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True crime dukes it out with comedy as the most popular podcast genre.
Listen to a true crime podcast and it's not hard to work out why. These are mystery stories of real-life events, where we often get to hear first-party accounts from those involved at the time.
They can offer a look into the wider human psyche, and act as an intricate puzzle for you to get your head around, episode by episode.
In more recent years there's been something of a true crime backlash surrounding the ethics of the true crime genre, charging it with glamourising horrific crimes. We tend to think this becomes more of an issue in televisual true crime rather than the podcast form, though, which can often border on straight documentary with a little added personality.
So whether you want something a little more light hearted (like something off our best crime dramas list), investigations into murderous surgeons, or in-depth looks at cold cases, this is a breakdown of the very best true crime podcasts available right now.
Just maybe check the backseat of your car before hitting play? Just to be safe.
Best true crime podcasts
at bit.lyThe beginning of our current true crime podcast epidemic, the first season of Serial is the gold standard against which we now measure other documentaries. Presented by Sarah Koenig, Serial is an investigation into the murder of teenager Hae Min Lee in 1999. Adnan Syed, the man convicted of her murder protests his innocence throughout the episodes and Koenig’s breakdown of the case is a compelling listen as she looks at evidence and speaks to witnesses. There’s no easy or right answers here but Serial definitely asks some of the right questions.Recent events surrounding the case mean that this one is as compelling as ever - and it's one true crime podcast that now has a conclusion
at open.spotify.comThis podcast from the Times is an eight-part series and something a little different. It tells the story of John Cantlie, a photojournalist kidnapped by the Islamic State in Syria. While fellow hostages were released, or murdered horrifically, John not only survived, but went on to release a series of videos, effectively Isis propaganda, seemingly in support of his captors. And then... he disapeared. War correspondent Anthony Loyd sets out to find out what happened to John, the missing hostage. It's a thrilling story - Loyd's own kidnap in Syria, detailed in episode 4, might just be one of the most thrilling podcast episodes we've ever heard - and well worth your time.
at bit.lyIs there a more relaxing voice in podcasting than the tones of Criminal presenter Phoebe Judge? Regardless of your feelings on ASMR, this is a must-listen for those after true crime stories a little different to the endless serial killer yarns. These individual concise episodes cover everything from the benefits of botany in forensic pathology to counterfeit money, and research into shark repellent. These voices are guaranteed to deliver you stories you never knew you needed.
at bit.lyIt’s time to feel really guilty for laughing about truly terrible things. Literally hundreds of episodes of The Last Podcast on the Left await you. This is where Ben Kissel, Marcus Parks, and comedian Henry Zebrowski break down everything awful about the world. From serial killers and cults to UFOs and the paranormal, prepare for this trio to educate you on the very worst of humanity and giggle about it at the same time. Hey, if you don’t laugh, you’ll definitely cry.
at bit.lyTo Live and Die in LA is also set to become a contemporary classic, focusing on an aspiring actress who vanished from her Hollywood apartment, Rolling Stone journalist Neil Strauss was asked to help the family get answers, resulting in this ongoing podcast series.Season two focuses on another shocking disappearance, which took place near the home of Strauss.
at bit.lyIt’s important to go into some documentaries “cold”, which might be hard for this one as it has recently been in the news. But this is definitely the case with Hedley Thomas’s investigation into the disappearance of young mother Lynette Dawson, in Australia during 1982. Yes, “disappearance” should definitely be in italics. This multi-part series is a truly gut-wrenching listen. Lynette’s family and friends talk about her relationship with her famous rugby player husband, and the fact that he moved his 16-year-old lover into the family home days after Lynette went missing. Yep, there’s your hook. Go fish.Recent events mean that once you have listened to this, head straight to its companion podcast, The Teacher's Trial.
at bit.lyUnless you fancy feeling seriously light headed on your commute, be careful about when you listen to Dr. Death’s graphic descriptions of surgical malpractice. Wondery’s investigation into (thankfully) now imprisoned US neurosurgeon Doctor Christopher Duntsch is a truly horrifying listen. Our naive trust in those who call themselves professionals makes this podcast more disturbing. Medical journalist Laura Beil dissects Duntsch’s appalling treatments and speaks to the luckier of his victims.
at bit.lyCold cases are fascinating and frustrating. These are murders and crimes without that all-important finale or true sense of justice. David Rigden’s Someone Knows Something delves into one case a season - it's now into its seventh season - bringing together the painful stories of those directly affected, be they suspects, family members or just passers-by who found themselves witness to a crime. These stories are often heartbreaking but make essential listening as each story gradually unravels, letting you draw your own conclusions.
at bit.lyAn investigative true crime podcast for those who like nothing more than to delve into the unknown, Up and Vanished is hosted by Atlanta filmmaker Payne Lindsey and the show has also made its way to TV. The podcast features ongoing updates about featured stories and a host of intriguing (and often confusing) twists and turns. Each series focuses on a new case, so great for those who love to follow a story through to the end chronologically.
at open.spotify.comWe'd be remiss if we didn't incude In the Dark in this list. Not only a recipient of two Peabody Awards, but a podcast that had a real impact. There are two core series (plus a Coronavirus special). The first covers the kidnap and murder of eleven year old Jacob Wetterling, and the second series covers the case of Curtis Flowers who was accused of shooting four people in a furniture store in 1996. Both are good, but it's the second series that had the biggest impact, as the podcast was credited with turning the case around.
at podcasts.apple.comThis excellent pod tells the story of radio presenter Kirat, who is contacted by a man she has a vague connection to online called Bobby. Over time, they grow closer and begin a relationship. But, as you might expect, all is not what it seems and soon Kirat finds herself embroiled in a scam of epic proportions. It's a truly shocking tale, and a live investigation through its six episodes, that will have you hooked from the very start.
at podcasts.apple.comOne of the core crime podcasts that any self-respecting crime fan should consider listening to, Root of Evil delves into one US family's dark past to discover sinister secrets and the link to the infamous 1926 Black Dahlia murder. Narrated by the descendants of the perpetrator, this is a truly grippin series worth listening to.
at bit.lyCovering all manner of macabre matters, RedHanded is hosted by co-presenters Suruthi and Hannah who take a deep-dive into some pretty intriguing cases. From internationally famous serial killers to disturbing mysteries of the paranormal kin, this series is a mixture of true crime and a plethora of creepy events. If you're after a scare (or three) then this might well be the podcast for you.
at podcasts.apple.comIf you want to try a true crime podcast with a rather different, and singular, presentation style, give Swindled a go. It is hosted by a mysterious host who goes by the monicker "a concerned citizen." This may all come across a bit self-serious at first, but the episodes are well-written, and you fast discover there's a seam of dark humour than runs through the entire show. Each episode covers a different case, and is presented as a monologue — this is a lean show, not one that drags out cases to the point they snap.
at bit.lyBringing in the legitimate professional opinions, Real Crime Profile is presented by criminal behavioural analyst Laura Richards, retired FBI profiler Jim Clemente, and the casting director of Criminal Minds, Lisa Zambetti. What’s so attractive here is not just the brains at work but that the trio takes the time to talk in-depth around the topics surrounding series such as Evil Genius and Making A Murderer. Clemente and Richards bring intelligent and, most importantly, accessible voices to the fray.
at open.spotify.comThis stunning true crime podcast begins with a letter that lands on the desk of a councillor in Birmingham, laying out a plot by Islamic extremist to infiltrate the region's schools. UK readers may well remember the resulting fallout - and the many front page news stories that followed. But who wrote the letter, and why? Rookie reporter Hamza Syed, teams up with S-Town's Brian Reed to find out, in an eightepisode podcast that asks tough questions of those in power, and has plenty to say about journalism too. It's a brilliant listen and highly recommended.
at open.spotify.comJoin Jamie Bartlett for this BBC podcast into the whereabouts of Dr Ruja Ignatova, creator of One Coin - the biggest crypto scam the world has ever seen. What's great about this podcast is that we get to hear the stories of those effected by the scam alongside the investigation into Ignatova's whereabouts. The show originally launched back in late 2019, with eight fantastic episodes, and there were a few updates on the case in 2020, but it looks like we're being treated to a new series in September of this year (2022). And don't worry - if you don't know there first thing about the blockchain, the pod does a great job of explaining just enough so you understand what's going on, without sending you off to sleep.
at open.spotify.comTrue crime is a broad and bloody church, so we think this qualifies. Missed Fortune tells the story of a treasure hunter, Darell Seyler, who sets out to find a chest of gold, sapphires and rubies buried in the Rocky Mountains by dubious American 'historian' Forrest Fenn. The chest is real, and so are the dangers that Darell must face. People are arrested, and quite a few meet an unfortunate end up in the mountains, in this real life treasure hunt that turns lives upside down.
at podcasts.apple.comdone with the classic murder investigation true crime style.
at bit.lySure, non true crime fans might sit slightly further away when you tell them My Favourite Murder is the name of your favourite podcast. But that’s no reason ban Georgia Hardstark and Karen Kilgariff from your ears. The pair bring some much needed humour and light into the darkness of the subject as they each choose a new crime tale to discuss each week. Frank mental health discussions, listener ‘Hometown’ tales, and an obsession with a Siamese cat called Elvis mean you’ll be a Murderino in no time.
at bbc.co.ukA story that has since been made into a TV show, Inventing Anna on Netflix, Fake Heiress is a BBC production that digs into the live of Anne Delvey. She claimed to be a rich heiress, using a grand, fictional backstory to con companies and supposed friends alike. It’s a tale that makes you marvel at what people with apparently no sense of shame of personal responsibility can get away with. Compulsive stuff.
at open.spotify.comYou may know the story behind the death Azaria Chamerlain, the nine month old baby who was taken and killed by a dingo in Uluru, Australia in 1980. But believe us when we say there's a lot more to it than you might think, and once you've listened to this excellent series, you'll never think about the case in the same way again. The full story is way more shocking than we imagined and the treatment of Azaria's mother in particular is cruel beyond belief. Given the case is something of a cultural touchstone – with dingo's eating babies a punchline in Seinfeld, The Simpsons, Family Guy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer – it's worth downloading this one to get the truth behind the bad tastes jokes.
at AudibleWest Cork was originally an Audible Original, meaning it’s included in Amazon’s Audiobook service subscription but nowhere else but now you can get the show elsewhere. And you should seek it out as this multi-part investigation into the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier in a sleepy village in Ireland is enthralling. West Cork has remarkable access to those in the area, still clearly affected by the unsolved case, 20 years on. With one of those voices the main suspect, there are more surprise reveals here than any crime novel.
Additional reporting: Paul Cunliffe
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