Buzz
There’s something uniquely captivating about podcasts, more so than many other types of media, which fosters a devoted following. The same holds true for the true crime genre, possibly even more so. When these two worlds collide, you can bet that major hits are on the horizon. For nearly a decade, these hits have been consistently emerging, and as of 2021, the realm of true crime podcasts has exploded, becoming an incredibly popular phenomenon.
True crime enthusiasts have a vast array of podcasts to choose from, each catering to various tastes. Some recount real-life events through gripping nonfiction storytelling, while others dive into the minds of killers. Some even mix in humor to offset the darkness of the crimes.
Regardless of how you prefer your spine-chilling tales, there’s something out there for you. This collection presents ten of the most captivating and eerie podcasts for true crime fans to satisfy your darkest cravings.
10. Redhanded
It’s difficult to put into words what makes Redhanded, hosted by Hannah Maguire and Suruthi Bala, such an extraordinary podcasting experience. If we had to summarize it in one word, it would be 'charisma.'
Redhanded has gained a substantial following. Its fans, who call themselves Spooky B*tches, return not only for the gruesome tales but also for the sharp banter, humor, and wit. The podcast’s distinct charm makes even the darkest stories more palatable.
9. Morbid: A True Crime Podcast
Do your own research and check out A. the volume of reviews that Morbid: A True Crime Podcast has on Apple Podcasts and B. how many of those reviews are five-star ratings. For a podcast that’s just over three years old, its success is remarkable.
The fact that Morbid is hosted by Alaina Urquhart, an autopsy technician, and Ashleigh Kelley, a hairdresser, should give you an idea of the show’s tone— a blend of casual conversation and gruesome details. Morbid is an easy listen and more approachable than most, making it a perfect entry point for newcomers to true crime.
8. And That’s Why We Drink
And That’s Why We Drink is the perfect pick if you're in the mood for a mix of everything in your podcast. It's part comedy, part serious exploration, and blends paranormal mysteries with true crime. Each episode starts with a spooky tale followed by a true crime story, delivering the perfect 50/50 balance of 'eerie and theory,' as they like to say.
Hosts Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz, especially during the middle years of the series, live up to the podcast’s name by concluding episodes with a list of reasons why these chilling cases drove them to drink. For new true crime enthusiasts looking to explore the diverse world of podcasts, And That’s Why We Drink is a fantastic introduction.
7. Serial
No list of the best true crime podcasts would be complete without the show that pioneered the genre: Serial. Hosted by Sarah Koenig, Serial premiered in 2014 to widespread praise from both audiences and critics. Its first season became an instant cultural sensation, even winning a Peabody Award.
It would be an understatement to call Serial the podcast that did the most to bring podcasting into the mainstream and reignite the world’s fascination with true crime. As the Peabody committee put it, “Beautifully and intricately composed, utterly gripping… Serial rocketed podcasting into the cultural mainstream and inspired countless follow-up pieces… For its innovations of form and its compelling, investigative look at how guilt, truth, and reality are shaped, Serial is honored with a Peabody Award.”
6. Last Podcast on the Left
Last Podcast on the Left offers a completely unique listening experience. Unlike the calm, well-paced approach typical of many podcasts, such as those by Garrison Keillor or Ira Glass, Last Podcast on the Left is loud, fast-paced, and unapologetically bold. Hosts Ben Kissel, Marcus Parks, and Henry Zebrowski bring the energy of a morning radio show, but their chaotic style provides a fun contrast to the dark true-crime topics they tackle.
Every episode of Last Podcast on the Left feels as though the hosts just finished a wild night out and decided to record an impromptu chat about gruesome murders and mythical creatures. While some true crime purists might find this style off-putting, others will find it a delightful blend of humor and horror, resembling a mix between My Brother, My Brother, and Me and Unsolved Mysteries.
5. Anatomy of Murder
Anatomy of Murder is a standout true crime podcast hosted by experts in the field, and arguably one of the most authoritative. Hosted by former New York City homicide prosecutor Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and deputy sheriff-turned-investigative journalist Scott Weinberger, this show brings in-depth expertise to every episode. The hosts are often joined by someone closely involved in the case, be it a detective, prosecutor, or family member, for an insider’s perspective.
When the show debuted in late 2020 (as of December 2021), it promised listeners an insider’s look at criminal cases, and it has delivered on that promise. The hosts bring professionalism and expertise to the table, and the episodes are carefully edited, making the podcast feel both authoritative and practical—a must-listen for anyone interested in real crime stories.
4. Lore
Some true crime fans might argue that Lore doesn’t belong in the genre, as Apple even places it in the history section rather than under true crime. But here's why it earns a spot: most episodes of Lore deal with crime. They're based on true stories, and many are some of the most gripping episodes you'll find in the podcast world.
In Lore, host Aaron Mahnke delves into folklore and its eerie, often paranormal elements, while also uncovering the real-life events that inspired these tales. Whether exploring history or modern mysteries, Mahnke’s storytelling style, combined with his smooth voice, creates captivating narratives with surprising twists. Lore even led to a spinoff TV series, available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
3. My Favorite Murder
No single podcast can be the perfect pick for everyone, especially not a comedy-true-crime hybrid like My Favorite Murder. However, with its exceptional chemistry and effortless banter between hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, this series has become a fan favorite. Since its launch, it has ranked among the top true crime podcasts, expanding into live tours, a book, its own podcast network, and, perhaps most notably, a fiercely loyal fan base—or ‘fan cult’—that rivals any.
The episodes of My Favorite Murder vary between recorded sessions and live shows, each with its own charm. In the recorded episodes, Kilgariff and Hardstark kick things off by sharing stories from their own lives and discussing current events before diving into true crime cases. During live shows, the format is similar but enhanced with crowd interaction, laughter, and spontaneous applause.
The show’s devoted listeners, affectionately called Murderinos, are just as much a part of the podcast as the hosts themselves. Their passion for the show is contagious, and if you haven’t yet joined the ranks of the Murderinos, give it a listen and you’ll quickly understand why this podcast has such a dedicated following.
2. Crime Junkie
Most weeks, Crime Junkie claims the top spot as Apple Podcasts’ most-listened-to true crime podcast. That’s a significant indicator of its popularity. But if you need more proof, consider this: the podcast has been downloaded over 500 million times and consistently ranks among the top true crime podcasts on various major ‘best of’ lists.
Hosts Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat are frequently praised for their passionate storytelling and meticulous research. Their expertise and empathy have helped Crime Junkie break out of the true crime genre and earn a place among the most-played podcasts, regardless of genre.
1. Cold Case Murder Mysteries
This might come as a surprise, but the Cold Case Murder Mysteries podcast probably won’t make it into the top 100 true crime podcasts on Apple’s list. However, what it lacks in mainstream success, it more than compensates for with its originality and, surprisingly often, profound insights.
At the heart of this underrated treasure is Ryan Kraus, a podcast host unlike any other. Unlike many who are lauded for their distinctive style, Kraus truly deserves the recognition. After listening to any random episode of Cold Case Murder Mysteries, you might find yourself asking, “Has anyone else connected the dots in this case as uniquely and insightfully as Kraus has?” Particularly in his analysis of the psychology and sociology of crime, Cold Case Murder Mysteries stands out as one of the best podcasts in the genre.
