These Gripping True Crime Podcasts Will Keep You Hooked for Hours
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If a true crime podcast has ever kept you up at night, then you and Ree Drummond have something in common. Ever since she binged the podcast Serial on the drive to drop off her daughter Alex at college, she's been obsessed with all things true crime—even though it sometimes robs her of precious sleep time. "It’s Serial’s fault, of course, but I have fallen into the world of true crime podcasts. And I can’t get up," she joked. If you're equally fascinated by unsolved mysteries and love to play the amateur detective, then welcome! You’ve come to the right place.
Like your favorite crime drama shows, the best true crime podcasts of all time will put your investigative skills to the test. You'll be on the edge of your seat as you uncover details about some of the most riveting famous and overlooked cases in history.
Some of the podcasts center around specific people, like Christopher Duntsch a.k.a. "Dr. Death" and former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes, while others are more overarching and review prominent crimes from all angles. A few even have a humorous slant, which will be a relief to anyone who feels queasy at the mere mention of true crime stories.
Whether you're looking for a binge to fill your daily commute, or a suspenseful investigation to keep you awake during a road trip, there's a true crime podcast to hold your attention through every clue, alibi, and motive. And when you need a palette cleanser, we suggest watching the best romantic comedies. Trust us—they'll be a big help when bedtime rolls around.
Swindled
If this podcast could be summarized in two words, they would be: corporate evil. These white-collar criminals would stop at nothing to get what they wanted, no matter the cost.
Paper Ghosts
Investigative journalist and bestselling true crime author M. William Phelps delves into the mysterious disappearance of four young girls in 1970s New England.
Dr. Death
If you loved Dirty John, you’ll want to add this to the top of your list. It tells the horrifying story of Christopher Duntsch, a neurosurgeon who claimed he was the best—until his patients started experiencing complications. Once you’re done streaming the podcast, consider watching the Peacock series inspired by the gruesome tale. (It stars Joshua Jackson!)
Dark House
In House Beautiful magazine's very first podcast, editors Alyssa Fiorentino and Hadley Mendelsohn explore the history of four different homes, each well-known for creepy reasons. The hosts interview authors, paranormal investigators, and psychic mediums to try and get to the bottom of what makes these houses so spooky.
Death of a Starlet
Playboy Playmate Dorothy Stratten was found dead at 20 years old, and three men could be responsible: Hugh Hefner, famed director Peter Bogdonovich, or her husband, Paul Snider. This six-part series will keep you captivated the whole time.
Unsolved Mysteries
Fans of the original show and the Netflix reboot will certainly enjoy the podcast version. As you likely know, you’ll learn about a whole slew of fascinating mysteries including abductions, deaths, and even paranormal encounters.
Anatomy of Murder
If you’re a serious crime buff, you’ll certainly enjoy this one. It’s brought to you by a former New York City homicide prosecutor and an Emmy award-winning journalist (who was also a former Deputy Sheriff), so you know the facts and research are going to be rock-solid.
Unraveled: The Long Island Serial Killer
Take a closer look at the infamous Long Island Serial Killer, who is believed to have murdered 10-16 women from the ‘90s-2010. It’s remained unsolved, but hosts Billy Jensen and Alexis Linkletter dig into what went wrong along the way.
My Favorite Murder
Comedians Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark discuss their favorite true crime tales, and welcome more stories from friends and fans.
The Dropout
If you haven't heard all you can about Elizabeth Holmes and her company, Theranos, then let us show you how to spend the next several hours of your life.
Serial
Perhaps the most well known true crime podcast ever, Serial first became famous for delving into the mind-boggling case of Hae Min Lee and Adnan Syed.
Criminal
This series follows "people who've done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle." There are more than 130 episodes, so you better get listening!
The Shrink Next Door
Veteran journalist Joe Nocera thought his neighbor, Ike, a therapist to the stars, was just a regular guy. That is, until another man turns up in Ike's house and spills secrets about Ike's psychological manipulation and fraud.
Someone Knows Something
CBC radio has recorded several seasons of this podcast, examining disappearances, unsolved murders, shocking deaths, and more.
The Clearing
April Balascio joins host Josh Dean to look back at her life with her father, convicted murderer Edward Wayne Edwards.
American Scandal
This will take you inside the "heart of America's dark side" as you learn more about the downfall of notorious celebrities, politicians, athletes, and more.
Your Own Backyard
Dive deeper into the disappearance of Kristin Smart, a California Polytechnic State University student who went missing in 1996.
Crime Junkie
It's all in the name! If you're obsessed with getting your true crime fix, then we highly suggest this podcast packed with fascinating stories.
The Teacher's Pet
Lynette Dawson disappeared in 1982, leaving behind her two young daughters. But it’s her husband who gets thrown into the spotlight as details emerge about the likelihood that he’s behind her presumed death.
Root of Evil
The gripping unsolved tale of the Black Dahlia is back again. This time, you'll not only uncover information about the suspected killer Dr. George Hodel, but also about his family—and their horrifying secrets—as a whole.
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