I’m a total true crime junkie, the kind of person who promises to watch "just one episode" only to realize the entire afternoon is gone. I’ve cycled through countless shows, but there is a specific rotation I’m genuinely obsessed with—the ones I keep on repeat while working, cleaning, or lying awake far later than I should.
What makes these shows my go-tos is the perfect mix of careful reporting and charismatic hosts. Whether they’re dark and serious or surprisingly funny, these are the five podcasts I constantly recommend to anyone who mentions the genre. If you’re looking for a new obsession that sticks with you long after you hit pause, add these to your rotation.
'My Favorite Murder'
Nothing goes with a cup of true crime better than laughs, and this podcast, hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark adds a much-needed dose of levity to some seriously dark and decidedly heavy topics. All the "Murderinos" know this show as a staple in the genre and appreciate the funny sidechat and knowledgeable hosts, both of whom are just as excited about the topics as you are.
With lengthy episodes released exploring single murders, true crime stories, historical events, or other crime-centric anomalies, there are tons of reasons to tune into "My Favorite Murder", and you'll soon discover you have plenty of them on your own when you start listening.
Listen to "My Favorite Murder"
'The Last Podcast on the Left'
Though technically not a strict true crime podcast, "The Last Podcast on the Left" is one of my go-tos, particularly for traveling. Hosted by Henry Zebrowski, Ed Larson, and Marcus Parks, this horror-centric podcast explores everything from serial killers like Ed Gein and Jeffrey Dahmer to real-life horrors like Nazis, exorcisms, and spontaneous human combustion.
There are hundreds of episodes exploring mainly serial killers and horror-adjacent topics, and each one serves up some raunchy humor, clever reporting, and genuinely likeable camaraderie between the hosts, all longtime friends. It's going to disturb you, but then keep you laughing your head off through all the true crime discussions. And you might just learn a thing or two thanks to the show's airtight research.
Listen to "The Last Podcast on the Left"
'Crime Junkie'
Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat host a weekly podcast that's not only super well-known among true crime fans, but a meticulously-researched addition to the plethora of other great shows. Ashley and Brit do an absolutely fantastic job of adding every important detail to each case, and impart true passion into each of the tales presented. The show ranges from deep takes about more obscure cases to well-publicized incidents, and spends plenty of time prepping listeners with need-to-know information before analyzing it. If you're into engaging listeners who know how to get you engaged and keep you that way throughout the entire episode, "Crime Junkie" is a tried-and-true pick that you'll be coming back to over and over.
'Morbid'
Alaina Urquhart and Ash Kelley, an autopsy technician and author and a hairdresser, come together to bring us the delightfully unhinged "Morbid". The pair are both close friends who act more like sisters, and their chemistry shines through every episode, from exploring Ted Bundy to Lizzie Borden and beyond. No matter what they choose to discuss in each episode, with additional topics that skirt the line of horror, you'll be in for an equal mix of comedy and straightforward storytelling with plenty of "girlypop" interjections throughout. It's like listening to your best friends explain a true crime case, and an intimate experience that's a little similar to attending a book club.
'Criminal'
Sometimes you don't want fluff or humor. Sometimes you just want to explore your detective side and hear about the complexities of cases that vary from serious to "wrong place, wrong time" situations. "Criminal" features a different case with every episode, and gives you some space to listen along with the hosts to figure out what's going on with every case and how it ends up.
But instead of serial killers or other strange cases, it gives space for people who were somehow wronged, treated badly, or some iteration of being caught up in a difficult situation. Not every crime is highly-publicized or given the same treatment as high-profile killers, and "Criminal" shines a light on these lesser-known stories for some variety.
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