True Crime is among the top 5 types of podcasts, and it’s easy to see why. People have always been fascinated with mysteries and crime stories. While true crime shows on TV are still popular, podcasts offer a way to enjoy these stories on the go.
If you love true crime, you’re in luck! Here’s a list of true crime podcasts perfect for any mystery lover. They’re great for listening to whether you’re traveling, relaxing at home, or looking for something intriguing.
48 Top True Crime Podcasts You Should Listen to in 2024
Crime Junkie
Best friends Ashley and Brit have been obsessed with true crime their whole lives, enter Crime Junkie. This weekly podcast features a new story each week, with some of the more complicated cases getting a two-part episode.
There are different types of stories they cover such as ‘murdered’, ‘missing’, ‘mysterious death of’ and updates on previous cases.
The cases talked about on the show are usually cold cases that are yet to be solved. At the end of the episodes, the hosts encourage listeners to come forward and contact the proper authorities with any information regarding the cases they feature.
Apart from true crime, the hosts also advocate for mental health and women’s rights and talk about their beloved pets.
Super fans or ‘Crime Junkies’ can sign up to receive extra content, remove ads and get a first look at some of the upcoming cases.
What is the #1 true crime podcast?
The number 1 True Crime podcast currently is Crime Junkie. This was named no 1 in the 2024 Spotify True Crime Podcast chart list. Source.
My Favorite Murder
The record-breaking podcast My Favorite Murder has a catchy tagline, ‘Stay Sexy And Don’t Get Murdered,’ created by hosts Karen and Georgia. True crime fans can tune in bi-weekly to listen to the hosts tell different stories of crime and murder.
It’s not all doom and gloom with the pair as they add hilarious anecdotes from their lives into their show, along with some strong language and witty banter.
Minisodes are featured weekly, in which Karen and Georgia read bizarre and chilling stories emailed in from fans about occurrences that happened in their hometowns.
These range from funny stories of lax parenting in the 80s to their parents working with Ted Bundy. The minisodes are short and sweet but are guaranteed to leave you laughing.
The hosts refer to their listeners and fans as’ Murderinos. ‘ Merchandise, live tours, and various spin-off podcasts testify to the show’s popularity and success.
https://www.audible.com/pd/My-Favorite-Murder-with-Karen-Kilgariff-and-Georgia-Hardstark-Podcast/B08JJNBCNV?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdpMorbid
Another true crime podcast that mixes cases with comedy is Morbid. True crime isn’t the only focus of this podcast, as listeners are also provided with creepy history lessons and spooky stories.
Hosted by an autopsy technician, Alaina, and a hairstylist, Ash, you know it’s going to be a great mix of weird.
The usual episodes feature unsolved and solved murders, features on serial killers ghostly tales and local legends. Listener Tales is a type of episode the pair feature, which is all about the listeners.
People can email their tales for a chance for their stories to be told on the show.
Casefile True Crime
Casefile is a highly-rated Australian true-crime podcast that is released every Sunday for three weeks with one week off. Focusing on cold case files and solved crimes worldwide, the episodes dive into the investigations, circumstances, and trials of these stories.
Unlike other true crime podcasts, the host is an anonymous male voice and the creator of the podcast itself.
Another way the podcast differs from competitors is the scripted and narrated episodes, which mainly use hard evidence and police facts to tell the stories of the victims.
Best Casefile Podcast Episodes
Subscribers can expect to receive ‘Behind The Files’ information, including bonus Q&A sessions, exclusive content, and ad-free listening.
Someone Knows Something
The Canadian podcast Someone Knows Something uses investigative journalism to narrate cold case files. Host, David Ridgen is an award-winning filmmaker and writer who has a passion for investigative work.
Each season of the podcast focuses on one particular cold case, working with the victims’ families to try and help the cases move forward.
Hearing from those affected by these heinous crimes makes the podcast stand out from its counterparts and reminds listeners of the real people whose stories are yet to be solved. Therefore, this podcast is considered to be a more hard-hitting true crime narrative.
Murder, Mystery & Makeup
You might not associate a true crime podcast with a professional makeup artist, but that doesn’t stop Bailey Sarian from covering a wide range of cases, and none of them has to do with makeup.
Bringing the podcast over from her YouTube series, Sarian has had a lot of success with her natural flair for storytelling. Episodes come out weekly.
Serial
Serial is a groundbreaking podcast that unfolds one true crime story over a season. It gained widespread popularity for its in-depth investigation and compelling storytelling, particularly in its first season, which focused on the case of Adnan Syed and the murder of Hae Min Lee.
S-Town
S-Town is a gripping podcast from the creators of Serial. It starts as a murder mystery in a small Alabama town. It evolves into an astonishingly intimate portrait of a man named John B. McLemore, revealing unexpected twists and deep emotional narratives.
Dr. Death
Dr. Death is a chilling podcast about a neurosurgeon named Dr. Christopher Duntsch whose gross malpractice led to severe injury and death in several patients. The podcast exposes the failures of the medical system to protect patients from dangerously incompetent doctors.
Up and Vanished
Up and Vanished is an investigative podcast that looks into unsolved disappearance cases. Its first season focused on the cold case of Tara Grinstead, a Georgia high school teacher and beauty queen who vanished in 2005, leading to renewed interest and developments.
Your Own Backyard
Your Own Backyard is a true crime podcast focusing on the disappearance of Kristin Smart, a college student who vanished in 1996. The podcast combines investigative journalism with interviews, aiming to uncover the truth and bring new attention to her unsolved case.
The Last Podcast on the Left
The Last Podcast on the Left covers a range of dark subjects, including true crime, horror, and the paranormal. Known for its humor and deep research, the show explores notorious serial killers, mysterious events, and creepy folklore with a unique and often comedic perspective.
Best Last Podcast on the Left Episodes
Criminal
Criminal is a podcast that tells stories of intriguing crimes, criminals, and victims. It stands out for its thoughtful storytelling and focus on lesser-known criminal cases, often exploring the human side of criminal acts and the complexities of justice and morality.
The Dropout
The Dropout tells the story of Elizabeth Holmes and her company, Theranos. This podcast dives into how Holmes’ ambition led to one of the biggest corporate frauds in Silicon Valley, involving a blood-testing technology that never actually worked.
Dirty John
Dirty John is a true crime podcast about the life of John Meehan, a con artist and sociopath. The podcast follows his relationship with Debra Newell, detailing the deceit, manipulation, and ultimate confrontation that captivated audiences worldwide.
Missing & Murdered: Finding Cleo
Missing & Murdered: Finding Cleo investigates the disappearance of a young Indigenous girl named Cleo in the 1970s. The podcast is a deep dive into the tragic history of Indigenous children in Canada and the systemic issues surrounding their adoptions and disappearances.