The best true crime podcasts bring stories and investigations into our ears, with networks, producers, and presenters using the audio medium to weave fascinating, bingeable tales of crimes and the humans caught up in them.
But some podcasts break the bounds of our smartphone apps and explode onto our screens, spawning TV shows and documentaries that provide true crime fans with a new way to immerse themselves in the stories and their characters.
True crime podcasts from our best of list that have been adapted for big-name fictional TV shows include Dr. Death – two seasons of which have been made for the Peacock streaming service and dramatize the dark and deadly stories of Dr Christopher Duntsch and medical researcher Paolo Macchiarini, and starring Joshua Jackson, Christian Slater and Mandy Moore; Dirty John – made for Bravo and featuring Connie Britton, Eric Bana, Juno Temple, Julia Garner and Christian Slater (again) and telling the stories of con-man John Meehan and convicted murderer Betty Broderick over two seasons; Bad Blood – made into The Dropout for Hulu, which dramatizes the jaw-dropping rise and fall of the biotechnology company Theranos and its founder, Elizabeth Holmes played by Amanda Seyfried and also starring Naveen Andrews, William H. Macy, Laurie Metcalf, Stephen Fry, Michael Ironside and Alan Ruck, and The Shrink Next Door – created for Apple TV+ with Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd and Kathryn Hahn and based on the real life story of therapist Isaac Herschkopf.
And now on Netflix we have the brand new documentary adaptation of Sweet Bobby, the shocking story of Kirat Assi who was victim of one of the most elaborate catfishing schemes you’ll ever hear about.
Below is more from our picks of the best true crime podcasts that have inspired these adaptations, and a whole lot more for fans to listen to.
The best true crime podcasts right now
30. Lady Killers with Lucy Worsley
The best true crime podcasts hook listeners with a mix of diverting storytelling and a glimpse into worlds we wouldn’t otherwise experience (well, let’s hope). The BBC’s Lady Killers does exactly that, as historian Lucy Worsley and a crack team of female detectives investigate the crimes of 19th and 20th century women from a contemporary, feminist perspective. The show looks at the crimes committed by different murderesses in Victorian Britain, North America and beyond, as every episode Lucy invites a female expert to offer her 21st century view on the motives and misconceptions about a different case, letting listeners in on stories that speak to us across the centuries.
Lady Killers is an entertaining and enlightening look back at criminal lives that on the face of it appear very different from the modern state of affairs, but on closer inspection may show that these women’s problems and experiences still echo in our society to this day.
29. Do You Know Mordechai?
There's a glut of brilliant true crime podcasts revealing the serial scams of some rather heinous conners. Do You Know Mordechai? is a particularly exceptional highlight as, not only does Canadian journalist Kathleen Goldhar have a personal friendship with one of Mordechai Horowitz's victims, but she also gets to interview the man himself.
This limited series is a devastating investigation into the victims of a serial conman who pathologically lied to an untold number of women after he met them on Tinder. Unlike someone like Netflix's Tinder Swindler Simon Leviev, it wasn't all about money here but as the podcast goes on, more and more women who had been conned came forward, painting a grim picture of Mordechai's wake. Goldhar's journey into the psyche of the man himself is particularly fascinating as she interviews his family members and, vitally, those no longer ashamed to speak out.
28. Sweet Bobby
None of us think we’d be catfished. It’s what makes the prospect so compelling when it comes to a true crime podcast because we like to think that we’d be immune, that we wouldn’t be taken in. But when you hear the story of Kirat, a woman in the UK who fell victim to one of the world’s potentially most sophisticated catfishing scams, you might think otherwise. Sweet Bobby is officially one of the strangest and most disturbing of scams because of its lack of a desire for money but control instead. And it comes with some of the most jaw-dropping true crime moments since The Jinx.
Told deftly by Alexi Mostrous from Tortoise Media, Sweet Bobby is a truly fascinating story because the problem with a crime like this one is that the police struggle to find exactly the crime that has been committed. A stolen identity is only the beginning here and technically the advanced use of social media isn’t against the law either – even if for nefarious means. Yes, we’re being teasery for a reason but just go and listen.
27. Bad Blood: The Final Chapter
True crime podcasts are packed with scams and fraudsters but very few of these cases are as public and brazen as the one of Elizabeth Holmes. If you haven't heard the name, this is the staggering story of billions of dollars of investment in a medical technology company called Theranos which Holmes founded. Holmes told the world that she had created machines that could perform blood tests on just one drop of blood taken from a finger. The only problem, even after endless money was poured into the company, was that she hadn't.
Bad Blood: The Final Chapter is presented by journalist John Carreyrou who broke the original story of everything not being as it seemed within Theranos. Carreyrou went on to write a book about the case and is now back with this podcast as Holmes has her day in court. This is a story of corrupt Silicon Valley culture and of what happens when lives are suddenly on the line when someone tries to be medicine's Steve Jobs. Now complete with Elizabeth Holmes' trial verdict, this is absolutely compelling listening. And the bonus is that you'll also want to read the book straight after.
26. The Missing Cryptoqueen
The best true crime podcasts don’t just concentrate on murder most foul. The Missing Cryptoqueen from BBC Sounds is about one of the biggest modern cryptocurrency scams and makes for, quite frankly, astonishing listening. Dr Ruja Ignatova, the founder of One Coin, had it all... packed conferences, fame, magazine covers and everybody’s money, meaning that when she disappeared without a trace, things got very, very strange. But not strange enough for people to stop investing in One Coin.
This is Jamie Bartlett’s incredible investigation into Ignatova’s disappearance and the multi-billion dollar pyramid scheme that is One Coin. His quest for the truth uncovers the sad stories of victims of the scam; everyday people who have lost thousands thanks to aggressive and convincing selling techniques. The global stories are heartbreaking but Bartlett’s breakdown of the psychology and techniques at play really bring to life how these scams can truly happen to anyone. Add in the discussions with those fortunate enough to be at the top of the chain and this is a compelling deep dive.
25. No Strings Attached
Some murders sound like they should be fiction. Let’s face it, it would be a lot easier to sleep if they were. No Strings Attached is a deep dive into the case of Emile Cilliers and his plot to murder his wife by sabotaging her parachute. Thankfully, miraculously, Vicky Cilliers survived. Emile’s despicable quest for his wife’s life insurance money and the chance to be with another woman is investigated by ITV news correspondent Robert Murphy. While this could so easily sound like a tabloid case of shock and horror, this story is brilliantly told, compassionate and, most importantly, has in-depth interviews with the police involved in the case.
The dogged determination of Wiltshire Police uncovered the true horrific nature of Cillier’s multiple crimes and sordid history, and this is a fascinating look into the layers of an investigation. Detective Constable Maddy Hennah is a particularly incredible interviewee, revealing a passion for the case that brings hope to all those who doubt justice being served. The focus on coercive control also shines an essential light on a vital subject that's becoming ever more prominent within the justice system. Also worth listening to are Robert Murphy’s other true crime podcasts, Catching Melanie’s Killer and Behind the Crimes, both of which offer unique perspectives on crimes and those who try and solve them.
24. Dirty John
How dirty is the eponymous John, you might ask? Well, so dirty is the nefarious John Meehan that he has inspired this Los Angeles Times podcast, a documentary series, and a Netflix show starring Eric Bana and Nashville’s Connie Britton. Here is definitely the best place to start though as journalist Christopher Goffard deftly takes us through the whole disturbing story in six bingeable episodes.
After a whirlwind romance of only a couple of months, a 59-year-old Debra Newell marries who she sees as the love of her life. Sure, none of her grown up children trust him, but really, how bad can John be if he’s so helpful and loving all the time? Spoiler: Bad. Really, really bad. Debra and her family spill their souls to Goffard. What’s truly remarkable, though, is not just their honesty, but the truly scary idea that we really don’t know other people the way we think we do.
And, if you can't get enough of Christopher Goffard's style of true crime journalism, his Detective Trapp series is an exceptional gaze into the life of an LA homicide investigator. It's only five episodes long, although the emotional impact makes sure it's not an easy listen.
23. Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and Manipulation
True crime coverage always feels a bit like it goes through phases. For months we’ll have nothing but cryptocurrency scams before the spotlight swiftly moves onto corporate hoaxes and Tinder swindlers. But one constant always remains; an eternal fascination with cults. And who better to talk through the myriad abuses of power than two cult survivors? Trust Me’s hosts are Lola Blanc, a filmmaker, actress and musician, and Meagan Elizabeth, a comedian and former psychologist.
Together the pair interview specialists in the field as well as former and current cult members and the tone is constantly entertaining but, importantly, never at the expense of the topic. The message here is that joining a cult isn’t just something that happens to other people. There are over 100 episodes of cults to burn your way through and some truly fascinating, if sometimes disturbing, insight. Ever think that the fandom you’re part of is feeling a little culty? You don’t want to miss this one.
22. Who the Hell is Hamish?
The Australian newspaper has made quite a name for itself with its true crime podcast output, and if you’ve already burned through such big hitters as The Teacher’s Pet and Shandee’s Story, it’s time to say hello to Hamish. Listen to this and Dirty John back to back and chances are you’ll never trust anyone you meet online ever again. Thanks, internet.
From the outside, Hamish Watson is a suave businessman and charming romanticist, with his expensive cars and dashing smile. However, delve below the perma-tanned surface and this is a man who has swindled more than $7 million from innocent individuals around the world and left broken hearts wherever he went. Journalist Greg Bearup makes a perfect narrator here, giving Hamish’s many victims a platform to tell their story, with the time and space they need. Terrifying on so many levels, if nothing else, Who the Hell is Hamish? is a great reason to Google your Tinder match ups. Twice.
21. Cold
The best true crime podcasts bring us into investigations ears-first. They make us feel like we’re truly involved. Few series do this as spectacularly as Cold. With three seasons now available, the best place to start is undoubtedly the original investigation. Susan Powell disappeared in 2009 and, while her husband Josh was a suspect from the outset, he was never charged and her body has never been found. Over 18 hour-long episodes plus comprehensive bonus material, Dave Cawley breaks down the case in granular detail. This is no true crime quick fix. Stories like this one take time.
While we hear interviews with the people who matter, members of the Powell family and the detective who worked on the case, Cawley does his own digging and investigating, revealing details from Susan’s diary, and recordings from within the Powell household. The story itself is deeply upsetting and frustrating as Cawley reveals the desperation of the police at the time as they failed to snare proof of Susan’s husband’s guilt before tragedy struck again. It’s not easy, but Cold is essential investigative journalism.
20. Somebody
In 2016, Shapearl Well's son Courtney was found outside a police station in Chicago with a bullet wound. Despite an ambulance being called, he died four minutes before he reached the hospital. The podcast Somebody is the truly disturbing investigation by Wells into what happened to her son. So many true crime podcasts have interviews with those directly connected to the case and, thus are hard enough to listen to, but to be taken through an investigation by Courtney's own mother is a challenging experience.
In association with Tenderfoot TV, Wells worked with two journalists from Chicago's The Invisible Institute, a non-profit organisation with the aim of holding public institutions such as the police accountable via investigative reporting. Here in Somebody in her quest to find justice, Wells examines and discusses the clear prejudices when it comes to the murder of a Black man in Chicago. The podcast is an utterly compelling listen with a heart wrenching constant reminder of the reasons that change needs to happen so urgently.
19. The Clearing
There are plenty of sayings about family. You can even buy them etched on wood and scatter them around the house. ‘You don’t have to be mad to live here but it helps…’ or just ‘family is everything.’ April Balascio would probably like to make a giant bonfire of these signs. She had always been afraid that her father was up to no good but at 40, when she pieced together her childhood of endlessly moving home, she called a detective with her suspicions. Edward Wayne Edwards, it turns out, was a serial killer and April had supplied the missing piece for a swathe of cold cases.
The Clearing feels like far more than just solving the unsolved though. April’s honesty about her father and genuine quest for the truth as she and host Josh Dean delve into Edwards’ past, makes this an emotional journey. Supplemented by tapes from Edwards himself, who obsessively documented everything, the podcast is a terrifying glimpse into a depraved psyche. One that was hidden until his daughter finally went looking.
18. The Shrink Next Door
Your relationship with your therapist is meant to be healthy; a safe space where you can spill all of your innermost thoughts and feelings and not be judged. You’re paying for it, aren’t you? Well, it’s not spoiling anything to say that, given this Bloomberg podcast is from Wondery, the network behind Doctor Death and Dirty John, of course this titular shrink isn’t the good kind.
Honestly, the less we say the better, but The Shrink Next Door from journalist Joe Nocera is a fascinating glimpse into what happens when therapy goes so, so wrong that right is basically a dot. It’s not an easy listen and you may be afraid to ever go to therapy again but this is more brilliant podcasting with a story effortlessly stranger than fiction.
17. Criminal
One of the most satisfying things about Criminal – other than host Phoebe Judge’s ultra-soothing tones – is its glorious conciseness. We all know life is short and if true crime is to be believed, much shorter for some than others. These 20 to 30-minute self-contained stories then are miniature pieces of sometimes disturbing art to fit perfectly into your commute.
From stories about prized poodles being stolen to the origins of the term Stockholm Syndrome and a story from the police investigator who donned a suit and dived the La Brea Tarpits, every episode is a new journey into the truth being stranger than fiction. True crime podcasts can sometimes feel a little samey but Judge always finds fresh voices to bring new perspective to uniquely human stories. It doesn’t matter if you start at the beginning, end, or somewhere in the middle (you monster), Criminal is constantly a surprise and one that will stay with you longer than most.
16. Scam Goddess
Given the contents of this list, it’s ironic to say that true crime podcasts can be utterly, relentlessly grim. Not Scam Goddess. While Laci Mosley does break down some seriously nefarious fraudulent behaviour, she does it with a guest comedian and a brilliant sense of humor. So if you enjoy learning about utterly morally bankrupt behaviour but laughing about it at the same time, Scam Goddess is the best true crime podcast for you.
Mosley is a brilliant host and the tone is a real breath of fresh air amidst so many (understandably) grim pods. Scam Goddess is especially essential listening if you’ve been mainlining the many true crime docs about Elizabeth Holmes, Anna Delvey and co. The hoaxers seem to truly know no bounds.
15. Dr. Death
Not one to listen to before you or any loved ones head into hospital, the first season of this podcast from Wondery looks into the horrific crimes of Dr. Christopher Duntsch. Medical journalist Laura Beil dissects the actions of this neurosurgeon whom patients trusted to rid them of their back pain only to leave them maimed or even worse. Three further seasons look at more gory stories of dastardly doctors. Somehow the depravity here seems even worse than the other crimes on this list. This is butchery lurking in the assumed safety of the operating room.
It's also worth noting that Dr. Death is not for the squeamish. Surgical procedure descriptions come thick and fast, pouring into your ears with squirm-inducing physicality. These are situations we all understand and know, making every word and description a ghastly journey into murderous medical malpractice.
14. West Cork
West Cork was previously only released on Audible but now it’s available across all podcast services, you have no (fiscal) excuse not to listen to this utterly compelling investigation into the mysterious murder of a French film producer named Sophie Toscan du Plantier, found dead near her holiday home in Ireland in 1996.
There were no witnesses and no known motive, but what’s astonishing here isn’t just the access to the inhabitants of West Cork and the twists and turns at work, but the many quotables from the local man many believe to be the murderer. Much like Serial, your inner guilt-ometer will be a swinging metronome as this tangled web unravels and you lose eight hours in a hazy binge of true crime podcast gold.
13. Relative Unknown
The best true crime podcasts tell us stories that could be unbelievable but root them in something we can relate to, and Audacy original Relative Unknown does that perfectly by painting a picture of something we all know (good or bad)... family. Jackee Taylor had been hidden in the Witness Protection Programme for almost 40 years but after a strange and violent incident revealed secrets about her past, she began a journey to find out the truth about herself, and her family. Hers is a twisted tale of darkness, murder, mystery, tragedy and resilience, which traverses the USA and lands in the most violent era of one of the country’s most violent cities - 1970s Cleveland.
At the heart of this story is Jackee’s relative - a former member of the world’s most powerful motorcycle club - a sociopath, a killer and an informant. Jackee can't move forward unless she reconciles with his past, and in Relative Unknown she finally tells her story in the hopes that others don't have to live the kind of life that she has.
12. To Live and Die in LA
Tenderfoot TV’s To Live and Die in LA - hosted by New York Times best-selling author and award-winning Rolling Stone reporter Neil Strauss - currently has two seasons, both taking an exhaustive look at the mysterious fates of young women in Los Angeles, and both as fascinating as the other.
In the debut season, Strauss dives deep into the disappearance of Adea Shabani, an aspiring actress and model who vanished without a trace in 2018 from her apartment near Hollywood’s famous Walk of Fame. A native of Macedonia, Adea was one of the thousands who flock to Hollywood each year hoping to realise their dream of stardom. Tragically, what she found was obsession and violence, and the season expertly unravels what really happened to Adea.
Once you’ve binged that, season 2 follows the story of college student Elaine Park who went missing after leaving her ex-boyfriend’s California home and whose car was found days later abandoned on the Pacific Coast Highway, not far from where Strauss lived with his wife Ingrid. The two of them, along with their neighbors rock guitarist Mike Einziger and concert violinist Ann Marie Simpson, formed an unlikely investigative team determined to find out the truth of what happened to Elaine. The season covers a four-year search for answers in which they soon learned that everyone - including those who should have been Elaine’s closest protectors - is a suspect.
11. Chasing Cosby
Chasing Cosby can be an exceptionally difficult listen but that’s exactly what makes it so vital. This Los Angeles Times podcast is presented by journalist Nicki Wiesensee Egan and interviews multiple women who were the victims of Bill Cosby as well as those involved in his prosecution. The fact that this is only a small percentage of the women he sexually abused should be shocking enough, but the scale of Cosby's criminal behaviour, and the deception over decades is a terrifying reminder of the power of fame.
In only six episodes and one bonus episode Weisensee Egan paints a devastating picture of the damage caused by an inept legal system that left only one woman, Andrea Constand, able to bring him to justice. But the stories here are ones of survival too. These are women who were left unable to talk to anyone about their experiences until now. The Cosby story sadly isn’t the only one of its kind but podcasts like this one deliver a very necessary message.
10. Someone Knows Something
Cold cases are fascinating and it’s easy to see why. These are unfinished stories, jigsaws with one vital piece still to slot into place. Yet they don’t always make for the best storytelling. We like endings where villains are brought to justice and everyone lives happily ever after. Thus it’s all the more surprising to listen to Someone Knows Something, where CBC’s David Ridgen spends a season at a time investigating a cold case, and realise that the story itself is what matters here.
Ridgen’s gentle narration and interview technique is compelling. Each season is packed with an evocative sense of place, with heartbreaking insight into those left behind after brutal crimes. In the current eighth season, Ridgen chases justice for Angel Carlick, a vibrant young activist who was killed at 18 years old in Whitehorse, Yukon. It's been more than 15 years since the tragic death, and Ridgen travels north to join Carlick's loved ones in the search for answers.
9. The Last Podcast on the Left
If you want to be that person on the bus desperately trying to cram your fist in your mouth to stop yourself from laughing at absolute depravity, then The Last Podcast on the Left is for you. Hosts Marcus Parks, Henry Zebrowski and Ed Larson (the latter being a new addition to the crew following the controversial departure of a previous long-standing host) now have more than 500 episodes under their blood-spattered belts but don’t let that put you off. Wherever your interest in true crime lies, it’s here.
Whether it’s serial killers, cults, or the paranormal, if it’s weird or disturbing, you can guarantee these three can educate you on the matter, and make you feel exceptionally guilty for wanting to laugh about it in the process. It’s worth noting that while Zebrowski’s brand of humour is an infectious strain of madness, Parks' meticulous research means you’re going to know far more about the horrors at work than your nightmares might thank you for. The multi-part episodes on true crime’s grisly ‘Heavy Hitters’ such as H.H. Holmes or Jeffrey Dahmer are unmissable journeys into the evil that men (and women) do.
8. Hunting Warhead
The podcasts on this list tend to revolve around traditional police work. Solving murder in physical form. Boots on the ground. Dusting for fingerprints. But what happens when investigations go digital? Hunting Warhead is a riveting six-part series following journalists and police as they scour the dark web for the sources of horrific child abuse images and the criminals associated with them. It's not an easy subject matter; Daemon Fairless' investigation means we hear the voices of not only those trying to enact justice across the internet but also the people affected first hand by these crimes.
Hunting Warhead is an essential reminder that the internet that we experience on a daily basis is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to digital content online. While we do our shopping - and reading about the best true crime podcasts - on the clear web, much darker and disturbing content is lingering where anyone who wants it can find it. This is an eye-opening look at the challenges that modern law enforcement faces in the always-online age of the 21st century.
7. Insomniac
What happens when you immerse yourself in true crime, night after night, digging deeper into the lives of serial killers? What are the consequences to a person's psyche? Insomniac is about twisted serial killers and one man's journey through their stories. The podcast began with a simple, scary premise: host Scott Benjamin wanted to learn more about what made these baddest of the bad guys tick, and why they did these terrible things. But slowly, his research started to affect him, consuming him day and night, following him home and into his bed. The work turned him into an insomniac and this dark and brilliant podcast from iHeartRadio and TenderfootTV is the result.
Over 10 chillingly absorbing episodes, Benjamin delves into the ‘lesser known’ serial killer cases of Herb Baumeister ‘The I-70 Strangler’, Arthur Shawcross ‘The Genesee River Killer’, Stephen McDaniel ‘The Creepy Neighbor’, Donald Henry “Pee Wee” Gaskins Jr. ‘The Meanest Man in America’, and Dean Corll ‘The Candy Man’. It’s compulsive listening that will surely keep you awake at night.
6. Uncover: Escaping NXIVM
If we were describing these podcasts like Friends episodes, this would be ‘The One with the Allison Mack Sex Cult’. Yep, the Smallville actress. Now you’re interested. Uncover: Escaping NXIVM (pronounced Nexium) tells the inside story of Sarah Edmondson, an actress who joined the titular multi-level-marketing scheme and self help organisation only to discover some seriously questionable goings on.
The especially interesting element here is that Edmondson is an old school friend of CBC journalist and host Josh Bloch, making the tale all the more honest and unique. The story of NXIVM is an incredible one as Bloch investigates cult - wait, ‘MLM’ - leader Keith Raniere, whose narcissistic power over women turns villainous. The case made headlines and resulted in prison sentences so this is absolutely a perfect place to start to find the human stories behind the screaming tabloid coverage.
And Escaping NXIVM is only the beginning, as Uncover goes on to move through a frankly intimidating 26 seasons of true crimes cases - at time of writing!
5. You Must Remember Manson
Charles Manson remains one of the most infamous and fascinating figures in true crime and if his podcast coverage is anything to go by, he’s still making a grisly impression more than half a century after his crimes. But who was Charlie Manson, what did he and his Family actually do, and what on earth did The Beatles have to do with anything? Here’s where Karina Longworth steps in. A special eleven part series within her must-listen history of Hollywood podcast You Must Remember This, her dive into Manson history is essential true crime listening.
While she of course goes into masterfully researched, and sensitively handled, detail on the disturbing Tate-Labianca murders of 1969, Longworth delivers a full colour snapshot of the time itself. She effortlessly brings to life Hollywood in the late '60s as the movie industry was desperately giving itself a facelift to remain relevant amidst the burgeoning hippie movement. Atmospheric and with the occasional sprinkling of excellent voice actors, You Must Remember Manson is a perfect, not to mention alarming, history lesson full of all the pop-culture context you could possibly crave.
4. Root of Evil
There are some true crime stories that have entered the public consciousness to such a degree that even people without the morbid curiosity of what could be called ‘fans’ have heard of them. And Root of Evil deals with one of those stories. Subtitled The True Story of the Hodel Family and The Black Dahlia, this podcast delves into one of America’s most infamous murders.
When Elizabeth Short, also known as The Black Dahlia, was brutally killed in Los Angeles in 1947, it gripped the entire country. Many believe Dr. George Hodel was the killer, thanks to an investigation by Hodel's own son. But murder is just part of the Hodel family story, one filled with horrifying secrets that ripple across generations. Through never-before-heard archival audio and first-time interviews, Root of Evil hears the Hodel family open up to reveal their shocking story.
In this stunning eight-part series, Rasha Pecoraro and Yvette Gentile, the great granddaughters of George Hodel, take a deep dive into their family history to try to figure out what really happened, and where they go from here.
3. Your Own Backyard
One of the best examples of true crime podcasts that encompass engaging storytelling, intimate insight and cathartic conclusions, Your Own Backyard began in 2019 and tells the story of the 1996 disappearance and murder of a young Cal Poly student, Kristin Smart. Journalist Chris Lambert has spent years following the case and the subsequent arrest, trial and conviction of Kristin’s classmate Paul Flores.
Lambert worked tirelessly to help bring Kristin’s killer to justice and Your Own Backyard has chronicled every twist and turn, finally leading listeners to the sort of satisfying finale that catapults shows into the upper echelons of true crime podcasting.
2. The Teacher’s Pet
Some true crime podcasts exceed their initial conceit and transform into something more of a phenomenon, and this has to be true of The Teacher’s Pet from The Australian newspaper.
Investigative journalist Hedley Thomas presents this tour-de-force documentary series uncovering the details around the disappearance of Lynette Dawson who went missing - *cough* - from her family home in Australia in 1982.
If you’re already screaming “the husband did it!” then you’re not new to true crime, but the stories around Lyn’s famous rugby player husband Chris Dawson are jaw dropping. The interviews and desperation of her family and friends for justice after all these years makes this podcast a raw and occasionally frustrating journey, but Thomas’ dogged investigation does turn up the truth. The Teacher’s Pet was for a time taken out of circulation so it couldn’t be seen to prejudice one of the biggest murder trials in Sydney’s history, and two subsequent podcasts followed to cover the ongoing saga around this devastating case: The Teacher’s Trial and The Teacher’s Accuser. This case will go down in true crime podcast legend for a reason.
1. Serial
We can probably blame – or thank – Serial host Sarah Koenig for this entire list of the best true crime podcasts. If it wasn’t for the astonishing success of the first season of Serial, our thirst for piping devastatingly good documentaries into our heads might not be quite as strong. Koenig breaks down the case against Adnan Syed, the then-teenager convicted for the murder of his ex-girlfriend Hae Min Lee in 1999. Koenig’s in-depth breakdown of the case, access to Syed himself, and investigations into the evidence and inconsistencies surrounding the investigation make for ludicrously compelling listening. This is another podcast that changed the course of the lives of the people involved and beyond the original episodes, bonus updates go on to tell the story of what happened next.
Season 1 of Serial is now true crime podcast royalty but it didn’t stop there. Season 2 followed the story of a US soldier captured by the Taliban before season 3 covered the ‘ordinary’ criminal case of a young woman who after being repeatedly harassed at a bar accidentally assaulted a police officer and ended up being arrested. Season 4 - currently in its release cycle as of April 2024 - is a history of Guantánamo Bay told by people who lived through key moments in its evolution, and who know things the rest of us don’t about what it’s like to be caught inside an improvised justice system. It’s shaping up to be another big one.
