Nothing makes a long commute or jog on the treadmill go by quicker than a gripping true crime podcast. If you love a good high-suspense tale full of bad faith, evil intentions, shocking evidence, and dirty deceit, you’ll love this list of the 13 Best True Crime Podcasts.
These days, there are podcasts on just about any topic you can think of. But, it seems, no genre has seen such explosive popularity as true crime in the podcasting world. Today there are hundreds of true crime podcasts — from those that cover a single case each episode to those that delve into a single story over a dozen or more episodes.
Some rely on investigative journalism to examine well-known cases, while others feature armchair detectives hoping to shed new light on cases that have been overlooked. One thing’s for certain, true crime podcasts, with their unique approach to storytelling, are here to stay.
Just like curling up with your favorite fantasy books or settling in for a rom-com movie-watching marathon, listening to true crime podcasts can be a great escape from the doldrums of everyday life. Plus they’re a great way to pass the time on a road trip. Here are 13 favorite true crime podcasts for your listening pleasure.
The Classics
These are the podcasts that true crime devotees know and love — the ones that got so many people hooked on true crime in the first place.
“The first crime podcast I ever listened to was ‘Serial.’ It was such a great deep dive into a case I knew nothing about that I knew I needed to find more shows to binge. From there I found my current favorites: ‘Morbid,’ ‘Crime Junkie,’ and ‘Murder With My Husband.’”
— Laura, Little House Big Alaska
Serial
This one is arguably the true crime podcast that started it all. It’s a multi-episode, deep dive through the evidence, the witnesses, and the theories surrounding the case of 19-year-old Hae Min Lee’s 1999 murder, for which her ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed, was already serving a prison sentence. Host Sarah Koenig led listeners on a journey through the case and asked, “Did Adnan do it?” In the end, listeners were still bitterly divided on the question of Adnan’s guilt or innocence, but they overwhelmingly agreed that they wanted more true crime listening.
Criminal
“Criminal” explores a wide range of crimes, from art theft to drug smuggling to unsolved murders. What sets this podcast apart is its focus on the human side of crime — host Phoebe Judge delves into the stories of both the victims and the perpetrators. It’s a thoughtful, well-researched podcast that will leave you with a deeper understanding of the world.
Crime Junkie
“Crime Junkie” covers a range of true crime stories, from cold cases to recent crimes, with a focus on lesser-known cases that haven’t received a lot of media attention. Each episode is well-researched and presented in a narrative storytelling format, with hosts Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat providing their insights and perspectives on the cases. With their gripping storytelling style, their podcast has become a go-to for true crime enthusiasts looking for their next fix.
“As a true crime podcast junkie, I’ve gotta go out on a limb here and make a bold claim — not all true crime podcasts are created equal. My top pick has got to be Court Junkie, which takes you through the crime, adding depth to the story by focusing on the details of the court proceedings.”
— Brooke Frederick, Minimalist Mama
The Comedians
Who says true crime has to be all doom and gloom? These podcasts bring a healthy dose of humor to the genre, making even the darkest cases a little bit lighter.
My Favorite Murder
Equal parts hilarious and gruesome, “My Favorite Murder” is hosted by comedians Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, who share their favorite true crime stories each episode. With a focus on lesser-known cases and a healthy dose of humor, this podcast is perfect for those who want to learn about the dark side of humanity without being scared sleepless.
True Crime Obsessed
“True Crime Obsessed” is a popular true crime comedy podcast with a twist. Rather than tackling cases head-on, hosts Patrick Hinds and Gillian Pensavale review and discuss documentaries that cover specific crimes. They inject humor and witty banter into their discussions, and they provide background information and additional context not necessarily included in the docs.
Wine & Crime
“Wine & Crime” combines, you guessed it, true crime with a love of wine. Each episode focuses on a different theme, from crimes committed in the name of love to cases involving cannibalism. The hosts have a great sense of humor and their chemistry is contagious.
The Deep Dives
For those who want to venture into the darkest corners of the criminal world, these podcasts offer in-depth looks into some of the most infamous cases in history. Pop some air fryer popcorn and fasten your seatbelt, because these podcasts will take you for a wild ride.
In the Dark
Investigative reporter Madeleine Baran takes a deep dive into the case of Jacob Wetterling, who was kidnapped in Minnesota in 1989 and was missing for 27 years. From Baran’s chilling retelling of the details of the case to how it led lawmakers to create the federal sex-offender registry, this podcast is more than just entertainment. Baran and her team uncovered new evidence in the case as they highlighted the systemic failures in the investigation that allowed the perpetrator to remain free for years.
Cold
“Cold” is an 18-episode podcast series exploring the 2009 disappearance (and presumed murder) of Susan Powell, a mother of two who vanished from her Utah home under suspicious circumstances. Over the course of 18 episodes, “Cold” delves into the complicated and tragic story of Susan’s life and her abusive relationship with her husband, Josh Powell. It examines not just the crime itself, but also the broader societal and cultural issues surrounding domestic violence, mental health, and the failings of the justice system.
In Your Own Back Yard
Musician-turned-podcaster Chris Lambert took up the decades-old case of Kristin Smart, a Cal-Poly student who disappeared in 1996. Lambert’s amateur sleuthing uncovered new information in the case, which had fallen dormant in the two decades since it happened. This prompted law enforcement to reexamine the case and further investigate fellow Cal-Poly student, Paul Flores, who was the only person ever considered “a person of interest” in the murder case.
Sweet Bobby
This 6-part investigative series explores an unimaginably sophisticated catfishing scheme that lasted for nearly a decade. You’ll be swept along through the tale of the 29-year-old Indian radio journalist as she is catfished by a person Kirat knew as a man named “Bobby.” Besides being a gripping tale, it exposes how social media can be used as a tool of control and abuse, and it will make you reconsider everything you thought you knew about the people you interact with online.
Gore-Free Listens
If you’re more interested in drama than murder, check out these podcasts that focus specifically on nonviolent crimes. Make sure you’re stocked up on snacks, because this genre is loaded with juicy stories you won’t be able to turn off.
Ear Hustle
“Ear Hustle” is produced by inmates at San Quentin State Prison in California, and it provides a unique perspective on life behind bars. The term “ear hustle” is prison slang for eavesdropping, and it’s an apt way to describe the show that gives us a glimpse behind the bars to see what life in a maximum-security prison is really like. Episodes focus on topics like cellmates, solitary confinement, gangs, love, depression, and finding meaning in life as an incarcerated person.
The Dream
“The Dream” investigates the world of multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes. The show’s in-depth reporting reveals the tactics used by MLM companies to exploit their customers and recruit new members.
Swindled
“Swindled” covers a variety of scams and frauds, from Ponzi schemes to internet romance scams. The show’s focus on the perpetrators of these crimes, rather than the victims, offers a unique perspective on the world of white-collar crime.
The Wrap UP
True crime podcasts offer a view into the darker side of humanity, a better understanding of the world we live in, and cautionary tales. But the real driver of their popularity lies in how they hook listeners with high-suspense stories people just can’t seem to get enough of.
Whether you’re looking for a classic podcast that covers the most famous cases in history or a comedy podcast that will make you laugh even as you shudder, there’s a true crime podcast out there for everyone. So grab your earbuds and dive into the world of true crime – just don’t blame us if you end up too scared to sleep at night.