Apple Podcasts Crowns 'The Rest Is History' 2025 Show of the Year
London, UK , December 4, 2025 , In a significant moment for the global audio landscape, Apple Podcasts has announced its 2025 Show of the Year, bestowing the prestigious honor upon the critically acclaimed history podcast, "The Rest Is History." This award celebrates shows that not only achieve high production quality but also demonstrate a profound cultural impact, and this year, the spotlight shines brightly on a UK-based production.
A Landmark Achievement for UK Podcasting
"The Rest Is History," hosted by renowned historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first UK-based podcast to earn the coveted Apple Podcasts Award for Show of the Year. This recognition underscores the podcast's widespread appeal and its ability to transcend geographical boundaries, captivating a global audience.
Produced by Goalhanger, the series has consistently ranked among the top podcasts worldwide, a testament to its unique blend of deep historical expertise, engaging storytelling, and a distinct sense of humor. Holland and Sandbrook have masterfully brought to life pivotal moments in history, from the intricacies of the Roman Empire's rise and fall to the tragic narrative of the Titanic's sinking. Their approach makes complex historical subjects accessible and compelling for millions of listeners, a feat that Apple has lauded.
What Makes 'The Rest Is History' Stand Out
Oliver Schusser, Apple's vice president of Podcasts, Music, Sports, and Beats, highlighted the podcast's exceptional ability to engage a diverse audience. He noted that "The Rest Is History" does a "phenomenal job in taking a subject as vast as human history and captivating a global audience." According to Schusser, Holland and Sandbrook have created something truly special that exemplifies the best of podcasting: educational, humorous, and capable of fostering a strong sense of community.
Tony Pastor, co-founder of Goalhanger, expressed immense pride in the achievement, calling it an "incredible moment" and "richly deserved recognition" for the hosts. He emphasized the podcast's initial promise, describing it as a "master class in intelligent, witty, and deeply engaging storytelling." Pastor further stated that the award is proof of a "huge global appetite for long-form, high-quality content" and the undeniable chemistry shared by Holland and Sandbrook.
A Unique Approach to the Past
The success of "The Rest Is History" can be attributed to its distinctive methodology. As Dominic Sandbrook explained, the show deliberately avoids moralizing or judging the past. Instead, the hosts approach historical events with genuine enthusiasm, seeking to "enjoy it, to relish the madness, the bonkers-ness of people." This spirit of open-minded exploration, coupled with an embrace of the inherent humor found in human behavior, resonates deeply with listeners.
Tom Holland echoed this sentiment, pointing out the natural humor that emerges from historical narratives. "People are very funny. And we’re not afraid of that. When it emerges, we enjoy it, and I think that people who listen to the podcast enjoy it as well," he remarked. This unpretentious and entertaining style has allowed the podcast to connect with a broad demographic, making history feel less like a dry academic subject and more like an engaging narrative.
Implications for Content Creators and the Tech Industry
The recognition of "The Rest Is History" by Apple Podcasts carries significant implications for content creators and the broader tech industry, particularly within the audio space. It reinforces the value of high-quality, long-form content that prioritizes intellectual curiosity and engaging presentation. For tech professionals involved in platform development, content curation, and creator tools, this award highlights several key trends:
- The Power of Niche Expertise: While "The Rest Is History" covers a broad subject, the hosts' deep expertise is central to its appeal. This suggests that platforms should continue to support and promote niche content creators who can offer authoritative and passionate insights.
- The Demand for Authentic Engagement: The conversational and humorous style of Holland and Sandbrook, as acknowledged by Apple and the hosts themselves, demonstrates that authenticity and genuine connection with listeners are paramount. Creators who can foster this kind of rapport are likely to build loyal audiences.
- Global Reach Through Quality: The podcast's success as the first UK show to win this award underscores that compelling content, regardless of its origin, can achieve global traction. Tech platforms play a crucial role in facilitating this international discoverability.
- The Importance of Cross-Platform Synergy: Apple's celebration extends beyond the podcast itself, offering curated collections of books by the hosts on Apple Books, their favorite classical music on Apple Music Classical, and interviews on Apple News. This integrated approach showcases the potential for tech ecosystems to amplify content and create richer fan experiences, a strategy that other tech companies can emulate.
- Audience Community Building: Schusser's mention of fostering a "true sense of community" around the podcast is a vital takeaway. Platforms that provide tools for creators to interact with their audiences and for listeners to connect with each other can significantly enhance user engagement and retention.
A Glimpse Inside the Creator Conversation
To delve deeper into their success, Holland and Sandbrook participated in a special "Creator Conversation," available on Apple Podcasts for Creators. This session offered insights into their collaborative process, their relationship with their listeners, and their thoughts on receiving such a significant accolade.
When discussing their podcast's appeal, Sandbrook highlighted their commitment to an open and enthusiastic engagement with the past. Holland, in turn, emphasized their willingness to embrace and showcase the inherent humor in historical narratives. The hosts expressed profound gratitude for the award, with Holland noting it as the "biggest thrill imaginable" and a "cause for patriotic pride" as the first British podcast to receive the honor from Apple.
Further Engagement with 'The Rest Is History'
To commemorate this achievement, Apple is offering fans a more immersive experience with "The Rest Is History" across its services. Listeners can explore a curated selection of Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook's favorite history books available on Apple Books. Additionally, their preferred classical music selections can be found on Apple Music Classical, and a special interview with the hosts is featured on Apple News In Conversation. This multi-faceted approach allows fans to engage with the hosts' passion for history on various levels, demonstrating a sophisticated strategy for promoting and celebrating top-tier content within the Apple ecosystem.
The Apple Podcasts Show of the Year award for "The Rest Is History" signifies a maturing podcast industry where quality, cultural resonance, and authentic host-listener relationships are key drivers of success. It serves as an inspiration for aspiring podcasters and a strong indicator of the ongoing evolution of digital audio content and its integration within larger technology platforms.