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You're Dead to Me and Stuff You Missed in History Class are good starting points because the episodes are self-contained and easy to follow. The Rest Is History is also approachable and entertaining.
Are Hardcore History episodes free?
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Recent episodes are free on podcast apps. Older episodes are sold on Dan Carlin's website, individually or as a collection.
Who hosts The Rest Is History?
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The Rest Is History is hosted by historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook. It also offers a paid club membership with extra content.
What is the best podcast about ancient Rome?
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Mike Duncan's The History of Rome is a classic for Roman history, and The History of Byzantium picks up the story of the Eastern Roman Empire from 476 to 1453. The Rest Is History and Hardcore History also have popular series on Rome.
Who hosts In Our Time now?
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Misha Glenny now presents In Our Time on BBC Radio 4, after Melvyn Bragg hosted the programme for more than 25 years. The show's large archive covers history, philosophy, science and culture.
Which history podcasts have finished?
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The History of Byzantium ended in 2026 after 355 episodes, and Mike Duncan's The History of Rome is also complete. Finished series are ideal if you like to listen from the beginning without waiting for new episodes.
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History remains the benchmark for immersive storytelling, and The Rest Is History is the best choice if you want a regular, entertaining habit. Try an episode or two from several shows here, then subscribe to the ones that fit your listening time and your favourite periods.
How we research: We compare each product on the same criteria, using makers’ documentation, independent reviews and owner feedback, and re-check the list when products change.
Written by
Bitezine Editorial Team
Rankings, reviews & guides
Our editors research every piece from makers’ documentation, independent tests and owner reports, and update it when products change.
