50 Best True-Crime Podcasts You Need to Know

Discover binge-worthy true crime stories

Criminal


Criminal is definitely a bit more complex than you might think. It's as much about the people as the crime, and it works very well. This is a good example of just how good true crime can get.


Casefile


This is one of the big ones in the industry. It's got a unique hook and a good host, so you'll never feel let down. Give this one a try if you want to hear what everyone else is talking about.


A Killing on the Cape

Killing on the Cape has a great pedigree. From the same team that brings you ABC News and 20/20, this is one of the most professionally-done podcasts out there. It examines a single mystery, so you'll get a good chance to look closely at the investigation.


Someone Knows Something


This Canadian podcast takes a deep dive into one case each season. The materially is presented in a sensitive manner, but it's still quite dark. A good podcast for those who want deeper looks at singular crimes.


Up and Vanished


This one is about the disappearance of Tara Grinstead. A cold case that is in no danger of heating up, you'll hear about new information and get interviews with various people of interest. It's heartbreaking and intellectually stimulating at the same time.


Atlanta Monster


This one is all about the 1979–81 Atlanta Child Murders. A fantastic look at a dark era of the city's history, you'll want to listen to this all the way through. It's not pleasant, but it's worth learning about.


True Crime Garage


This interesting podcast marries true crime to beer. Hear about a murder and an unusual craft beer at the same time in this great show. Unlike the beers, you won't find this one to be an acquired taste.


Crimetown


This one is as much about the cities as the crimes committed within their borders. A great look at crimes within specific cities, you'll get a little history to go with your crimes. A must-listen for people who love to travel.


West Cork


Based around a 1996 Irish murder, the mystery here is brutal and the show pulls no punches. Presented in an audio-book format, the show flows incredibly well. One of the most professional true crime stories you'll find today.


Dirty John


Dirty John is as much a character study as a mystery. It's frightening to be sure, but hard not to be sucked into. You'll want to binge this one if you have a chance to do so.


Missing and Murdered: Finding Cleo


Based on the disappearance of a girl from a First Nations community, this one hits hard. It features a victim that's easy to care about, while still looking at a horrific crime. Not an easy listen, but definitely one that's worthwhile.


My Favorite Murder


While it's easy to get bogged down in the subject matter, this one is actually fun. It's a very conversational look at a murder a week, with most of the heavy lifting done by the hosts. Worth a listen if you need a lighter look at real crimes.


S-Town


It might be enough for some to know that this one is from the producers of Serial. Even if you're not a fan of the former podcast, this one is still worth a listen. A great story, it's also presented incredibly well.


In the Dark


This show takes a look at two unrelated crimes, one per season. You'll learn first about a kidnapping that changed the way that the nation looked at child safety and then about a man who has been tried six times for the same crime. Both topics are interesting and worth learning more about.


Accused


A close look at the 1978 murder of Elizabeth Andes, this one feels a lot like Serial. The crime itself is horrific, but the reporting is top-notch. A good deep dive into a single topic.


Death in Ice Valley


This BBC/Norway production is amazing. It's a good look at a crime you might not hear about in the US, which makes it even better for some. Definitely more than worth your time.


Last Podcast on the Left


This one is a long-runner and one any fan needs to hear. The discussions are great and the research is better, allowing you to take deep dives into the material. One of the best out there by far.


Sword and Scale


Sword and Scale makes use of things like 911 phone calls in its discussions, which really helps it to stand out. You'll feel like you're reading through the original documents, some of which are actually used on the show. Definitely a good podcast for the data-obsessed.


Serial


While it wasn't the first true crime podcast, this is the one that got most people hooked. If you don't know Serial yet, you need to stop what you're doing and go listen. You'll get just as hooked as the rest of the world did a few years back.


Wine and Crime


Sometimes it's nice to hear a lighter take on true crime. It's still full of information and factually accurate, but the take is definitely a little less heavy than most. This is a breath of fresh air in a very heavy genre.


What Did You Do?


A refreshing look at true crime, this is another podcast that covers crimes that you haven't heard of yet. This one is largely reliant on the chemistry of its hosts, which really stands out. You'll want to listen to this one more than once.


Serial Killers


The content here is exactly what you'd expect. There's plenty of information here about both serial killers and their crimes. Perhaps the scariest thing about the podcast, though, is how much information there is to cover.



Cults


Cults is an interesting take on its subject matter. While it hits the big cults exactly as you'd expect, it's just as thorough with the topics you know less about. This is true crime that's often light on murder, but it's often just as creepy.


Generation Why


This podcast tends to range a bit but always talks about true crime topics. It's an entertaining look at some of history's most heinous crimes and most famous killers. You'll learn quite a bit from this one.


The Mind of Madness


Have you ever wondered how the bad guys think? This podcast will give you some answers, even if you don't like what you hear. It's always interesting to look into the minds of those who commit these horrible crimes and this show presents the information quite grippingly.


True Crime Historian


This podcast takes a look at older cases, some of which are quite famous. It not only discusses the crimes, but it puts them into historical context. This is a great podcast for those who wonder why true crime matters.


Detective


A great look at true crime from the perspective of the detectives, this is a podcast with a very professional point of view. It's not always fun, but it is always very informative.


Court Junkie


If you're interested in courtroom drama, this one is for you. It focuses more on the legal process than the investigations, but it's still very interesting. A must for any court junkie.


The Vanished


The Vanished is a unique podcast. While a few others focus on missing persons, this one allows users to submit their own stories. It's not just one of the best podcasts - it's one that does an important service.

Curtain


Curtain is an Australian podcast with a singular focus. You could think of it as the Australian 'Serial', but with a greater emphasis on the racial issues of Australia. Give it a listen for a truly moving story.


Disgraceland


If you like your crime mixed with sex, drugs, and rock & roll, this is the podcast for you. It takes a look a the big crimes of the modern musical world, including a few that were never really solved.


Crime in Sports


Sports and crime tend to go together. You won't understand quite how well, though, until you listen to this podcast. If you want to hear about everything from the crimes of athletes to the process of fixing bouts, you'll have a great time listening to this show.


Hollywood and Crime


Definitely the best podcast for road trips if you love the glamor of old Hollywood, this podcast is one of the more glamorous that you'll find. Consider listening if you want to hear about the dirty deeds of the rich and famous, but be warned - it can make it hard to watch some older films in the same way that you've always enjoyed.


Swindled


Swindled takes a look at financial crimes. While this might not sound all that exciting, the podcast puts things in context so that even those without an economics degree can understand exactly what's going on. These crimes have changed the world, so it's a good idea to learn a bit more about them.


The Grift


If you want to learn more about heists and forgery, you won't beat this podcast. An exciting look into crimes of dishonesty, you'll learn more about faking it than you might ever expect. It's light on the murder, but it's definitely heavy on the drama.


Darknet Diaries


If you're into cybercrime, this is the podcast for you. A great look at the dark side of the web, this one will definitely keep you up at night. It might not have the murder angle, but you'll quickly find that the crimes committed with the help of technology can be just as scary as those committed in more traditional ways.


The Reveal


True crime is about more than just murder. If you're into learning about double-crosses and con men, this is the podcast for you. The podcast is actually hosted by real reporters and it's surprisingly family-friendly, so this is one that might qualify as a fun podcast for road trips.


Case Notes


True crime's history is amazing and covers many areas. This podcast takes a look at the major crimes in the world of music, including some of the most famous and infamous stories of all time. This is a great podcast for fans of historical mysteries and classical music alike.


Uncover: Escaping NXIVM


The sordid story of the NXIVM cult is still ongoing, so this is definitely the best crime podcast for those who want to keep up with the story. Full of twists and turns, it's a close look at a major scandal.


Actual Innocence


Actual Innocence is a podcast about the wrongly imprisoned. A close look at the stories of several cases of the wrongly-accused, it will help you to understand the plight of those who are in jail while still innocent. A must-listen for fans of true crime and definitely for fans of Serial.


Undisclosed


If you loved Serial, you'll love this podcast. It goes into even more depth about the case of Adnan Syed, following the developments that occurred after the original podcast went off the air. This is the spin-off of one of the top podcasts of all time, so give it a listen.


Most Notorious!


Most notorious spends less time discussing new crimes and more time talking to the people who have covered some of the most famous crimes in history. A great resource for those who want to get into the heads of various true crime authors, you'll want to listen to this one in order to get an expert opinion.

Crime Writers On...


Crime Writers On... is less a true crime podcast than a podcast about true crime podcasts. While it certainly touches on some very real issues, its' more of a discussion on the state of the genre than anything else. This is a great show to listen to get recommendations and to learn more about the genre as a whole.


Happy Face


Happy Face has a hook that's unlike any other true crime podcast. This one is hosted by the daughter of the notorious Happy Face Killer, taking a look at not only the impact of the man's murders on the families of his victims but also on his own family.


Unsolved Murder: True Crime Stories


Unsolved Murders are fertile ground for crime podcasts. Not only are there literally thousands of them, but the mystery gives the podcast quite the hook. As the name of this podcast would suggest, the show goes into detail discussion one of the many currently-unsolved murders in the US every week.


Crime Junkie


Crime Junkie is one of the best crime podcasts out there just from a standpoint of novelty. The podcast takes a look at a different crime every week, usually chosen from among those that are ignored or underreported. A great podcast with great hosts, it will draw you in fairly quickly.


Dr. Death


Malpractice is particularly frightening to anyone who has put his or her life in the hands of a doctor. This podcast takes that fear to the extreme, looking at a neurosurgeon who killed two patients and left dozens of others paralyzed.


Broken Harts


Broken Harts is a great podcast for those who want to figure out how the unthinkable could happen. Centered around the murder of six adopted children by their mother, this podcast digs into the truth behind the social media lies. It's a chilling tale not just of double-lives, but of the failings of a foster system that didn't protect its charges.



Real Crime Profile


This podcast really stands out because it comes from a place of true expertise. The podcast is hosted by a former behavioral analysis unit agent, which gives listeners a bit of an insight into how real professionals approach criminal topics. The podcast definitely gives an insider's look at some of the most dangerous people apprehended in modern history.


The Fall Line


The Fall Line is a podcast the focuses on crimes committed against marginalized groups. These are likely not the types of crimes that you've heard about on television before, so they'll present a view into a world that's new for many listeners. Definitely give this one a shot if you're looking to learn more about what goes on in the world that's just outside what's concentrated on by the papers.


Looking for more? Check out our other entertainment guides: