19 of the Best True Crime Podcasts for Wannabe Detectives
Ah, so you think you’re ready to dive into the murky waters of the best true crime podcasts featuring all the butchery and horrid cases? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because I’m about to take you on a journey through the audio wasteland of homicide, mystery, and mayhem. Here’s a list of podcasts that might actually be worth your precious time, unlike that true crime docuseries you’ve been binging on Netflix.
1. My Favorite Murder
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Oh, so you think you’re ready to dip your toes into the murky waters of true crime comedy? How quaint. My Favorite Murder is the gateway drug for wannabe armchair detectives who can’t handle their gore without a side of giggles.
Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, your self-appointed guides through the macabre, serve up a cocktail of true crime and comedy that’s about as subtle as a sledgehammer to the skull. They’ll have you laughing one minute and checking your locks the next, all while peppering their banter with enough “f-bombs” to make a sailor blush.
Just don’t come crying to me when you find yourself ending every conversation with their cult-like mantra “Stay Sexy, Don’t Get Murdered.” And for the love of all that’s holy, resist the urge to call yourself a “Murderino” in public. It’s not as cute as you think it is.
But hey, if you want to join the hordes of true manslaughter newbies who think they’re edgy for listening to death stories while doing their laundry, be my guest. Just remember, real detectives don’t solve crimes by quoting podcast catchphrases.
2. Last Podcast on the Left
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Oh, you think you’re ready for the big leagues of true crime podcasts, do you? Buckle up, buttercup, because Last Podcast on the Left is about to take you on a wild ride through the cesspool of human depravity, with a side of alien abductions and cryptid sightings thrown in for good measure.
Ben Kissel, Marcus Parks, and Henry Zebrowski, the unholy trinity of true crime comedy, serve up a smorgasbord of homicidal psychos, cults, and conspiracy theories with all the tact and subtlety of a sledgehammer to the face. Their brand of humor is about as dark as a black hole and twice as dense, so if you’re easily offended or have a weak constitution, you might want to stick to your vanilla true crime podcasts.
These guys don’t just dip their toes into the murky waters of human evil – they dive in headfirst, cackling all the way down. From the depths of Henry’s unhinged character impressions to Marcus’s obsessively researched deep dives, they leave no stone unturned and no topic too taboo.
But here’s the kicker – beneath all the irreverence and gallows humor, there’s a surprising amount of solid research and genuine insight. It’s like finding a diamond in a septic tank – disgusting, but oddly valuable.
So, if you think you can handle your true crime with a heaping helping of dark humor and the occasional alien conspiracy theory, give Last Podcast on the Left a shot. Just don’t blame me when you find yourself laughing at things that would make a therapist raise an eyebrow. Hail yourself, or whatever it is you “Podcast People” say.
3. Missing & Murdered
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Oh, look at you, trying to assuage your guilt over your morbid fascination with true crime. How noble. Missing & Murdered isn’t your typical true crime fare for bored suburbanites looking for a thrill. No, this podcast actually has the audacity to tackle real issues and shed light on cases that mainstream media couldn’t be bothered with.
Host Connie Walker, apparently not content with just rehashing the same old sensationalized crimes, dares to investigate the tragically overlooked cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada. It’s almost as if she thinks true crime can serve a purpose beyond entertainment. The nerve.
But don’t pat yourself on the back too hard for listening. Sure, you’re learning about systemic injustices and the ongoing crisis facing Indigenous communities, but let’s not pretend you’re solving these cases from your couch. This isn’t entertainment; it’s education. And frankly, it’s about time you learned something.
So go ahead, ease that nagging conscience of yours. Just remember, listening to this podcast doesn’t make you an activist. It makes you slightly less ignorant. You’re welcome for the reality check.
4. Criminal
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Oh, look who’s got the attention span of a gnat and needs their true crime in bite-sized morsels. Well, aren’t you special? Criminal is the podcast equivalent of true crime tapas – small plates of depravity served up by the dulcet-toned Phoebe Judge.
Each episode is a different crime, perfect for those of you who can’t commit to a full-course investigation. From the bizarre to the brutal, Judge’s soothing voice will lull you into a false sense of security before slapping you across the face with the grim realities of human nature. It’s like audio whiplash, but for people who think they’re too sophisticated for tabloid crime stories.
And let’s talk about that voice, shall we? Phoebe Judge could read the phone book and make it sound like a thrilling noir novel. It’s almost unfair how she makes tales of homicide and mayhem sound like bedtime stories. Just don’t blame me when you find yourself drifting off to sleep to the sweet, sweet sounds of homicide.
Criminal is like a box of chocolates, if every chocolate was filled with arsenic and wrapped in velvet. You never know what crime you’re going to get, but you can bet it’ll go down smooth and leave a bitter aftertaste. Enjoy your smorgasbord of sin, you fickle true crime tourist.
5. Your Own Backyard
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Oh, look at you, thinking you’re Sherlock Holmes after binging a few true crime podcasts. Well, prepare to have your amateur detective dreams shattered. Chris Lambert’s “Your Own Backyard” isn’t just another true crime circle jerk – this guy actually had the audacity to solve a real cold case.
While you were busy playing armchair detective, pausing your podcast to dramatically announce your half-baked theories to your cat, Lambert was out there doing actual investigative work. His deep dive into the disappearance of Kristin Smart didn’t just rehash old news – it led to honest-to-god arrests and convictions.
So maybe it’s time to put down that deerstalker hat and “World’s Best Detective” mug you bought yourself. Leave the real sleuthing to people who can tell the difference between actual evidence and the fever dreams of conspiracy theorists.
This podcast isn’t just “captivating” or “inspiring” – it’s a stark reminder that your true crime obsession is just that: an obsession. While you’re busy patting yourself on the back for “solving” cases from your couch, people like Lambert are out there doing the real work.
So go ahead, give it a listen. Just don’t get any ideas about starting your own investigation. The last thing we need is another podcast host thinking they’re the next Chris Lambert. Stick to what you’re good at – binging episodes and pretending you could do better than the actual professionals.
6. Casefile
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Oh, look at you, thinking you’re too good for those chatty true crime hosts who dare to have personalities. Well, aren’t you just the pinnacle of sophistication? Casefile is here to satisfy your craving for cold, hard facts delivered with all the warmth and charm of a morgue slab.
The anonymous host – because apparently having a name is too mainstream – serves up chilling details of crimes from around the world with the emotional range of a particularly dull spoon. It’s perfect for those of you who think empathy and engagement are overrated in storytelling.
This best true crime podcast is the audio equivalent of reading a police report while sitting in an empty, fluorescent-lit room. If that sounds like your idea of a good time, then congratulations, you’ve found your soulless match. It’s ideal for those nights when you want to feel like you’re trapped in a true crime documentary, because apparently, that’s entertainment now.
So go ahead, indulge in your desire for “just the facts” delivered in monotone. Just don’t come crying to me when you realize that human connection, even in true crime narratives, isn’t such a bad thing after all. But hey, who needs emotional context when you’ve got raw data, right? Enjoy your auditory isolation chamber, you paragon of detached listening.
7. Sword and Scale
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Oh, look at you, thinking you’re tough enough to handle the “darkest corners of humanity.” How adorably naive. Sword and Scale isn’t your run-of-the-mill true crime podcast for soccer moms looking for a thrill between carpools. No, this is the deep end of the cesspool, and host Mike Boudet is your less-than-gentle guide.
You think you’ve heard graphic details before? Please. Boudet doesn’t just cross the line – he obliterates it, then dances on its grave. He serves up the kind of gory minutiae that’ll have you questioning your life choices and possibly your dinner.
But don’t pat yourself on the back for making it through an episode without flinching. This isn’t a test of courage; it’s an exercise in morbid voyeurism. Congratulations, you’ve discovered you can stomach the unspeakable. What a charming party trick.
And let’s not forget the host himself. Boudet’s about as subtle as a sledgehammer to the face, delivering each horrific detail with all the tact of a bull in a china shop. But I suppose that’s what passes for “edgy” these days.
So go ahead, dive into Sword and Scale if you must. Just don’t come crying to me when you can’t sleep at night, haunted by the realization that the real monsters aren’t hiding under your bed – they’re walking among us, and sometimes, they’re the ones holding the microphone. Sweet dreams, tough guy.
8. Cold
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Oh, look who thinks they’re ready for the big leagues of true crime. Cold isn’t your run-of-the-mill podcast for true crime tourists looking for a quick thrill. No, this is a deep dive into the icy waters of unsolved cases that’ll leave you feeling as frozen as the trails they investigate.
Dave Cawley, our intrepid host, doesn’t just rehash old news clippings. He digs into cold cases with the tenacity of a dog with a bone, exposing every failure of the justice system along the way. It’s like watching a car crash in slow motion, except the car is your faith in law enforcement and the crash lasts for an entire season.
Each episode is a masterclass in frustration, meticulously detailing how incompetence, bureaucracy, and sometimes outright corruption let killers walk free. It’s enough to make you want to scream into the void – or at least at your phone. But don’t worry, I’m sure your impotent rage will solve these decades-old cases any day now.
So go ahead, dive into Cold. Just don’t come crying to me when you find yourself pacing your living room at 3 AM, muttering about DNA evidence and missed opportunities. And for the love of all that’s holy, resist the urge to start your own investigation. The last thing we need is another amateur sleuth thinking they can crack a case that’s stumped professionals for years.
Welcome to the world of Cold, where justice is as elusive as your ability to stop listening. Enjoy your righteous anger, Sherlock. I’m sure it’ll keep you warm in the cold, dark night of unsolved mysteries.
9. Dr. Death
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Oh, you think you’re brave enough to handle Dr. Death, do you? How quaint. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill true crime podcast about some garden variety killer. No, this is a descent into the special kind of hell where the monsters wear white coats and carry scalpels.
Dr. Christopher Duntsch, our protagonist in this medical nightmare, isn’t just a bad doctor. He’s a catastrophe in scrubs, leaving a trail of maimed and dead patients in his wake like some sort of sociopathic Johnny Appleseed. This podcast doesn’t just expose his crimes; it rips the sterile drape off the entire medical system that allowed him to keep operating.
You think you’re scared of needles now? Just wait until you hear about Duntsch’s idea of “spinal surgery.” It’s enough to make you want to cancel every medical appointment for the rest of your life and start treating yourself with leeches and crystals.
But don’t worry, I’m sure your doctor is nothing like Duntsch. Probably. Maybe. Who knows? That’s the real horror this podcast instills – the creeping dread that the next time you’re under anesthesia, you might be at the mercy of a madman with a medical license.
So go ahead, give the best true crime podcast Dr. Death a listen. Just don’t blame me when you start interrogating your dentist about their credentials or demanding to see your GP’s report card from medical school. Sweet dreams, and remember – the next time you hear “trust me, I’m a doctor,” maybe don’t.
10. Over My Dead Body
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Oh, look who thinks they’re ready for the big leagues of true crime absurdity. Over My Dead Body isn’t your run-of-the-mill murder podcast for soccer moms to gasp over between wine spritzers. No, this is where reality takes a nosedive into the twilight zone of human depravity.
Each season, this podcast serves up a story so bizarre, so utterly bonkers, that you’ll be convinced you’ve accidentally stumbled into a fiction section. But surprise, surprise! It’s all horrifyingly real. It’s like watching a train wreck in slow motion, if the train was filled with yoga instructors, scorned lovers, and enough plot twists to make M. Night Shyamalan blush.
Matthew Shaer, our intrepid storyteller, doesn’t just narrate these tales of woe. Oh no, he drags you kicking and screaming into the depths of human folly, leaving you questioning everything you thought you knew about love, marriage, and the depths people will sink to when things go south.
So go ahead, give it a listen. Just don’t blame me when you find yourself side-eyeing your spouse over dinner, wondering if they’re secretly plotting your demise over overcooked pasta. After all, if Over My Dead Body teaches us anything, it’s that the person sleeping next to you might just be capable of anything.
Welcome to the world where truth is stranger than fiction, and “till death do us part” takes on a whole new meaning. Enjoy your descent into madness, you glutton for absurdity. Just remember: reality doesn’t come with a safe word.
11. Court Junkie
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Oh, look who thinks they’re ready to play lawyer after binging a few seasons of Law & Order. How quaint. Court Junkie is here to feed your pathetic addiction to courtroom drama, you legal voyeur.
Jillian Jalali, our host and supposed “real-life lawyer,” deigns to break down complex legal concepts for us lowly plebeians. How generous of her to translate legalese into something your feeble mind can grasp. I’m sure after a few episodes, you’ll be ready to argue before the Supreme Court, right?
Each episode promises a “gripping narrative,” because apparently, real-life legal proceedings aren’t boring enough for you. Jalali serves up case after case like some sort of judicial fast food, perfect for armchair attorneys who think they could do better than actual lawyers.
But here’s a pro tip: resist the urge to yell “Objection!” at your phone. It doesn’t make you sound smart; it makes you sound like an idiot who doesn’t understand how podcasts work. And for the love of all that’s holy, don’t start quoting legal jargon in casual conversation. Nobody likes a know-it-all, especially one who learned everything they know from a podcast.
So go ahead, indulge your Court TV addiction with Court Junkie. Just don’t be surprised when you realize that real court cases are a lot more complicated than your favorite legal thriller made them out to be. And remember, listening to this podcast doesn’t actually make you a lawyer. Leave the real legal work to the professionals, counselor.
12. Criminalia
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Oh, look who thinks they’re ready for a history lesson with their murder. How quaint. Criminalia isn’t your run-of-the-mill true crime podcast for bored housewives looking for a thrill. No, this is where the morbidly curious come to pretend they’re getting an education.
Maria Trimarchi and Holly Frey, our intrepid hosts, fancy themselves as the cool history teachers you never had. They serve up tales of historical depravity with a side of wit so dry it could dehydrate the Atlantic. It’s like a museum tour, if the museum was curated by the Addams Family.
Each episode is a time machine to the good old days when killing was an art form and justice was more of a suggestion. They’ll have you chuckling at centuries-old crime scenes and feeling oddly nostalgic for eras you’re glad you didn’t live through. Congratulations, you’re now the kind of person who finds humor in historical homicide.
But don’t pat yourself on the back too hard for learning something. Sure, you might pick up a few historical tidbits between the gory details, but let’s not pretend this is a substitute for actual education. You’re still just indulging your morbid curiosity, only now with a thin veneer of intellectual respectability.
So go ahead, dive into Criminalia. Impress your friends with fun facts about famous poisoners and long-dead killers. Just don’t be surprised when people start edging away from you at parties. After all, there’s a fine line between “history buff” and “that weirdo who knows too much about historical murder techniques.” Enjoy your trip through time, you macabre pseudo-intellectual.
13. You’re Wrong About
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Oh, look who thinks they’re ready to have their precious worldview shattered. How quaint. You’re Wrong About isn’t your run-of-the-mill true crime podcast for basic murder junkies. No, this is where your cherished beliefs about cultural touchstones go to die.
Michael Hobbes and Sarah Marshall, our intrepid myth-busters, don’t just rehash old news stories. They perform autopsies on the corpses of public opinion, dissecting the media’s portrayal of events with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer to your preconceptions.
You think you know about the Satanic Panic? Please. These two will have you questioning whether you’ve ever actually known anything. Their deep dives into cases like the Tonya Harding scandal aren’t just informative – they’re an existential crisis wrapped in a history lesson.
But don’t pat yourself on the back for being “open-minded” enough to listen. This podcast isn’t here to make you feel good about your critical thinking skills. It’s here to remind you that everything you think you know is probably wrong, and you’re just as susceptible to media manipulation as the next schmuck.
So go ahead, dive into You’re Wrong About. Just don’t be surprised when you emerge on the other side, questioning every headline you’ve ever read and every “fact” you’ve ever smugly shared at a dinner party. Welcome to the world of perpetual doubt, you wannabe contrarian. Enjoy your stay – if you can even trust your own enjoyment anymore.
14. Women & Crime
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Oh, look who’s trying to be all progressive and feminist with their true crime obsession. How quaint. Women & Crime isn’t your typical “true crime bro” podcast, because apparently, having women hosts is still a novelty in 2024. Shocking, I know.
Dr. Meghan Sacks and Dr. Amy Shlosberg, our esteemed hosts with their fancy criminology degrees, are here to examine the justice system through a feminist lens. Because clearly, what the true crime genre needed was more academic jargon and less sensationalism, right?
These “whip-smart” professors promise to give you a “more nuanced and informed perspective” on true crime. Translation: they’re going to make you feel guilty about your morbid fascination with murder while simultaneously feeding it. It’s like eating a kale salad while binge-watching murder documentaries – you can pretend it’s good for you, but we all know why you’re really here.
But don’t worry, they’ll sprinkle in just enough gory details to keep you hooked while they lecture you about systemic injustices and gender biases in the criminal justice system. It’s like a criminology class you didn’t sign up for, but now you’re too invested to drop.
So go ahead, give the best true crime podcast Women & Crime a listen. Pat yourself on the back for choosing such an “essential” and “refreshing” podcast. Just don’t be surprised when you find yourself using terms like “intersectionality” and “patriarchal structures” at your next true crime book club meeting. Congratulations, you’re now officially a woke true crime junkie. I’m sure your mother is very proud.
15. The Clearing
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Oh, you think you can handle The Clearing, do you? How quaint. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill true crime podcast for bored suburbanites looking for a thrill. No, this is a front-row seat to the psychological horror show of discovering your own flesh and blood is a monster.
April Balascio’s story isn’t just “chilling” or “unflinching” – it’s a nuclear bomb to the psyche. Imagine realizing that bedtime stories and goodnight kisses came from the same hands that ended lives. Still think your family drama is tough? Please.
Host Josh Dean doesn’t just tell a story; he drags you kicking and screaming into April’s nightmare. You’ll find yourself questioning every childhood memory, every family photo, wondering what dark secrets lurk behind those smiling faces.
But don’t pat yourself on the back for being brave enough to listen. This podcast isn’t here for your entertainment or to make you feel better about your own dysfunctional family. It’s a stark reminder that evil doesn’t always wear a mask – sometimes it’s the face you’ve known your whole life.
So go ahead, dive into The Clearing. Just don’t be surprised when you emerge on the other side, side-eyeing your own relatives and wondering what skeletons might be lurking in your family closet. Sweet dreams, and good luck trusting anyone ever again.
16. RedHanded
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Oh, look who’s trying to be all cosmopolitan with their UK-based true crime podcast. How quaint. RedHanded isn’t just another true crime podcast, it’s a bloody tea party with a side of dismemberment.
Suruthi Bala and Hannah Maguire, our charming hosts, serve up murder and mayhem with all the subtlety of a brick through a window. Their “undeniable rapport” is less witty banter and more like listening to two tipsy bridesmaids gossiping over corpses at a funeral.
From unsolved mysteries to infamous killers, they cover it all with their “signature blend of wit and morbidity.” Because nothing says class like cracking jokes over crime scene photos, right? It’s like a true crime book club, if your book club met in a pub and had a few too many pints before discussing the finer points of forensic evidence.
But don’t worry, their British accents make everything sound posh, even when they’re describing the most gruesome details. It’s like Mary Poppins went on a killing spree – practically perfect in every way, except for all the murder.
So go ahead, give RedHanded a listen. Indulge in your morbid curiosity with a side of fish and chips. Just don’t be surprised when you find yourself using terms like “bloody hell” and “what a right mess” to describe crime scenes. Congratulations, you’re now a sophisticated international true crime aficionado. I’m sure your mother is very proud.
Alright, you glutton for punishment, here’s another dose of true crime for your morbid curiosity:
17. The Fall Line
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Oh, you think you’ve heard it all? How adorably naive. The Fall Line is here to shatter your illusions and expose the ugly underbelly of systemic failures that turn marginalized communities into victims. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill true crime fluff – it’s a stark, unflinching look at the societal ills that breed tragedy.
With meticulous research and a commitment to social justice that’ll make your armchair activism look like child’s play, The Fall Line digs deep into cases that mainstream media couldn’t be bothered to cover properly. Each episode is a grim reminder that the real monsters aren’t just the killers, but the broken systems that allow them to thrive.
Fair warning: this podcast isn’t for the faint of heart or those looking for a quick true crime fix. It’ll leave you haunted, angry, and questioning everything you thought you knew about crime and justice. But hey, if you’re going to lose sleep over true crime, it might as well be for a good reason, right?
So go ahead, give it a listen. Just don’t come crying to me when you realize that the world is even darker and more complex than you imagined. Welcome to the deep end of the true crime pool, kid. Try not to drown in the harsh realities.
Certainly. I’ll add Morbid: A True Crime Podcast to your list in the same style as the other entries. Here’s how it would fit in:
18. Morbid: A True Crime Podcast
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Oh, you think you’re ready for Morbid? How quaint. Ash and Alaina, our dynamic duo of an autopsy technician and a hairstylist, serve up true crime with a side of sass and spook. It’s like gossiping with your best friends, if your best friends were obsessed with killers and the paranormal.
These two don’t just regurgitate Wikipedia pages – they dive deep into cases with the tenacity of a coroner picking apart a cold case. From unsolved mysteries to she killers, they cover it all with a blend of humor and respect that’ll have you feeling less guilty about your morbid fascination.
But don’t think this is just another true crime comedy podcast. Ash and Alaina aren’t afraid to get serious when the case calls for it. They’ll have you laughing one minute and fighting back tears the next. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, but hey, that’s true crime for you.
So go ahead, give Morbid a listen. Just don’t blame me when you find yourself using terms like “liver mortis” in casual conversation or eyeing that creepy neighbor with newfound suspicion. Welcome to the Morbid family, weirdo.
Certainly. I’ll add Casefile to the list as number 19, maintaining the style and tone of the previous entries:
19. Casefile
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Oh, you think you’re ready for some hard-hitting Aussie true crime? Buckle up, mate. Casefile isn’t your run-of-the-mill true crime podcast with chatty hosts and bad jokes. No, this is the audio equivalent of a cold case file being slammed on your desk by a grizzled detective.
Our anonymous host, with his monotone Aussie drawl, serves up meticulously researched cases from Down Under and beyond with all the emotion of a court stenographer. It’s like listening to a particularly grim audiobook, if audiobooks made you want to check your locks and sleep with the lights on.
From unsolved mysteries to solved-but-still-horrifying crimes, Casefile covers it all with a level of detail that’ll make you feel like you’re on the jury. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself using terms like “person of interest” and “forensic evidence” in casual conversation.
So go ahead, give Casefile a listen. Just don’t blame me when you start seeing potential crime scenes everywhere you go. G’day, and good luck sleeping tonight, you true crime junkie.
There you have it, true crime aficionados. Nineteen of Best True Crime Podcasts to keep you up at night, questioning everything and everyone around you. Don’t come crying to me when you can’t sleep without checking under your bed first. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some more gruesome tales to dig up.