24 Best True Crime Podcasts Worth Adding to Your Library

At a Glance

• This guide highlights the best true crime podcasts across investigative journalism, cold case deep dives, and systemic crime.

• High-impact investigative series like Serial, Bear Brook, and In the Dark set the benchmark for rigorous, ethical reporting.

• Popular conversational series like Crime Junkie and Morbid offer accessible, detail-rich case breakdowns for everyday listeners.

• Specialized true crime shows like Swindled and Hunting Warhead explore white-collar corruption, scam prevention, and digital networks.

If you love a good mystery and find yourself drawn to investigative content, then true crime podcasting is where it’s at. Every week, there’s a new case, a new theory, or a new rabbit hole to explore.

We’ve pulled together some of the best true crime and murder mystery podcasts in this guide, featuring classic chart-toppers, heavy-hitters, and fan favorites that will keep you glued to the story.

Whether you’re into cold cases, creepy internet lore, or dark psychology, there’s a show here tailored to how you like your storytelling.

The Best True Crime Podcasts & Top Recommendations

The shows below represent the gold standard of true crime storytelling, spanning long-running chart-toppers, award-winning investigative series, and deep dives into unseen cases.

We’ve listed these in no particular order, so jump straight to whichever show grabs your attention. Each entry breaks down the core premise, tone, and host dynamic to help you decide what to queue up next.

1. Casefile True Crime

Anonymously hosted, Casefile is a masterclass in objective, highly immersive audio storytelling. 

The Australian podcast entirely avoids host commentary, casual banter, or sensationalism, relying instead on primary documents, thorough research, and atmospheric sound design to detail unsolved cold cases and historic mysteries worldwide.

Its calm, clinical delivery lets the facts speak for themselves, making it an essential pick for listeners who prefer straightforward, respectful investigative accounts.

2. In the Dark

If you prefer investigative journalism that examines systemic issues, In the Dark is essential listening. Hosted by Madeleine Baran, the show shifts the focus away from sensationalism to scrutinize how law enforcement agencies and prosecutorial systems handle serious cases.

Season two, which centers on the legal odyssey of Curtis Flowers, a man tried six separate times for the same crime by the same prosecutor, is widely considered a masterpiece of investigative audio.

Baran’s boots-on-the-ground reporting actually reached the U.S. Supreme Court, making this a crucial listen for anyone interested in the legal system.

3. Hunting Warhead

Produced by CBC Podcasts and Norway’s VG, Hunting Warhead follows journalists, white-hat hackers, and international law enforcement officers as they track down the people behind child sexual abuse networks on the dark web.

Hosted by Daemon Fairless, it’s a deeply unsettling investigative series about the pursuit of online offenders and the people working to stop them. The reporting takes you through the technical challenges and difficult decisions behind the investigation. This is a heavy listen, so it’s one to approach with its subject matter in mind.

4. Sea of Lies

Hosted by award-winning journalist Sam Mullins, this CBC Uncover series investigates the mysterious death of Ron Platt after a body is pulled from the English Channel.

What begins as an isolated maritime mystery unfolds into a tangled international web of stolen identities, financial fraud, and a fugitive con artist on the run. Mullins weaves together archival audio and interviews to reconstruct a chilling tale of deception across two continents.

5. Sword and Scale

Sword and Scale takes a visceral, raw approach to true crime, delving into the darkest aspects of human psychology and extreme criminal behavior. Using extensive court audio, interrogation tapes, and victim 911 calls, host Mike Boudet presents immersive, high-intensity soundscapes. 

It is a polarizing, unapologetically intense show designed for listeners seeking an unfiltered look at violent crime and the complex legal battles that follow in its wake.

6. Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie is definitely a go-to in the true crime genre. It’s topped the charts for many years thanks to its no-nonsense storytelling that pulls you straight into the case.

Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat break down murders, missing persons, and other cold cases with clean pacing and great research.

Flowers, the founder of audio network Audiochuck, has built a reputation for meticulous reporting and accessible storytelling. Brit brings the grounded side and always asks what the listener is thinking. Their dynamic makes the show very addictive.

Together, they’ve turned Crime Junkie into one of the most trusted voices in the genre.

7. Serial

Serial is the show that started it all in some ways. Many podcast fans will tell you it was one of their first introductions to the medium.

It was one of the first shows to demonstrate that a single story, told week by week, could hook millions of people and keep them talking between episodes.

Each season takes on a different case and a different angle on the justice system. Season one digs into the murder of Hae Min Lee and the conviction of Adnan Syed, unpacking unreliable memories, shaky timelines, and how a case can hinge on details that feel anything but solid.

It’s still one of the most discussed seasons of any podcast, years later. Season two shifts gears completely, following the story of Bowe Bergdahl and examining the gray areas of war, loyalty, and how public opinion shapes legal outcomes.

Season three zooms out even further, spending time inside a single courthouse to show how everyday cases move through the system and where things quietly break down.

Later seasons continue that pattern of curiosity over conclusions. Serial doesn’t rush to tell you what to think. It lays out the facts, the contradictions, and the unanswered questions, then trusts you to sit with the discomfort. If you are more into investigative storytelling, Serial still holds up.

8. Morbid

Hosted by autopsy-technician-turned-author Alaina Urquhart and hairstylist-comedian Ash Kelley, Morbid blends dark storytelling with humor in a way that feels like hanging out with your coolest macabre-obsessed friends.

Morbid leans into the weird, gruesome, and downright unbelievable. Episodes cover everything from infamous serial killers to obscure historical murders, disturbing cult stories, medical oddities, and even listener-submitted “hometown terrors”.

9. Nickel & Crime

Produced by Early Warning, the show looks at financial crimes, corruption, and the ripple effects these cases have on real people and institutions. The storytelling is aided by voice-over and documentary-style audio additions which makes the details land harder.

Nickel & Crime takes a slightly different angle on true crime. Instead of focusing only on what happened, it spends time on why, and the background about the systems that quietly enable crime in the first place. Additionally, it provides insight to how to prevent these types of scams and frauds from happening to you.

10. Dateline NBC

Dateline takes us back to the origins of true crime storytelling for entertainment. The podcast version brings the classic TV episodes you love, complete with Keith Morrison’s iconic narration, directly to your ears.

It’s long-form investigative journalism wrapped in gripping real-life mysteries. Each episode takes you deep into a case of murder or disappearances and shares the kind of twists you’d swear were written for TV, except they’re all real.

11. Crime, Conspiracy, Cults, and Murder

Kris Collins, better known as Kallmekris, brings a mix of humor, curiosity, and straight-talking commentary to the show. She digs into notorious figures, baffling cases, and unsettling mysteries with a conversational style that makes even the strangest stories easy to follow. If you like your true crime with plenty of personality, this one belongs on your list.

12. Last Podcast on the Left

If you like your true crime with a side of unhinged humor, Last Podcast on the Left delivers. Hosts Marcus Parks, Ed Larson, and Henry Zebrowski cover everything from serial killers and hauntings to conspiracy theories with a comedy-meets-horror vibe that somehow works beautifully.

Marcus Parks is the research powerhouse; he digs deep into case files, history books, and the internet’s most cursed corners to build their insanely detailed episodes. Ed Larson and Henry Zebrowski bring the laughs, the tangents, and the questions you’re probably already asking. The result is a show that can take you deep into a disturbing story without losing its chaotic sense of humor.

13. Rotten Mango

Stephanie Soo brings the storytelling style fans know from YouTube into audio with Rotten Mango. The show blends true crime, dark psychology, and narrative suspense, pulling you into stories that can be hard to stop thinking about.

She covers cases from all over the world, many of them lesser-known, and tells them with a detail-rich, cinematic style. If you like getting drawn into the full story, Rotten Mango gives you plenty to unpack.

14. MrBallen Podcast

If you love mystery, suspense, and unbelievable real-life stories, MrBallen’s “strange, dark, and mysterious” approach is addictive. His episodes move fast and stay sharp, with the pace of a blockbuster thriller. This one keeps the focus on the story, getting straight into the details that make each case so hard to believe.

Host John Allen is a former Navy SEAL turned master storyteller. He built a huge following on YouTube before launching the podcast. He has this gift for taking real cases, survival tales, and bizarre true stories and turning them into tight, cinematic narratives that hook you immediately.

15. RedWeb

Red Web is a bit less about murder mysteries and more about creepy digital folklore. It explores the internet’s scariest mysteries like cryptids, disappearances, and other unexplained events. 

Trevor Collins and Alfredo Diaz dig through the weirdest corners of the web with great comedic chemistry, making it the ultimate blend of creepy and fun.

Remember when you would stay up til 2 AM on a sleepover and find yourself down insane rabbit holes? That’s exactly what these episodes feel like.

Laughter and a bit of the creeps as the hosts unpack theories, question sources, pull apart timelines, and still manage to keep things light enough that you’re not sleeping with the lights on.

16. The Deck

The Deck might just have one of the most interesting premises of all these shows. From the creators of Crime Junkie, The Deck takes one of the most haunting law-enforcement initiatives, cold-case playing cards, and turns it into an incredible storytelling format.

These cards, printed with details of unsolved murders and missing persons, were distributed in prisons in the hope that an inmate might recognize something and finally crack a case.

Each episode focuses on a single card and case. Ashley Flowers digs into case files, interviews families, and highlights the investigators still fighting for answers. Every story is chosen with intention, and every episode reminds you these aren’t just “cases,” they’re people still waiting for justice.

17. My Favorite Murder

Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark turned true crime into a community with My Favorite Murder.

The show has been topping true-crime charts for years, pulling in millions of listeners and becoming a go-to entry point for anyone dipping their toes into the genre. If you know a true-crime fan, odds are they’ve had a “Murderino phase”.

What makes the show so catchy is the hosts’ chemistry. Karen, a seasoned comedy writer and performer, and Georgia, a longtime TV host and storyteller, bring this perfect mix of humor, vulnerability, and straight-up great storytelling.

They’ve been in the entertainment business a while, and they know what lands with audiences. They can cover a horrifying case one minute, then pivot into something warm or hilarious without ever losing their connection to the victim or the audience.

Running since 2016, the show has spawned sold-out live tours, a bestselling book, and one of the most passionate podcast fan communities out there.

18. Bear Brook

Bear Brook is the kind of gold-standard investigative podcast that completely redefines what a true crime story can do. Hosted by Jason Moon and produced by New Hampshire Public Radio, the show begins with two mysterious barrels found in a state park and unfolds into a decades-long mystery.

What sets Bear Brook apart is its focus on the science and the human persistence behind cold case breakthroughs. It was one of the first major series to detail how forensic genealogy was used to track down an elusive serial killer: a method that revolutionized modern criminal investigations.

19. Your Own Backyard

When Kristin Smart vanished from her college campus in 1996, her case slowly went cold, leaving a family searching for answers for decades.

Enter journalist Chris Lambert, who launched Your Own Backyard to simply keep Kristin's memory alive and shed light on the initial law enforcement oversights.

The podcast didn't just tell a story; it reignited a dormant investigation. Lambert’s quiet, respectful, and relentlessly thorough reporting brought forward new witnesses and key details that eventually led to a major legal breakthrough.

It is a powerful example of how ethical journalism can advocate for victims and drive real-world justice.

20. Swindled

Hosted by an anonymous narrator known only as "A Concerned Citizen," Swindled takes a sharp, documentary-style look at white-collar crime, corporate greed, and high-profile con artists.

With dry sarcasm, deadpan delivery, and meticulous archival research, the show explores how financial scams and regulatory failures impact everyday people.

It’s a compelling alternative for listeners who want to explore true crime beyond violent offenses, focusing instead on the darker side of institutional power.

21. Bone Valley

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Gilbert King and researcher Kelsey Decker lead this gripping, deeply compassionate investigation into the 1987 murder of Michelle Schofield. Her husband, Leo, was convicted of the crime, but the evidence tells a vastly different story.

Bone Valley unwinds a harrowing tale of legal missteps, suppressed evidence, and new forensic discoveries that point directly to another suspect. The host's respectful approach focuses heavily on the human cost of wrongful convictions and the pursuit of truth against incredible institutional odds.

22. Invisible Choir

Focused on high-production storytelling, Invisible Choir uses uncensored audio, court transcripts, and 911 calls to explore devastating real-world crimes. The show maintains a deep commitment to victim advocacy, offering a raw, compassionate look at the human impact behind the headlines.

Host Michael Ojibway meticulously reconstructs tragic events while emphasizing the survivors' voices, delivering a grounded and emotionally resonant listen that treats every case with the dignity and weight it deserves.

23. Someone Knows Something

Host David Ridgen works directly alongside families searching for answers in long-unsolved disappearances across North America. Acting as both investigator and advocate, Ridgen builds trust with local communities and re-interviews witnesses to uncover forgotten clues.

Someone Knows Something showcases how compassionate, boots-on-the-ground reporting can re-energize dormant police files, offering a quiet, deeply respectful look at the enduring grief and hope of families left in limbo.

24. Dirtbag Climber

Reporter Steven Chua investigates the mysterious murder of "Jesse James," an enigmatic rock climber found dead in a burned-out vehicle in Squamish, British Columbia. This CBC series tracks a stranger-than-fiction trail of false identities, political extremism, and digital fraud.

It unravels an unbelievable life story behind the victim, exploring how a troubled past and dark web schemes collided in the Pacific Northwest.

FAQs

Whether you are seeking ethically produced investigative journalism, deep dives into unsolved mysteries, or recommendations based on host dynamics, listeners often have questions before committing to a new series.

The following answers address the most common inquiries regarding true crime podcast formats, ethical considerations, and content selection to help you curate your ideal listening queue.

What makes a true crime podcast "ethical"?

An ethical podcast prioritizes victim advocacy, factual accuracy, and respect for real-world trauma over sensationalism.

These shows avoid gratuitous details or glib commentary about tragic events. Instead, they focus on systemic issues, legal nuances, and objective reporting, often working directly with families or law enforcement to bring awareness to dormant cases.

Ethical creators aim to honor the individuals involved, educate their audience on crime prevention or legal reform, and avoid turning human tragedy into mere entertainment.

What is the difference between episodic and serialized true crime podcasts?

Episodic ones cover a brand-new, self-contained case in every episode, making them easy to jump into without prior context. Shows like Crime Junkie or Casefile follow this format.

In contrast, serialized podcasts dedicate an entire season (or an entire series) to a single, complex investigation.

Podcasts like Serial, Bear Brook, and In the Dark use sequential, multi-part storytelling to unpack evidence, legal appeals, and historical context over time. Start with the first episode of the season so you can follow the investigation as it unfolds.

Are there any shows that don't focus on violent crime?

Yes. If you’re more interested in following the money, Swindled and Nickel & Crime are good places to start. They explore financial scams, corporate corruption, and the schemes that leave everyday people paying the price.

The suspense comes from figuring out how the scam worked, who benefited, and how it was finally uncovered. It’s a different kind of true-crime rabbit hole, especially if you’re more drawn to fraud and deception than murder investigations. Individual episodes can still touch on disturbing events, so check the description if you’re avoiding particular subjects.

How do I choose between conversational banter and serious journalism?

Your choice depends on your preferred listening atmosphere and intent.

Conversational podcasts like Morbid or My Favorite Murder feature host banter, personal commentary, and lighthearted moments to balance out heavy subject matter, appealing to listeners who want a casual, community-driven feel.

If you prefer straightforward storytelling and deep investigation, try Casefile, Your Own Backyard, or In the Dark. These shows let the case and the reporting drive the story, giving you room to follow the evidence without frequent detours into host banter. They’re a good fit when you want to settle into an investigation and stay with it.

Finding Your Next Obsession

True crime audio storytelling continues to evolve, moving far beyond basic case recaps to offer profound looks into human resilience, systemic justice, and investigative ethics.

Whether you are drawn to serialized journalism that challenges wrongful convictions or self-contained deep dives into unexplained folklore, the right show brings critical context to the cases that shape our culture.

As new investigations unfold and long-cold cases find fresh momentum, these stories remind us of the enduring power of persistent, dedicated reporting.